Copycat Burger King Chicken Fries
There are certain foods that instantly take you back. For me, Burger King Chicken Fries are one of those things. I remember being a dad with kids in the back seat, windows down, stopping for a quick bite after practice or errands, and somehow those chicken fries always disappeared faster than anything else in the bag. No matter how many I ordered, someone always wanted one more.
Now that the kids are a little older and we cook at home more than we grab fast food, those cravings still pop up. And honestly, sometimes you just want that familiar flavor without leaving the house or dealing with the drive thru line. That is exactly how this recipe came to be. One afternoon, craving something crunchy and fun, I decided to recreate those classic chicken fries right in my own kitchen.
This is the kind of recipe I make when the house feels busy and loud in the best way. Game day on the TV. Kids hovering near the stove asking when they are ready. A stack of dipping sauces on the counter. It is simple food, but it brings everyone together. These chicken fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and dangerously snackable.
What I love most is that they are approachable. Nothing fancy. No complicated steps. Just good food made at home with ingredients you already recognize. And once you make them yourself, you will wonder why you did not do it sooner.
What Is Copycat Burger King Chicken Fries?
Copycat Burger King Chicken Fries are thin strips of chicken coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and fried until golden and crunchy. They are designed to mimic the flavor and texture of the popular fast food version but made fresh at home with real ingredients. The result is crispy chicken fries that are perfect for dipping, sharing, and enjoying straight off the rack while they are still hot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Crunchy: Each chicken fry is coated in a perfectly seasoned breading that fries up golden and crunchy every single time.
- Kid Approved: These are fun to eat, easy to dip, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything in this recipe is straightforward and easy to find at any grocery store.
- Better Than Fast Food: Freshly fried at home means hotter, crispier, and more flavorful than the drive thru version.
- Perfect for Dipping: Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ketchup all work beautifully here.
When to Serve This Recipe
- Game Day Snacks: These chicken fries are perfect finger food for watching football or any big game.
- Weeknight Dinner: Serve them with fries or a simple salad for a fun and easy dinner.
- Kids Parties: They disappear fast at birthday parties and sleepovers.
- Movie Night: Pair them with a lineup of dipping sauces and you have the ultimate movie snack.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil for frying – Neutral oil that fries evenly and crisps beautifully
- 1 pound chicken cutlets – Cut into long thin strips to match the classic chicken fry shape
- 1 cup flour – This helps the egg stick and creates the first layer of coating
- 2 eggs – Beaten eggs act as the glue that holds the breadcrumbs on
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs – Regular breadcrumbs give that classic fast food crunch
- 1 tablespoon paprika – Adds color and mild smoky flavor
- 1 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder – Brings savory depth to the breading
- 1 1/4 teaspoons onion powder – Balances the seasoning with subtle sweetness
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt – Enhances all the flavors
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds just enough bite
How to Make Copycat Burger King Chicken Fries
Step 1: Cut the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken cutlets into long thin strips about half an inch wide. Try to keep them as even as possible so they cook at the same speed. This is what gives them that signature chicken fry look.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Grab three shallow bowls or pie pans. In the first one, add the flour. In the second, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix so the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet until it is about one inch deep. Heat over medium high heat until the oil reaches about 350 degrees. Using a thermometer here really helps keep things consistent.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Working one piece at a time, dredge each chicken strip in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, then press it into the seasoned breadcrumbs until fully coated. Set the breaded chicken fries aside on a plate.
Step 5: Fry in Batches
Carefully add the chicken fries to the hot oil in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for four to five minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Drain and Repeat
Remove the cooked chicken fries and place them on a wire rack to drain. Repeat the process until all the chicken is cooked.
Step 7: Serve and Dip
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear.
Substitutions
- Chicken: Chicken tenders or chicken breasts both work well as long as they are sliced thin.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch, while crushed cornflakes or pretzels give a fun twist.
- Flour: Gluten free flour can be used to make this recipe gluten free.
- Seasoning: Add cayenne or chili powder if you like heat, or use smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Frying Oil: Canola or peanut oil are great alternatives to vegetable oil.
Variations
- Oven Baked: Bake breaded chicken fries at 425 degrees for fifteen to twenty minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer: Air fry at 390 degrees for ten to twelve minutes, flipping once.
- Cheesy Coating: Mix grated parmesan into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Spicy Chicken Fries: Add hot sauce to the egg mixture or extra spice to the breading.
Tips and Tricks
- Cut Evenly: Uniform strips ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
- Wet and Dry Hands: Use one hand for wet ingredients and one for dry to avoid clumpy fingers.
- Fry in Batches: Overcrowding lowers oil temperature and causes soggy coating.
- Use a Thermometer: Keeping oil at the right temperature ensures crispy results.
- Drain on a Rack: A wire rack keeps the coating crunchy instead of soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken ahead and refrigerate it for a few hours before frying.
Can I freeze chicken fries?
Yes, freeze them after breading and fry straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cook time.
What dipping sauces work best?
Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and spicy mayo are all great options.
Serving Ideas
- Classic Fries: Serve with French fries for the full fast food experience.
- Salad Night: Pair with a simple side salad for balance.
- Slider Style: Serve in small buns with lettuce and sauce.
- Party Platter: Arrange with multiple dipping sauces for sharing.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze breaded uncooked chicken fries for up to two months.
- Make Ahead: Prep the breading station ingredients earlier in the day to save time.
Copycat Burger King Chicken Fries
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken cutlets
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 ¼ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the Chicken – Start by cutting the chicken cutlets into long thin strips about half an inch wide. Try to keep them as even as possible so they cook at the same speed. This is what gives them that signature chicken fry look.
- Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station – Grab three shallow bowls or pie pans. In the first one, add the flour. In the second, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix so the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Heat the Oil – Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet until it is about one inch deep. Heat over medium high heat until the oil reaches about 350 degrees. Using a thermometer here really helps keep things consistent.
- Step 4: Bread the Chicken – Working one piece at a time, dredge each chicken strip in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, then press it into the seasoned breadcrumbs until fully coated. Set the breaded chicken fries aside on a plate.
- Step 5: Fry in Batches – Carefully add the chicken fries to the hot oil in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for four to five minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 6: Drain and Repeat – Remove the cooked chicken fries and place them on a wire rack to drain. Repeat the process until all the chicken is cooked.
- Step 7: Serve and Dip – Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear.
Notes
Substitutions
- Chicken: Chicken tenders or chicken breasts both work well as long as they are sliced thin.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch, while crushed cornflakes or pretzels give a fun twist.
- Flour: Gluten free flour can be used to make this recipe gluten free.
- Seasoning: Add cayenne or chili powder if you like heat, or use smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Frying Oil: Canola or peanut oil are great alternatives to vegetable oil.
Variations
- Oven Baked: Bake breaded chicken fries at 425 degrees for fifteen to twenty minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer: Air fry at 390 degrees for ten to twelve minutes, flipping once.
- Cheesy Coating: Mix grated parmesan into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Spicy Chicken Fries: Add hot sauce to the egg mixture or extra spice to the breading.
Tips and Tricks
- Cut Evenly: Uniform strips ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
- Wet and Dry Hands: Use one hand for wet ingredients and one for dry to avoid clumpy fingers.
- Fry in Batches: Overcrowding lowers oil temperature and causes soggy coating.
- Use a Thermometer: Keeping oil at the right temperature ensures crispy results.
- Drain on a Rack: A wire rack keeps the coating crunchy instead of soggy.
Serving Ideas
- Classic Fries: Serve with French fries for the full fast food experience.
- Salad Night: Pair with a simple side salad for balance.
- Slider Style: Serve in small buns with lettuce and sauce.
- Party Platter: Arrange with multiple dipping sauces for sharing.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze breaded uncooked chicken fries for up to two months.
- Make Ahead: Prep the breading station ingredients earlier in the day to save time.
Private Notes
Final Thoughts
This is one of those recipes that just feels good to make. It brings back memories, fills the kitchen with that familiar fried chicken aroma, and puts smiles on faces around the table. As a dad, those are the moments I hold onto. Food does not have to be complicated to be special. Sometimes it is just about recreating something you love and sharing it with the people who matter most.
If you give these Copycat Burger King Chicken Fries a try, I hope they become a regular in your house the way they have in mine. Make them once, and you will find yourself craving them again. And when you do, you will already know exactly what to do.
