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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for these fries. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey breast also works well. You can even use chicken thighs for more flavor, but adjust cooking time for tenderness.

Buttermilk: It tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

Cornflakes: This is our secret to that super crunchy coating! If you’re avoiding gluten, consider using crushed gluten-free cereal or even panko breadcrumbs for an added crunch.

Spices: I used garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for great flavor. Feel free to play around with other spices like cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a twist!

How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crunch on My Chicken Fries?

Getting that perfect crispy texture is all about layering flavors and coatings. Here’s how to master that crunch:

• Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to get tender and flavorful strips.
• Dredge the chicken first in flour; this helps the buttermilk stick better and creates a solid base for the cornflake coating.
• Press the crushed cornflakes onto the chicken firmly. This step makes a big difference in getting an even, crispy coating.
• Fry the chicken in hot oil (around 350°F or 175°C) to get that golden brown color. Avoid overcrowding the pan because it can lower the oil temperature.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Fries

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Fries:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into “fries” (thin strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups crushed cornflakes or crushed crispy rice cereal
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

For Frying:

• Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
• Ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce, for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken, and around 10 minutes for frying. So, plan for about an hour total, and get ready for deliciousness!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

Start by mixing the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add your chicken strips and make sure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to let the flavors soak in and tenderize the chicken.

2. Set Up Your Coating Station:

While the chicken is marinating, grab two shallow dishes. In the first dish, add the flour. In the second dish, mix the crushed cornflakes with dried parsley if you’re using it. This will be the crunchy coating!

3. Dredge the Chicken:

Once your chicken is marinated, take the strips out and let any excess buttermilk drip off. First, roll each chicken strip in the flour until it’s coated, then shake off the excess flour. This step helps the coating stick!

4. Coat with Cornflakes:

Next, dip the floured chicken strip back into the buttermilk (just a quick dip), then roll it in the crushed cornflakes, pressing gently to make sure they stick well. You want that crispy crunch!

5. Fry the Chicken Fries:

Heat your oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the chicken fries in the hot oil in small batches (don’t overcrowd). Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Drain and Serve:

Once golden and crispy, remove the chicken fries from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain off the excess oil. This will help keep them crunchy!

7. Enjoy!

Serve your crispy chicken fries hot with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. Get ready for those delicious flavors and that satisfying crunch—enjoy your tasty treat!

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and juiciness to your fries. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized strips for even cooking time.

What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using, and it will work just as well!

How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Fries?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore some of the crispiness instead of using the microwave.

Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?

Yes! For a healthier alternative, you can bake the chicken fries. Place them on a greased baking sheet and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.