Description
These Homemade Crispy Parmesan Chicken Fries are a nostalgic favorite reinvented with a gourmet twist. Far superior to the frozen boxed version, these fries are made from seasoned ground chicken mixed with savory Parmesan cheese, then breaded in crispy Panko for the ultimate crunch. Perfectly dippable and kid-friendly, they are an ideal finger food for game day snacking or a fun family dinner.
Ingredients
The Chicken Base
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (keeps the meat moist)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt)
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The Breading Station
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 – 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper (to season the cornstarch)
For Frying
- Avocado oil (or any neutral oil with a high smoke point)
Instructions
Shape the Fries
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, Parmesan, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper until well combined. Technique: Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Form the mixture into long, thin logs (approx. 1/4–1/2 inch thick and 4–5 inches long). Place them on the parchment paper.
Freeze (Crucial Step)
Place the tray of shaped fries in the freezer for 20–30 minutes. Why? Ground chicken is sticky and soft. Freezing firms them up so they hold their shape during the breading process.
Setup Station
While fries chill, set up three shallow bowls:
Bowl 1: Cornstarch mixed with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bowl 2: Whisked eggs.
Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs.
Bread
Once firm, dredge each fry in the cornstarch (shake off excess), dip into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the Panko. Press the crumbs gently to adhere.
Fry
Heat about an inch of avocado oil in a large skillet to 325°F (165°C). Fry in small batches (2–3 at a time) to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then move to a wire rack to keep them crisp. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
Air Fryer Option: If you prefer not to fry, place the breaded fries on a tray, spray generously with cooking oil, and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Oil Temperature: Keep the oil around 325°F–350°F. If it’s too hot, the breadcrumbs will burn before the raw chicken inside is cooked. If too cool, the fries will absorb oil and become greasy.
Turkey Swap: Ground turkey is a perfect 1:1 substitute for the chicken, though the texture may be slightly drier.
Make Ahead: You can bread the fries and freeze them raw on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen (just add 1–2 minutes to the cook time).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Dinner
- Method: Shallow Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 Fries
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: chicken fries recipe, homemade chicken nuggets, parmesan chicken, kid friendly dinner, game day snacks, ground chicken recipes, crispy chicken strips