Description
Homemade Chicken Fries are crispy, thinly sliced strips of chicken breast marinated in flavorful buttermilk and spices, coated with crunchy pretzel or Panko breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection. Served with a zesty chili crisp ranch dip, these chicken fries make for a delicious finger food snack or appetizer that’s easy to prepare and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Chicken Fries
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds chicken breast, sliced thin
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups pretzel or Panko breadcrumbs
- 2-3 cups neutral oil (for frying)
Dip
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1-2 tablespoons chili crisp
Instructions
- Slice the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into thin, long strips thinner than standard chicken tenders, ensuring an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Marinate: Combine the chicken strips in a bowl with buttermilk, kosher salt, black pepper, chicken seasoning (if using), garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to coat and let marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavors.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 2-3 cups of neutral oil into a large cast iron skillet and heat over medium until the oil reaches 350˚F, optimal for frying.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Place the strips in a resealable bag with breadcrumbs and shake well to thoroughly coat each piece with the breading.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken strips into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and fry an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Thin strips aid in quick, even cooking.
- Drain: Remove chicken fries from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Repeat frying in batches until all chicken strips are cooked.
- Prepare the Dip & Serve: Stir together ranch dressing and chili crisp to make a spicy, creamy dip. Serve the hot chicken fries alongside the dip for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure chicken strips are of consistent thickness for even cooking.
- Use a thermometer to keep oil at steady 350˚F for best frying results.
- Thin chicken strips cook faster; do not overcrowd the skillet to maintain oil temperature.
- Adjust spice levels in the dip by varying the amount of chili crisp.
- Pretzel breadcrumbs add extra crunch and a slight salty flavor compared to regular Panko.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
