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Chicken and Fries Recipe

A scientifically tuned weeknight favorite: crisp-edged fries and juicy chicken strips seasoned to maximize Maillard flavor and texture contrast.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken and fries recipe, baked chicken and fries, one-pan chicken
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 480kcal

Equipment

  • Sheet pan - for even heat and space to crisp fries
  • Wire rack (optional) - raises chicken so air circulates for crispness
  • Boxes or bowls for dredging - keeps breading stages organized
  • Thermometer - to check chicken internal temperature accurately

Ingredients

  • 900 g Russet potatoes cut into fries
  • 680 g boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced
  • 45 ml olive oil
  • 120 g all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 120 g panko breadcrumbs
  • 20 g grated Parmesan
  • 10 g paprika
  • 10 g kosher salt
  • 5 g black pepper
  • 5 g garlic powder
  • 240 ml ice water

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 220 C (425 F). Line a sheet pan with parchment or foil and optionally set a wire rack on top. High dry heat promotes Maillard browning on both fries and chicken.
  • Soak the cut potatoes in 240 ml (1 cup) ice water for 20 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Notice how the water clouds with starch - removing that increases crispness.
  • Toss the dried fries with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, 5 g (1 tsp) salt, and 2 g (1/2 tsp) pepper. Spread in a single layer on half the pan so air circulates for even browning.
  • Season chicken strips with 5 g (1 tsp) salt, 2 g (1/2 tsp) pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. I found that thin, even strips cook quickly and stay juicy.
  • Set up three bowls for dredging: flour, beaten eggs, and panko mixed with Parmesan. Dredge each strip in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then press into panko. The three-stage coating creates a mechanical barrier that retains moisture while crisping.
  • Place breaded chicken on the other half of the sheet pan or on the wire rack. Drizzle or spray 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil over both fries and chicken to encourage browning without deep-frying.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping fries once halfway. Chicken should reach 74 C (165 F) internal temperature. Notice the aroma - a toasty, nutty scent signals Maillard reactions happening.
  • For extra crunch, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end while watching closely. Let rest 3 minutes before serving so juices redistribute and the crust sets.

Notes

  • Soaking: Ice water removes surface starch, ensuring maximum crispiness on fries.
  • Thickness: Keep chicken strips uniform to ensure even doneness and avoid overcooking.
  • Oil choice: Use oils with a smoke point above 200 C (400 F) if you plan to broil for extra color.