Hand-Breaded Chicken Bites and Thick Steak Fries Recipe
Looking for the best Hand-Breaded Chicken Bites and Thick Steak Fries recipe? These crispy, golden chicken bites are made with juicy chicken breast coated in a perfectly seasoned breading and fried until crunchy, then paired with thick-cut steak fries that are fluffy inside and crispy outside. It’s the ultimate comfort food meal for family dinners, parties, or game day.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Extra crispy hand-breaded chicken
Juicy and tender inside
Thick-cut steak fries with a crispy exterior
Easy to make at home
Perfect for dipping
Family-friendly comfort food
⏱️ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 840 kcal per serving
Protein: 42 g per serving
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites
2 lb (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 🍗
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Seasoned Flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Steak Fries
4 large russet potatoes, cut into thick wedges 🥔
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
Vegetable or peanut oil
Dipping Sauces
Ranch dressing
Honey mustard
BBQ sauce
Buffalo sauce
Garlic aioli
Ketchup
Garnish
Fresh parsley 🌿
Lemon wedges 🍋
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken, buttermilk, and hot sauce.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to tenderize the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Fries
Soak the potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and pat them completely dry.
Toss with the vegetable oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Alternatively, deep-fry the wedges at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Cornstarch
Salt
Black pepper
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cayenne pepper (optional)
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off.
Coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat the frying oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the chicken bites in small batches for 4–6 minutes, until golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Transfer to a wire rack to drain and stay crisp.
Step 5: Assemble
Arrange the crispy chicken bites and thick steak fries on a serving platter.
Add lemon wedges, chopped parsley, and a variety of dipping sauces.
Serve immediately while hot.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Creamy coleslaw
Mac and cheese
Corn on the cob
Pickles
Garden salad
Onion rings
Fresh lemonade
💡 Chef’s Tips
Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps keep it juicy and tender.
Cornstarch in the breading creates an extra-crispy coating.
Avoid overcrowding the fryer so the oil stays at the proper temperature.
Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness.
🧊 Storage
Refrigerator: Store chicken and fries separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken bites for up to 2 months. Fries are best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating: Reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes until hot and crispy.
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 840 kcal
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 58 g
Fat: 46 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 980 mg
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I air-fry the chicken bites?
Yes. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Lightly spray the chicken with oil before cooking for the best browning.
Why soak the potatoes?
Soaking removes excess starch, helping the steak fries become crispier on the outside while staying fluffy inside.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well.
What are the best dipping sauces?
Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, and ketchup all pair perfectly with these crispy chicken bites and steak fries.
