Fiery Chicken Fries from Burger King feature crispy, golden-brown fried chicken strips coated in a spicy, smoky chili seasoning, offering a bold and crunchy snack bursting with intense heat and flavor.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet or tray
- Wire rack
- Measuring spoons
- Meat thermometer
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Food processor or spice grinder (for seasoning, optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
When preparing the spicy coating for Fiery Chicken Fries, ensure you measure the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and chili powder accurately to achieve the perfect balance of smoky heat and bold flavor. Using buttermilk to marinate the chicken strips not only tenderizes the meat but also helps the spice mix adhere better during frying. The combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch creates a crispy, golden crust that holds up well in hot vegetable oil. Maintain the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to ensure even frying and prevent sogginess. Your homemade Fiery Chicken Fries from Burger King copycat menu will deliver a crunchy, intensely flavorful snack just like the original.
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into uniform fry-shaped strips on a cutting board using a chef’s knife.
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and eggs. Whisk until well mixed.
- Place chicken strips in the buttermilk-egg mixture. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, white pepper, and ground cumin.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in another mixing bowl.
- Remove chicken strips from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge each chicken strip in the seasoned flour mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Dip floured chicken strips back into the buttermilk-egg mixture.
- Coat each strip in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place coated strips on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Preheat vegetable oil in the deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken strips in batches for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F/74°C internal temperature), using tongs.
- Remove fried chicken fries and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Substitution
Fiery Chicken Fries from Burger King copycat recipes allow you to recreate the spicy and crunchy fried chicken strips at home with customizable seasoning levels. You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar if buttermilk is unavailable. If deep frying is not preferred, baking them on a wire rack in the oven offers a healthier alternative, though the texture may be less crispy. Use crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs in place of panko for a similar crunchy coating. Measuring spices accurately ensures your Fiery Chicken Fries deliver the perfect balance of heat and smokiness, tailored to your taste.
Tips
Ensure the chicken strips are sliced evenly to promote uniform cooking and prevent undercooked centers. Marinate the chicken in the buttermilk and egg mixture for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor absorption. When coating, allow excess marinade to drip off before dredging in the flour mixture to avoid clumps and ensure a crisp crust. Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption, and fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent sogginess.
Nutritions
Fiery Chicken Fries from Burger King provide a high-protein snack derived from 1 lb of chicken breast strips, which supply essential amino acids crucial for muscle maintenance. The coating includes a mix of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs, contributing carbohydrates and dietary fiber to help fuel your body. Spices like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder add negligible calories but offer antioxidant benefits. Be mindful that deep frying in vegetable oil increases the calorie and fat content, potentially affecting your daily intake depending on portion size.
Storage
Store your Fiery Chicken Fries in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness and prevent moisture buildup. Refrigerate the container within two hours of cooking, and consume the fries within 2 to 3 days for optimal flavor and safety. When reheating, use a convection oven or air fryer at 375degF (190degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crunchy texture without drying them out.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap buttermilk with plain yogurt thinned with a splash of milk for a tangy marinade, which tenderizes the chicken while adding creaminess. Consider baking the chicken fries at 425degF (220degC) on a greased baking sheet for 15-20 minutes as a healthier alternative to deep frying; flip halfway to ensure even crispness. Experiment with adding chipotle powder or smoked sea salt to the spice mix to enhance smoky heat and complexity. Use finely ground almonds in place of panko breadcrumbs to introduce a nutty flavor and slightly different texture while maintaining crunch.
Allergies
Fiery Chicken Fries contain common allergens such as eggs, wheat (from all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs), and buttermilk, which may pose risks for those with egg, gluten, or dairy allergies. The spicy seasoning blend includes various peppers and spices that could trigger sensitivities or allergic reactions in individuals prone to spice allergies. You should carefully review the ingredient list and consult with an allergist if you have concerns about any specific allergens before consuming this product.
Why this recipe?
Fiery Chicken Fries from Burger King are loved for their bold, spicy flavor and crispy texture that offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. The combination of seasoned, tender chicken strips and a zesty dipping sauce creates a taste experience that appeals to spice enthusiasts and fast-food lovers alike. Making a copycat version at home allows you to customize the heat level and ingredient quality to match your personal preferences. Your homemade Fiery Chicken Fries can deliver the same crave-worthy flavor while giving you control over freshness and portion size.