Crispy Fried Chicken Bites with Fries: Your Ultimate Homemade Comfort Combo!

Hey there, Jason Griffith here! When those cravings for crispy, savory, and utterly satisfying comfort food hit, there’s nothing quite like a plate of perfectly fried chicken and golden fries. And this Crispy Fried Chicken Bites with Friesrecipe? It’s an absolute game-changer! Featuring juicy, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a perfectly seasoned crispy breading, served alongside golden fries and a fantastic sweet & spicy sauce, it’s the ultimate homemade meal for any occasion, from a fun family dinner to a satisfying snack here in Marion, South Carolina.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a huge advocate for mastering classic comfort foods at home, and this recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction in spades. What I particularly love about these Crispy Fried Chicken Bites is how incredibly tender and juicy the chicken remains inside its perfectly crunchy, seasoned crust. The buttermilk soak is key to tenderness and helping the breading adhere, while the paprika, garlic, onion, and cayenne create a fantastic flavor profile. Paired with crispy baked fries and that addictive sweet & spicy sauce, it’s a complete meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly approachable to make. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for more!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly savory and satisfying fried chicken and fries combo:

For the Fried Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or regular)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice, adjust to taste)
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil (for deep frying, such as canola, peanut, or corn oil)

For the Sweet & Spicy Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup hot sauce (your favorite brand, like Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (unseasoned)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Fries:

• 4 medium potatoes, cut into fries (Russet or Yukon Gold recommended)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chopped chives for garnish (optional)

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for even juicier bites. Cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Breading Seasoning: The mix of paprika, garlic/onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne creates a fantastic savory and slightly spicy crust. Adjust cayenne for heat.
• Buttermilk: Essential for tender chicken and for helping the breading stick. If you don’t have buttermilk, combine ½ cup regular milk with ½ tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar, let sit 5 minutes, then use.
• Frying Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for deep frying.
• Sweet & Spicy Sauce: This sauce balances sweetness, heat, and tanginess perfectly. Adjust hot sauce quantity for desired spice. You can add a pinch of grated fresh ginger for more aromatics.
• Potatoes for Fries: Russet potatoes are ideal for crispy fries. Cut them into consistent sizes.
• Baked Fries (Optional): This recipe bakes the fries for a healthier touch. You can deep fry them if preferred.
• Garnish: Fresh chives add a nice pop of color and mild oniony flavor.

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Instructions

Making Crispy Fried Chicken Bites with Fries involves preparing each component for a delicious combination!

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Set Up Breading Station: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This is your seasoned flour.
2. In another separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and buttermilk. This is your wet mixture.
3. Dredge Chicken: Dip each bite-sized chicken piece into the egg-buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off. Then, transfer the chicken piece to the seasoned flour mixture. Coat them thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing down gently to ensure they are coated evenly.
4. Heat Oil & Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry for 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the fried chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Sweet & Spicy Sauce:

1. Combine & Simmer: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly to a pourable consistency.
2. Serve Sauce: Drizzle the sauce generously over the crispy fried chicken bites or serve it on the side for dipping.

Prepare the Fries:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut & Season Potatoes: Cut the medium potatoes into your desired fry shape (sticks, wedges, etc.). Toss the potato fries with 2 tbsp vegetable oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Bake Fries: Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded for maximum crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through (around 10-12 minutes), until golden brown and crispy.

Garnish & Serve:

1. Garnish the crispy fries with fresh chopped chives for a burst of color.
2. Serve the crispy fried chicken bites immediately with your crispy fries and a side of the dipping sauce. Enjoy this ultimate comfort meal!

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Tips for Success

• Dry Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry before breading for the best crispy coating.
• Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent oil temperature (350-375°F) for frying; too low means greasy chicken, too high means burnt exterior, raw interior.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Fry chicken and bake fries in batches for optimal crispiness.
• Season Generously: Season both the chicken breading and the fries well.
• Homemade Sauce: The sweet & spicy sauce is a game-changer; don’t skip it!
• Fresh Chives: Add freshness and color.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Crispy Fried Chicken Bites with Fries is a complete, incredibly satisfying meal on its own! It’s perfect for a fun family dinner, game day, movie night, or just a hearty lunch.

• Dipping Sauces: Offer extra sweet & spicy sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or ketchup for dipping the fries and chicken.
• Side Dishes: A light side salad or some coleslaw can offer a fresh contrast.

For other fantastic easy chicken recipes, consider my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or my savory Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Crispy Fried Chicken Bites and fries are definitely best enjoyed immediately after preparation for optimal crispness.

• Leftover Chicken: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, the best method is in an air fryer (350°F / 175°C for 5-8 minutes) or oven (375°F / 190°C for 10-15 minutes) to re-crisp.
• Leftover Fries: Store similarly, and reheat in an air fryer or oven for best crispness.
• Sauce: The Sweet & Spicy Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the crispy texture, savory flavors, and ease of this chicken and fries combo, here are a few more fantastic savory recipes that I think you’ll absolutely love:

• For a fun breakfast-for-dinner twist, check out my Fried Chicken Chalupa with Bacon & Egg.
• If you’re a fan of delicious grilled chicken, my Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a must-try.
• For a quick and flavorful chicken dish, my Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas are perfect.
• And for another comforting slow cooker chicken meal, don’t miss my Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy.

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Final Thoughts

These Crispy Fried Chicken Bites with Fries are a true celebration of homemade comfort food – juicy chicken, golden fries, and a fantastic sweet & spicy sauce, all coming together for an unforgettable meal. It’s perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to bring smiles to every face. Give it a fry, and enjoy this delicious culinary delight!

What’s your favorite dipping sauce for fried chicken? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delightful and inspiring recipes!