Name: fried chicken chips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 egg (or 1/2 cup buttermilk); Oil for frying

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Fried chicken chips are the ultimate mashup of two all-time favorites: juicy, seasoned chicken and the crave-worthy crunch of chips. In this article, we’ll cover exactly how to make these bite-sized snacks at home, why they’re trending everywhere from food trucks to home kitchens, and how to pair them for the perfect comfort meal.

Fried chicken chips served with dips on wooden board — Crispy fried chicken chips perfect for snacking

Whether you’re cooking for a party or craving something wildly satisfying, these golden, crispy delights won’t disappoint. Plus, we’ll answer the top questions about what fried chicken chips are, what makes them different from regular chicken or chips, and how you can make them healthier without sacrificing flavor.

A Crispy Childhood Favorite Reimagined with Fried Chicken Chips

The Magic of Fried Chicken Chips Begins at Home
I still remember the first time I had something close to fried chicken chips. It was at a backyard family gathering, and someone brought what they called “chicken cracklings.” They were crispy, golden, and dangerously addictive. But it wasn’t until years later—while experimenting in my kitchen—that I thought, “What if I combined the crunch of chips with the deep savory flavor of seasoned fried chicken?” That’s when fried chicken chips were born in my kitchen, and let me tell you, they were a hit from the very first batch.

Every bite is a burst of flavor: tender inside, shatteringly crisp outside. And because I love making comfort food approachable, I wanted to share a method that doesn’t require fancy gadgets or deep-fryer setups—just good ingredients and a little love.

If you’ve tried recipes like my crispy sweet chili chicken or baked chicken bites, you already know I’m all about making bold, satisfying flavors easy to pull off at home.

What Exactly Are Fried Chicken Chips?
Unlike full chicken tenders or nuggets, fried chicken chips are ultra-thin slices of seasoned chicken breast or thigh that are fried until crispy like a chip. Think of it as the protein-packed, flavor-loaded cousin of a potato chip. And no—they’re not the same as chicken skin or jerky. They’re savory, meaty, and crisp in one perfect bite.

Their snackable size makes them ideal for game day spreads, party appetizers, or even kid-friendly lunches. Plus, if you love chicken and chips, this mashup will change the way you look at your favorite takeout combo. You could even serve them on a snack board with ideas inspired by these potato chip charcuterie nachos for a fun twist.

Fried chicken chip ingredients laid out on table — Ingredients for making fried chicken chips

How to Make Fried Chicken Chips That Are Crispy Every Time

Key Ingredients That Make All the Difference
The beauty of fried chicken chips lies in their simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create something that feels like a gourmet snack. Here’s what you’ll need:

Boneless chicken breast or thigh – Thinly sliced or pounded flat. Thighs bring more moisture and flavor, but breasts work just as well.
Cornstarch or potato starch – This is your crispiness secret. It creates that signature chip-like crunch.
Seasoning blend – Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Customize it, but don’t skip the basics.
Buttermilk or egg wash – Helps the coating stick and keeps the chicken juicy.
Neutral oil for frying – Like canola or peanut oil for high heat and minimal flavor interference.

If you’ve enjoyed savory chicken casseroles like the chicken cobbler dinner casserole, you’ll recognize how layering flavor upfront makes all the difference.

To keep things gluten-free, you can swap flour for rice flour or cornstarch exclusively—it actually enhances crispiness!

Step-by-Step: From Chicken Slices to Golden Chips
Start by slicing your chicken into thin, chip-like pieces. If using breasts, butterfly them first and then slice. For even crispier results, gently pound them to uniform thickness using a meat mallet.

Coating chicken for fried chicken chips — Dredging thin chicken slices in spice blend

Here’s the simple method:

Marinate or soak – Toss chicken pieces in seasoned buttermilk or a simple egg wash for 30 minutes. This tenderizes and flavors them.
Coat – Dredge each piece in a mix of cornstarch, salt, pepper, and spices. Shake off any excess for a thin layer that crisps fast.
Fry – Heat oil to 350°F. Fry in small batches, flipping once, until deep golden and crisp (about 2–3 minutes per side).
Drain and cool – Use a wire rack to drain instead of paper towels to keep that crunch alive.

A quick tip: don’t overcrowd the pan. You want the oil to stay hot enough to fry—not steam—the chips. For baked or air-fried versions, a light spray of oil over the coated chicken works wonders.

If you like experimenting with texture like in my cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip, you’ll enjoy playing with different coatings here—like crushed cornflakes, panko, or even seasoned breadcrumbs.

Flavor Variations and Creative Ways to Serve Fried Chicken Chips

Seasoning Styles to Match Any Craving
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, the fun really begins—because fried chicken chips are super versatile when it comes to flavor. Whether you like it bold, spicy, or a little sweet, there’s a version for you.

Here are some flavor twists to try:

Buffalo Ranch – Toss the finished chips in buffalo sauce and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning. It pairs beautifully with cool dips like blue cheese or ranch. Fans of my buffalo chicken cottage cheese dip will love this combo.
Garlic Parmesan – Right after frying, dust with garlic powder and grated Parmesan for an Italian-inspired bite.
Sweet Chili Lime – Add a drizzle of sweet chili sauce and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh, tangy finish (perfect if you enjoyed crispy sweet chili chicken).
Smoky BBQ – Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, and a hint of cumin into your coating or post-fry seasoning. Great with a honey mustard dip!

You can even season after frying with dry rubs like taco seasoning or Cajun spice for a crunchy chip that’s full of attitude.

Dips and Sides to Make It a Meal
While these make a stellar snack on their own, pairing fried chicken chips with dips or sides can turn them into a party platter or full dinner. Here are a few ideas:

Pairing Idea	Why It Works
Buttermilk ranch dip	Cools the spice, adds creaminess
Honey mustard sauce	Sweet and tangy against crispy, salty bites
Hot honey drizzle	Perfect for a sweet-heat experience
Garlic aioli	Great for garlic Parmesan versions
Slaw or pickle salad	Adds freshness and crunch contrast

Chicken chips frying in hot oil in a pan — Frying thin chicken slices until crispy

Serve them in paper cones, on a snack board, or family-style with some fries or veggie sticks. If you’re already a fan of chicken-loaded dishes like my chicken pesto pasta bake, then fried chicken chips can be a fun side or topping too.

Want to go lighter? Pair with a crisp green salad or something fresh like this healthy dill pickle chicken salad. It’s a perfect balance.

FAQs and Smart Tips About Fried Chicken Chips

Can I Use Chips for Fried Chicken?
Technically, yes—and it’s actually a fun twist! If you’re looking to coat chicken with crushed chips (like potato chips or tortilla chips), it creates a flavorful, ultra-crispy crust. Just dip chicken in an egg wash, then press it into crushed chips and bake or fry. It’s not the same as fried chicken chips themselves, but a clever swap that still delivers crunch.

If that sounds tasty, you’ll love mixing textures like in my potato chip charcuterie nachos, where every bite is a surprise.

What Are Chicken Chips Made Of?
Fried chicken chips are typically made from thin slices of boneless chicken—most often breast or thigh—seasoned and coated lightly (or even left plain), then fried until golden. They are different from chicken skin chips or jerky. These are full chicken pieces, thin and crisped to a chip-like texture. You get actual protein in every crunchy bite.

Is Fried Chicken and Chips Healthy?
Let’s be honest—fried anything isn’t the first thing on a health menu. But with a few smart tweaks, fried chicken chips can fit into a balanced diet. Use lean chicken breast, air fry or bake instead of deep frying, and control the coating thickness. They’re lower in carbs and higher in protein than traditional fried snacks.

If you’re eating more balanced meals like healthy chicken salads throughout the week, a treat like this can be totally guilt-free.

What Are Fried Chips Called?
This depends on where you are! In the US, “chips” typically refer to thin, crunchy snacks like potato chips. But in the UK, “chips” mean what Americans call fries. When we say “fried chicken chips” here, we mean chicken that’s cut into thin, chip-sized slices—crispy like a chip, but made of meat.

So no confusion—these aren’t fries, and they aren’t just coated in chips. They are chip-sized pieces of chicken turned ultra crispy.

Why Fried Chicken Chips Are a Game-Changer

Fried chicken chips take the comfort of fried chicken and the snackable crunch of chips and fuse them into one crave-worthy bite. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and totally satisfying—whether you’re serving them as a party snack, a fun weeknight dinner, or a protein-packed treat.

If you’re already loving unique chicken recipes like chicken and pickle pizza or creamy pasta bakes, this recipe fits right into your flavor-loving kitchen style.

So grab your spices, heat up the oil (or the air fryer), and make a batch of fried chicken chips—you just might find your new favorite snack.

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