Copycat Burger King Chicken Fries: Aldi Edition – A Deliciously Easy Recipe
Craving Burger King’s iconic Chicken Fries but want to save some money and potentially make them even better? You’ve come to the right place! This recipe provides a delicious copycat version using readily available ingredients from Aldi, making it both budget-friendly and incredibly convenient. Get ready to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken fries without leaving the comfort of your home.
Why Aldi Chicken Fries?
Aldi has become a go-to destination for affordable and high-quality groceries. Their chicken products, in particular, are known for their taste and value. By utilizing Aldi’s offerings, we can recreate the Burger King Chicken Fries experience without breaking the bank. This recipe focuses on using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making it perfect for weeknight meals or a fun weekend snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Aldi Edition)
* **Chicken Breast:** About 1.5-2 pounds, boneless and skinless. This is the star of the show! Look for Aldi’s Kirkwood brand chicken breasts.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1 cup. This will form the base of our breading.
* **Cornstarch:** 1/2 cup. Cornstarch helps to create that extra crispy texture.
* **Spices:** A blend of savory flavors to mimic Burger King’s seasoning.
* 1 tablespoon Paprika
* 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
* 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
* 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1 teaspoon Salt
* 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a little kick)
* 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme (optional, adds a subtle earthy note)
* **Eggs:** 2 large eggs. These act as a binder for the breading.
* **Milk:** 2 tablespoons. Added to the egg wash for extra moisture.
* **Cooking Oil:** Vegetable or canola oil, for frying. You’ll need enough to submerge the chicken fries, about 3-4 inches deep in your pot or fryer.
* **Optional: Panko Breadcrumbs:** 1/2 cup (for extra crispy texture – mix into the flour mixture).
Equipment Needed
* **Cutting Board:** For prepping the chicken.
* **Sharp Knife:** To cut the chicken into fry shapes.
* **Three Shallow Dishes:** For the breading station (flour mixture, egg wash, optional panko mixture).
* **Whisk:** To combine the egg wash.
* **Large Pot or Deep Fryer:** For frying the chicken fries. A deep fryer will maintain a consistent temperature, but a pot works just as well.
* **Thermometer:** To monitor the oil temperature. Aim for 350-375°F (175-190°C).
* **Slotted Spoon or Spider:** To remove the chicken fries from the oil.
* **Wire Rack:** To drain excess oil and keep the chicken fries crispy.
* **Paper Towels:** To absorb excess oil.
Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Prepare the Chicken:**
* Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better.
* Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board.
* Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the chicken breasts into fry-shaped strips. Aim for pieces that are about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep them relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
**2. Create the Breading Station:**
* In the first shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and dried thyme (if using). Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. If using panko, mix it into the flour mixture at this time.
* In the second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
* (Optional) In the third shallow dish, add plain panko breadcrumbs if you want an extra crispy outer layer.
**3. Bread the Chicken Fries:**
* Take a chicken fry and dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour.
* Dip the floured chicken fry into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully submerged.
* (Optional) If using panko breadcrumbs, dredge the egg-washed chicken fry in the panko, pressing gently to help them adhere. Ensure an even coating.
* Place the breaded chicken fry on a clean plate or baking sheet.
* Repeat this process for all the remaining chicken fries.
**4. Fry the Chicken Fries:**
* Pour the cooking oil into your large pot or deep fryer, filling it to a depth of about 3-4 inches.
* Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
* Carefully add the breaded chicken fries to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fries.
* Fry the chicken fries for about 3-5 minutes per batch, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or spider to flip them occasionally for even cooking.
* Use a thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
* Remove the fried chicken fries from the oil with the slotted spoon or spider and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
**5. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Serve the copycat Burger King Chicken Fries immediately while they are hot and crispy.
* Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.
* Enjoy your homemade, budget-friendly, and delicious Aldi-inspired Chicken Fries!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Fries
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot:** Frying in batches is crucial to maintaining the oil temperature and ensuring crispy chicken fries. Overcrowding lowers the temperature, resulting in soggy fries.
* **Maintain Oil Temperature:** Keep the oil temperature consistent throughout the frying process. Use a thermometer to monitor it and adjust the heat as needed.
* **Pat Chicken Dry:** Patting the chicken dry before breading helps the breading adhere better and prevents soggy fries.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices to find your perfect flavor profile. Taste the flour mixture before breading to ensure it’s well-seasoned.
* **Double Breading (Optional):** For an extra crispy coating, consider double breading the chicken fries. After the initial breading, dip them back into the egg wash and then back into the flour mixture.
* **Rest the Breading:** After breading the chicken fries, let them rest for about 10-15 minutes before frying. This allows the breading to adhere more firmly to the chicken, preventing it from falling off during frying.
* **Use Fresh Oil:** Using fresh, clean oil is essential for achieving the best flavor and crispiness. Avoid using oil that has been used to fry other foods, as it may impart unwanted flavors.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the chicken fries can make them dry and tough. Fry them until they are golden brown and cooked through, but not longer.
* **Keep Warm in the Oven:** If you’re making a large batch of chicken fries, you can keep them warm in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) while you finish frying the rest. Place the fried chicken fries on a wire rack in the oven to prevent them from becoming soggy.
* **Experiment with Sauces:** The dipping sauce can make or break the chicken fry experience. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorites. Some popular options include ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, sweet and sour sauce, and fry sauce.
Variations and Additions
* **Spicy Chicken Fries:** Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicier kick.
* **Cheesy Chicken Fries:** Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese over the fried chicken fries while they are still hot.
* **Garlic Parmesan Chicken Fries:** Add grated Parmesan cheese and extra garlic powder to the flour mixture.
* **Lemon Pepper Chicken Fries:** Add lemon pepper seasoning to the flour mixture.
* **Herb Chicken Fries:** Add dried herbs like oregano, basil, or rosemary to the flour mixture.
* **Air Fryer Chicken Fries:** For a healthier alternative, you can cook the breaded chicken fries in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
* **Classic Chicken Fries Meal:** Serve the chicken fries with a side of French fries, coleslaw, and your favorite dipping sauces for a complete meal.
* **Chicken Fries Salad:** Top a bed of lettuce with chicken fries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite salad dressing for a lighter option.
* **Chicken Fries Tacos:** Fill tortillas with chicken fries, shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream for a fun and flavorful twist.
* **Chicken Fries Nachos:** Top tortilla chips with chicken fries, melted cheese, jalapenos, and your favorite nacho toppings.
* **Chicken Fries Skewers:** Thread chicken fries onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables for a fun and easy appetizer.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving (depending on portion size and cooking method)
* Fat: Approximately 15-25 grams per serving
* Protein: Approximately 20-30 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30 grams per serving
**Note:** These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the cooking method.
Making it Gluten-Free
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free.
Storage Instructions
* **Leftover Chicken Fries:** Store leftover chicken fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating Chicken Fries:** To reheat chicken fries, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
* **Freezing Chicken Fries:** You can freeze breaded, uncooked chicken fries for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to cook, fry them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is designed to be accessible and successful for home cooks of all skill levels. By using readily available Aldi ingredients, we can recreate the taste and texture of Burger King Chicken Fries without the hassle or expense of ordering takeout. The detailed instructions and helpful tips ensure that you’ll achieve crispy, flavorful chicken fries every time.
Final Thoughts
This copycat Burger King Chicken Fries recipe using Aldi ingredients is a fantastic way to satisfy your cravings for this iconic fast-food snack. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and customizable to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the fryer, and get ready to enjoy a batch of crispy, golden-brown chicken fries that are even better than the original!