If you’re looking for a snack that combines crispy texture, bold spicy flavor, and the perfect handheld convenience, then Buffalo Chicken Fries are exactly what you need. These irresistible bites take the classic buffalo chicken appeal and transform it into a finger-friendly snack perfect for any gathering, game day, or craving session. With each fry, you get a delicious blend of tender chicken, fiery buffalo sauce, and a crispy coating that’s both satisfying and addictive. Whether you’re a spice lover or a casual snacker, Buffalo Chicken Fries will quickly become your go-to treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor Punch: The spicy buffalo sauce adds the perfect kick to every bite, delivering flavor that wakes up your taste buds instantly.
- Crunchy and Tender Combo: Crispy coating on the outside with juicy chicken inside creates a symphony of textures that’s utterly satisfying.
- Perfect for Sharing: These fries are easy to make in batches and share with friends or family during casual hangouts or parties.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have them ready in no time, even for last-minute cravings.
- Versatile Snack: Whether for an appetizer, game day munchie, or a flavorful dinner side, Buffalo Chicken Fries fit beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Buffalo Chicken Fries feature simple yet essential ingredients that balance flavor and texture perfectly. Each ingredient plays a critical role—from tender chicken pieces to the spicy buffalo sauce and crispy coating that locks in all the deliciousness.
- Chicken Breast: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breast for tender, lean meat that’s perfect for slicing into fry shapes.
- Buffalo Sauce: The soul of the recipe, this tangy hot sauce adds the signature spicy flavor that sets Buffalo Chicken Fries apart.
- Flour and Cornstarch: Combined to create a crunchy exterior that crisps up beautifully when fried or baked.
- Buttermilk: Acts as a marinade to tenderize the chicken and help the coating stick perfectly.
- Garlic Powder and Paprika: These spices add an extra layer of smoky, savory flavor to the breading.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and coating.
- Cooking Oil: A neutral oil like vegetable or canola is best for frying to achieve that perfect golden crisp.
- Optional Blue Cheese or Ranch: For dipping, these creamy sauces complement the heat of the buffalo and cool down the spice.
Variations for Buffalo Chicken Fries
The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Fries is how easy they are to customize based on what you have in your kitchen or your personal taste preferences. Whether you want to turn up the heat or make it healthier, there’s a variation for everyone.
- Spicy Level Adjustment: Increase or decrease buffalo sauce quantity or mix with mild hot sauce for customized heat.
- Oven-Baked Version: Swap frying for baking to reduce oil and keep the fries crispy with less mess.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch blends to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Air Fryer Twist: Use an air fryer for a leaner, equally crispy version with less oil and fast cooking.
- Cheesy Buffalo Fries: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese over hot fries just before serving for melty goodness.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Fries
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Trim chicken breasts and slice them into fry-shaped strips, roughly 1/2 inch wide and 3 inches long for easy frying and dipping.
Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk
Soak the chicken strips in buttermilk seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
Step 3: Mix the Coating
Combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish; this mix creates the crispy exterior that holds the buffalo flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each strip thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere for full coverage.
Step 5: Fry or Bake the Strips
Heat oil in a deep pan or preheat oven/air fryer; fry the chicken strips until golden brown and crispy or bake at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 6: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
Once cooked, immediately toss the hot chicken fries in buffalo sauce to coat evenly, allowing the spicy flavor to soak in.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Plate your Buffalo Chicken Fries with blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce on the side for the ultimate snacking experience.
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Fries
- Pat Chicken Dry: Before marinating, pat chicken dry to reduce excess moisture and ensure crispiness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve even cooking.
- Use Fresh Buffalo Sauce: Make your own or use quality store-bought for authentic tang and spice.
- Keep Fries Warm: Use a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep fries crispy in the oven until serving.
- Serve Immediately: Buffalo Chicken Fries taste best fresh and crispy; serve right after tossing in sauce.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Fries
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and a mild fresh flavor that balances the spicy buffalo sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Complement the snack with crunchy celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a simple side salad to add refreshment and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Buffalo Chicken Fries in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper or in small individual cups for convenient, mess-free snacking at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Buffalo Chicken Fries in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Freeze uncooked breaded chicken strips on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag; cook frozen for a fresh-from-the-oven taste anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Fries without frying?
Absolutely! Baking or air frying Buffalo Chicken Fries gives you a healthier option with crispiness that rivals traditional frying.
What’s the best buffalo sauce for this recipe?
A classic combination of hot sauce and melted butter works best, but feel free to use your favorite buffalo sauce brand to match your heat preference.
Are Buffalo Chicken Fries spicy?
They have a nice spicy kick thanks to the buffalo sauce, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less sauce or mixing with mild sauce.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight and bread it just before cooking to save time while keeping great flavor.
What dipping sauces pair well with Buffalo Chicken Fries?
Classic ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or even a creamy garlic sauce complement the spicy buffalo flavor perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Fries bring together the best of spicy, crispy, and tasty in a snack that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. Once you try this recipe, expect them to become a staple for game days, parties, or any time you want to treat yourself. Give them a go—you might just find your new favorite snack!
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Buffalo Chicken Fries
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour option)
Description
Buffalo Chicken Fries are crispy, spicy, and tender chicken strips coated in a flavorful buffalo sauce, perfect as a handheld snack for game days, parties, or any craving. This quick and easy recipe combines juicy chicken breast strips with a seasoned crispy coating and a bold buffalo sauce for an addictive treat that’s both satisfying and shareable.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1/2 inch by 3 inch fry-shaped strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for seasoning chicken and marinade)
Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (classic hot sauce mixed with melted butter or prepared buffalo sauce)
Optional Dips
- Blue cheese dressing
- Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim chicken breasts and slice into 1/2 inch wide by 3 inch long strips for easy frying and dipping.
- Marinate in Buttermilk: In a bowl, soak chicken strips in buttermilk seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Mix the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the crispy breading mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken strips from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each strip thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure full coverage.
- Fry or Bake the Strips: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F or preheat oven to 425°F. Fry strips in small batches until golden brown and crispy or bake on a lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Immediately after cooking, toss hot chicken fries in buffalo sauce until evenly coated to infuse the bold spicy flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy! Plate the Buffalo Chicken Fries with optional blue cheese or ranch dipping sauces for the perfect snack experience.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before marinating to reduce moisture and ensure crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and cook evenly.
- Use fresh or high-quality buffalo sauce for authentic flavor.
- Keep fries warm on a wire rack over a baking sheet if baking in batches.
- Serve immediately after tossing in sauce for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 6-8 fries)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
