Description
Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Fries
Ingredients:
Fries:
4 large potatoes (or frozen French fries)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
Chicken:
2 chicken breasts (cut into strips)
1 cup flour
2 eggs (beaten)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Oil for frying
Toppings:
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (chopped) for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Fries:
Wash and cut potatoes into strips (or use frozen fries).
Toss the fries with olive oil, salt, and paprika. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes until crispy.
Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken strips with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
Fry in hot oil until golden and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel.
Assemble the Dish:
Place the fries on a large serving plate. Top with marinara sauce.
Add the crispy chicken strips over the fries.
!:
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously on top.
Broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Finish & Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Potatoes: For best results, slice potatoes into 1/4-inch thick strips. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat completely dry. This removes excess starch for maximum crispiness.
2. Season & Bake: Toss dried fries with oil, salt, and paprika. Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, flip, then bake another 10-15 minutes until golden.
3. Prepare Chicken Station: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
4. Bread Chicken: Pat chicken strips dry. Dredge each in flour (shake off excess), dip fully in egg, then press firmly into breadcrumbs to ensure an even, thick coat.
5. Fry to Perfection: Heat 1 inch of oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on a wire rack over paper towels.
6. Assemble & Melt: On an oven-safe platter, layer hot fries, warm marinara sauce, and chicken. Top with cheeses. Broil on high for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is melted and spotty brown.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish immediately on a large platter for sharing. For a complete meal, pair with a simple Caesar salad or garlic bread. Offer small bowls of extra marinara, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for dipping. For a fun twist, serve individual portions in parchment-lined baskets.
How-to Summary
Cut and bake seasoned potato fries until crispy. Bread chicken strips with flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs, then pan-fry until golden. On an oven-safe dish, layer fries, warm marinara, and chicken. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Broil briefly to melt the cheese, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this with an air fryer? Absolutely. Cook the fries and breaded chicken in batches in your air fryer at 400°F (200°C) until crispy, then assemble and broil to melt the cheese.
How can I make this dish ahead of time? Prepare the fries and chicken up to a day ahead. Re-crisp fries in the oven and chicken in the air fryer or oven before assembling and broiling.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy? Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying, don’t overcrowd the pan, and drain fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.
Can I use a different cheese? Yes. Provolone, fontina, or an Italian cheese blend work well. For more stretch, use low-moisture, pre-shredded mozzarella.
How do I prevent the fries from getting soggy under the sauce? Bake fries until extra crispy. Also, warm the marinara sauce before adding it, which reduces broiling time and helps maintain the fries’ texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many chicken strips at once lowers oil temperature, leading to greasy, uneven cooking.
- Using Cold Sauce: Adding cold marinara straight from the jar makes the assembly cold, requiring longer broiling which can overcook components.
- Skipping the Wire Rack: Draining fried chicken directly on paper towels traps steam, creating a soggy bottom crust.
- Not Preheating the Broiler: A non-hot broiler will dry out the dish before the cheese properly melts and browns.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Fries transform two beloved classics into the ultimate shareable comfort food. By following the detailed steps—focusing on crispiness for both elements and efficient assembly—you guarantee a spectacular, crowd-pleasing result. Remember to serve it immediately for that perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite.