How to make a Spicy Fried Chicken & Loaded Fries :

Spicy Fried Chicken & Loaded Fries

Spicy Fried Chicken & Loaded Fries

Total Time: About 40 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 600g chicken breast (cut into strips)
  • 200 ml buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 150g flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder (or mild chili, depending on your taste)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying (sunflower or peanut oil)

For the Loaded Fries:

  • 600g potatoes
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 50g grated cheddar cheese (or cheddar slices)
  • 4 slices of bacon (fried and crumbled)
  • Fresh coriander or parsley (optional)

For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):

  • 100g mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 pinch of paprika

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

  1. In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, half the salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the chicken strips, cover, and let rest in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
    • This step tenderizes the meat and adds a spicy kick with the buttermilk.

Prepare the Spicy Flour:

  1. In another bowl, combine the flour, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and the remaining salt and pepper.
  2. Mix well for an even distribution of spices.

Coat the Chicken:

  1. Remove the chicken strips from the marinade.
  2. Dredge them in the spicy flour, ensuring they are well-coated.
  3. Gently tap off any excess flour.

Heat the Oil:

  1. In a deep fryer or large pot, heat the oil to 170-180°C (medium-high heat).
  2. Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of chicken or flour into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.

Fry the Chicken:

  1. Carefully place a few strips of chicken into the hot oil.
  2. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
  3. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

Make the Loaded Fries:

  1. Peel the potatoes (or leave the skin on), then cut them into sticks.
  2. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 teaspoon of salt.
  3. Bake in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also fry them if you prefer.
  4. Once cooked, sprinkle with grated cheddar and crumbled bacon. Return to the oven for 2 more minutes to melt the cheese.
  5. Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley, if desired.

Make the Sauce (Optional):

  1. In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey.
  2. Add a pinch of paprika to enhance the flavor.

Serve:

  1. Arrange the fried chicken strips on a serving platter.
  2. Serve with the loaded fries.
  3. Offer the dipping sauce on the side for everyone to dip their chicken or fries.

Tips & Tricks:

  • For extra crunch: For a double breading, dip the chicken strips back into the buttermilk/egg mixture, then coat them again in the seasoned flour before frying.
  • Spicy version: Add ½ tsp of cayenne pepper if you prefer your dish spicier.
  • To save time: You can prepare the marinade the night before and let it rest in the fridge overnight.

Storage:

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to restore some crispiness.

Enjoy your delicious Spicy Fried Chicken & Loaded Fries!