I’ve been on a mission on how to bring the fast-food vibe into my kitchen. After loads of testing, tweaking, and taste-testing (the best part, obviously), I’ve landed on a McDonald’s Chicken Fries recipe that perfectly blends flavorful seasoning with the crunchy goodness you dream of.
Table of Contents
How to make McDonald’s Chicken Fries
McDonald’s Chicken Fries are not a standard menu item in the UK or Nigeria. They are more commonly associated with Burger King, which offers seasoned, breaded chicken strips shaped like fries.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into thin strips (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work great for added crunch!)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For frying:
- Vegetable oil (or any neutral frying oil)
Instructions
Marinate the chicken:
- Place the chicken strips in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them.
- Add garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt to the buttermilk. Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Prepare the coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, flour, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure a balanced coating.
Coat the chicken:
- Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, letting any excess buttermilk drip off.
- Dredge each strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres evenly.
Heat the oil and fry:
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan or heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature.
- Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil in batches, ensuring they don’t overlap. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked Chicken Fries to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Pair your Chicken Fries with classic dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, spicy mayo, or ranch. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Fries
- Use thin, even strips: Cutting the chicken into evenly sized strips ensures that it cooks uniformly and looks like the iconic Chicken Fries found in fast-food restaurants.
- Don’t skip the marinade: Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Double coating for extra crunch: For an ultra-crispy texture, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk after the breadcrumb coating and dredge in the breadcrumb mixture a second time.
- Monitor oil temperature: Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is critical. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the chicken cooks through; if it’s too cold, the Chicken Fries will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Bake or air fry for a lighter option: Want to skip deep-frying? Bake the Chicken Fries at 425°F on a wire rack for 18-20 minutes, or air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray the strips lightly with cooking oil for crispiness.
What to serve with
When serving McDonald’s Chicken Fries, you should include a variety of sides and dips to create a harmonious and satisfying meal.
Suggested Sides
French Fries:
Description: Classic thin-cut fries or thick wedges are a perfect accompaniment. The crispiness pairs well with the tender chicken.
Tip: Season them with a bit of sea salt and a sprinkle of Parmesan for added flavor.
Coleslaw:
Description: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast against the fried chicken.
Tip: For a classic taste, use a balance of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a dressing made with mayo, vinegar, sugar, and a touch of Dijon mustard.
Macaroni Salad:
Description: This creamy side dish provides a comforting and hearty option.
Tip: Add diced bell peppers, red onion, and a sprinkle of paprika for a color and flavor boost.
Garden Salad:
Description: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sliced radishes can lighten up the meal.
Tip: A vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper can complement the dish nicely.
Onion Rings:
Description: Crispy, golden onion rings are a rich and savory side.
Tip: Serve them with a zesty dipping sauce like southwestern ranch or chipotle mayo.
Dipping Sauces
Honey Mustard:
Description: A sweet and tangy sauce that pairs well with the spices in the Chicken Fries.
Tip: Mixing Dijon mustard with honey and a splash of apple cider vinegar creates a balanced homemade version.
BBQ Sauce:
Description: Smoky and sweet barbecue sauce complements the crispy texture of the fries.
Tip: Opt for a smoky-style BBQ sauce for a deeper flavor profile.
Ranch Dressing:
Description: Creamy and herby, ranch dressing adds a comforting familiarity.
Tip: Enhance a store-bought ranch with fresh dill or chives for extra freshness.
Spicy Mayo:
Description: A creamy, spicy mayo can provide a flavor kick.
Tip: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha and a bit of lime juice for a zesty edge.
Sweet Chili Sauce:
Description: This sauce adds a sweet-heat balance, particularly good if you include cayenne in the chicken coating.
Tip: Combine with soy sauce and lime juice for a tangy fusion dip.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating McDonald’s Chicken Fries at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you need to substitute ingredients due to dietary restrictions, availability, or personal preferences.
Chicken
Original Ingredient: Boneless chicken breast (or tenders).
Substitutes:
- Chicken thigh: If you prefer juicier and more flavorful meat, use boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- Ground chicken: You can form chicken fries into shapes using ground chicken mixed with seasonings, similar to nuggets.
- Vegetarian alternative: Use firm tofu or plant-based chicken strips for a vegetarian option.
- Seafood substitute: Try white fish fillets or shrimp for a different take on texture and flavor.
Egg Wash or Binding Agent
Original Ingredient: Beaten eggs are used to help breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
Substitutes:
- Milk or Buttermilk: You can coat the chicken in milk or buttermilk for a lighter breading.
- Plain yogurt or sour cream: Mix with water to achieve a thinner consistency.
- Plant-based options: Use unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or flaxseed water (combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for vegan binding).
- Cornstarch slurry: Combine equal parts cornstarch and water to create a sticky coating.
Breadcrumbs
Original Ingredient: Fine breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for the crispy coating.
Substitutes:
- Crushed cereal: Cornflakes or Rice Krispies crushed finely can mimic the crunch of breadcrumbs.
- Crushed crackers: Saltine or Ritz crackers add a rich, buttery flavor to the coating.
- Ground oats: Pulse rolled oats in a food processor for a healthier, whole-grain alternative.
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs: Use almond flour, coconut flour, or gluten-free cracker crumbs for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Seasonings
McDonald’s Chicken Fries seasoning typically includes salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper for a balanced flavor.
Substitutes:
- Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or chili powder if you prefer more heat.
- Cayenne Pepper: Substitute with red pepper flakes or omit entirely if you prefer a milder taste.
- Garlic Powder/Onion Powder: Swap for fresh minced garlic and onion for a more robust flavor.
- Salt: Consider using seasoned salt or sea salt for enhanced flavor.
Frying Oil
Original Ingredient: Vegetable oil or canola oil for deep frying.
Substitutes:
- Peanut oil: Provides a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
- Avocado oil: A healthy alternative with a light taste and high smoke point.
- Coconut oil: Use refined coconut oil to avoid overpowering flavors, though it works best for shallower frying methods.
- Air-frying or baking oil spray: For a lighter option, use olive oil spray when air-frying or baking.
Flour
Original Ingredient: All-purpose flour used for dredging the chicken before egg wash and breading.
Substitutes:
- Whole wheat flour: For a slightly nutty taste and whole-grain benefits.
- Gluten-free flour: Options like rice flour or chickpea flour work well for those avoiding gluten.
- Almond or coconut flour: These add a subtle flavor and work well in low-carb or keto recipes.
Final Thoughts
This homemade McDonald’s Chicken Fries recipe is incredibly versatile. You can customize the spices or pair the fries with your favorite dipping sauces.
More Chicken Recipes:
- 5-Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Wrap Recipe
- Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Recipe
- Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Flatbread Recipe
- Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For frying:
- Vegetable oil (or any neutral frying oil)
Instructions
Marinate the chicken:
- Place the chicken strips in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them.
- Add garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt to the buttermilk. Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Prepare the coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, flour, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure a balanced coating.
Coat the chicken:
- Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, letting any excess buttermilk drip off.
- Dredge each strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres evenly.
Heat the oil and fry:
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan or heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature.
- Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil in batches, ensuring they don’t overlap. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked Chicken Fries to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Pair your Chicken Fries with classic dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, spicy mayo, or ranch. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish!
