Description
Loaded Chicken Parmesan Fries
Ingredients:
For the Fries:
1 lb frozen French fries
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
For the Chicken Tenders:
1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Oil for frying
For the Toppings:
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Fries
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the frozen fries with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake according to the package instructions until golden and crispy.
Bread and Fry the Chicken
Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Dredge each tender in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning. Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat and fry the tenders until golden brown and cooked through. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Assemble the Loaded Fries
Arrange the baked fries on an oven-safe dish. Place the fried chicken tenders on top. Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken and fries, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake to Melt the Cheese
Preheat your broiler. Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy this indulgent, cheesy delight!
Loaded Chicken Parmesan Fries are the perfect mashup of comfort food classics—crispy fries, golden chicken, and cheesy marinara goodness. Great for game day or a fun family dinner!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Bake Fries: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss frozen fries with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated. Spread on a baking sheet in one layer. Bake as per package, typically 20-25 mins, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
2. Prepare Chicken Coating Station: Set up three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first. Beat eggs in the second. In the third, mix breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning.
3. Bread the Chicken: Pat chicken tenders dry. Season with salt and pepper. Dredge each tender in flour, shaking off excess. Dip fully in egg, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to coat.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F). Fry tenders for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on paper towels.
5. Assemble & Broil: On an oven-safe platter, layer crispy fries. Top with fried chicken, spoon warm marinara over everything, and cover with cheeses. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish immediately on a large platter for sharing. For a complete meal, pair with a simple side salad with Italian dressing to cut through the richness. These fries also make an excellent game-day appetizer or a fun Friday night dinner. Provide small plates and forks for easier eating, and have extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
How-to Summary
This dish involves three key stages: baking seasoned fries until crispy, breading and pan-frying chicken tenders, and then assembling everything with marinara and cheese before a final broil to melt the cheese. The result is a shareable, indulgent comfort food mashup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an air fryer for the fries and chicken? Absolutely. Cook the fries and breaded chicken tenders in batches in a preheated air fryer at 400°F until crispy and cooked through, which saves oil and time.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before frying. Bake the fries and keep them warm in the oven. Assemble and broil just before serving.
What’s a good substitute for frying the chicken? For a lighter version, bake the breaded tenders on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
My cheese isn’t melting under the broiler. What’s wrong? Ensure your broiler is fully preheated and the rack is positioned 6 inches from the heat source. Also, cover the dish loosely with foil if the top browns before the cheese fully melts.
Can I use different cheeses? Yes. Provolone, fontina, or a pre-shredded Italian cheese blend are excellent alternatives that melt well and complement the flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the Pan: Frying too many chicken tenders at once lowers oil temperature, leading to greasy, soggy breading. Fry in batches.
- Soggy Fries: Ensure fries are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and are fully crispy before assembling. Overloading the dish can also steam the fries.
- Cold Toppings: Using cold marinara sauce will cool the dish and hinder cheese melting. Warm the sauce slightly before assembling.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internally to prevent dry, tough chicken.
Conclusion
Loaded Chicken Parmesan Fries are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining beloved flavors into one irresistible dish. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a perfectly crispy, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for any casual gathering. Enjoy the delicious fusion of textures and tastes!