Chicken Strip & Fries from IHOP features tender, golden-breaded chicken strips paired with crispy, seasoned French fries, offering a satisfying combination of savory flavors and crunchy textures.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Sheet pans
- Baking racks
- Mixing bowls
- Meat thermometer
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Serving plates
- Heat lamps/food warmer
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast strips
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for tossing fries)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (for fries)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Ensure the chicken breast strips are fresh and uniformly cut to maintain even cooking and consistent texture. Use seasoned flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to achieve the iconic IHOP flavor in the breading. When preparing the fries, selecting large russet potatoes provides the ideal starchy texture for crispy, golden results after frying. Maintain the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) in the deep fryer for perfectly cooked chicken strips and fries without greasiness. Your homemade Chicken Strip & Fries from IHOP copycat menu will deliver authentic taste and satisfying crunch, mimicking the restaurant's signature dish.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice russet potatoes into even fries using chef’s knife and cutting board.
- Soak cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk together.
- Dredge chicken strips in flour mixture, dip in egg mixture, then coat again in flour mixture.
- Place coated chicken strips on baking rack set over sheet pan.
- Toss dried potatoes in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and seasoned salt.
- Using fry basket, fry potatoes in batches for 3–4 minutes or until golden and crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Fry chicken strips in batches for 6–8 minutes or until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C); drain on paper towels.
- Hold finished chicken and fries under heat lamp/food warmer until serving.
- Plate chicken strips and fries on serving plates.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Chicken Strip & Fries from IHOP copycat menu offers a crispy and flavorful meal you can recreate at home. If you don't have buttermilk, substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve similar tenderness. When deep frying the chicken strips, maintain the oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF to ensure a golden crust without greasy results. Russet potatoes can be replaced with other starchy potato varieties like Yukon Gold for a slightly different texture. Using a meat thermometer to check that chicken strips reach an internal temperature of 165degF ensures safety and optimal juiciness.
Tips
Ensure your chicken strips are evenly coated by thoroughly dredging and double-dipping them in the flour and egg mixtures to achieve a crispy, golden crust. Soaking the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes removes excess starch, preventing them from sticking together and helping them crisp up during frying. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. After frying, draining both chicken and fries on paper towels helps remove excess oil, keeping them crunchy instead of greasy.
Nutritions
Chicken Strip & Fries from IHOP provides a source of protein from the tender, golden-breaded chicken breast strips, essential for muscle repair and growth. The crispy seasoned fries, made from russet potatoes, contribute carbohydrates that supply energy, along with dietary fiber aiding digestion. However, the deep-frying process adds significant calories and fat, especially from the vegetable oil used for frying. You can balance this meal by pairing it with a side of vegetables or opting for a lighter cooking method to reduce fat intake.
Storage
Store leftover chicken strips and fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Reheat the chicken strips at 350degF (175degC) in a preheated oven for about 10 minutes, ensuring an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption, while reheating fries on a baking sheet to restore crispness. Avoid storing fries for more than 2 days as they tend to lose texture and flavor quickly.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the crispy texture of chicken strips. For the fries, try tossing them in a mixture of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper instead of seasoned salt for a spicier kick. Baking the chicken strips at 400degF (205degC) on a greased baking rack for 20-25 minutes can offer a healthier, oil-free alternative to deep frying. Using a meat thermometer ensures your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) without drying out.
Allergies
Chicken Strip & Fries from IHOP may pose allergy risks due to multiple common allergens such as wheat in the all-purpose flour and eggs used in the breading process. The buttermilk contains dairy, which can trigger reactions in those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. If You have sensitivities to any of these ingredients, it is important to check with IHOP for cross-contamination practices and ingredient sourcing.
Why this recipe?
The Chicken Strip & Fries menu from IHOP offers a perfect balance of crispy, seasoned chicken strips paired with golden, hand-cut fries, delivering a satisfying and flavorful meal. The combination appeals to a wide audience because of its comforting textures and classic taste, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. Making the copycat recipe allows you to recreate this popular dish at home, controlling ingredient quality and customizing seasonings to fit your preferences. Your kitchen can become the go-to spot for enjoying this beloved, crave-worthy comfort food anytime.