Chicken Fried Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed in your life—until now! Imagine tender, marinated potato slices, wrapped in a spiced, extra-crackly coating that would make any fried chicken jealous. Whether you serve them as a party snack, cozy side, or unforgettable main dish, these crave-worthy spuds are about to become your new obsession.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Crunchy Coating: Each “potato cutlet” fries up with the signature ridges and crunch you usually find on fried chicken.
- Packed With Flavor: A buttermilk marinade infuses the potatoes with bold, savory notes and spices in every bite.
- Crowd Pleaser: Chicken Fried Potatoes always disappear in minutes at gatherings because they hit that magical spot between nostalgic and new.
- Endlessly Versatile: Dip them, snack them, pile onto plates—these potatoes work as appetizer, side, or main!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s celebrate simplicity: this recipe relies on classic, humble ingredients that each play a starring role. From the sturdy russets that crisp up perfectly to the tangy buttermilk and punchy spices, every element brings flavor, texture, or color to your Chicken Fried Potatoes.
- Russet or Maris Piper Potatoes (500g / 1lb): These varieties give you fluffy, tender interiors with loads of crunch after frying—slice them 1/4” thick for best results.
- Buttermilk (300ml / 1 1/4 cups): Soaks into the potatoes, making them succulent and helping all those spices cling; if you can’t find buttermilk, see my notes for easy alternatives!
- Salt: Loads of flavor, inside and out, while making the potatoes delicious in every bite.
- Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, White Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: These marinade spices pack the potatoes with layered savoriness and a kick of heat.
- Plain/All-Purpose Flour (225g / 1 1/2 cups): Provides the foundation for that ultra-crispy, chicken-fried crust.
- Baking Powder: A secret weapon in the batter for extra lift and crunch.
- Oregano: Adds a subtle herby lift and aroma to the crust.
- Black Pepper: Nods to classic fried chicken; don’t skip this (unless you must).
- Vegetable Oil (for deep frying): Choose a neutral, high-heat oil like vegetable or sunflower for gorgeously crisp potatoes and a clean finish.
Variations
One of the best parts about Chicken Fried Potatoes is how easy they are to personalize. Whether you need them gluten-free or want to amp up the heat, there are endless ways to swap and experiment—don’t be afraid to make them your own!
- Spicy Jalapeño Remix: Toss a handful of chopped pickled jalapeños into the marinade for an extra punch of heat and tang.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of wheat flour for a crispy, wheat-free version.
- Herb-Packed Batter: Add a tablespoon of dried Italian herbs, or mix in extra fresh chopped parsley or chives to the crust for a fragrant, green flecked twist.
- Sweet Potato Swap: Replace half (or all) the russets with sweet potato slices for a sweet-and-savory play and sunnier color.
How to Make Chicken Fried Potatoes
Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Potatoes
Carefully slice your potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds—thickness is key for that dreamy center-to-crust ratio! In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and all the marinade spices. Add the potatoes, tossing well to coat every piece in the seasoned liquid. Cover tightly and let them soak in the fridge for at least 3 hours, tossing halfway if you can—this draws flavor deep into the spuds and makes the texture unbelievably tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Batter
While the potatoes marinate, combine flour, baking powder, and all the coating spices in a large mixing bowl. For signature craggly edges, scoop a few tablespoons of the marinade into the flour and use your fingertips to rub it in, forming tiny lumps. These little flour clusters are golden ticket to an extra-crunchy, chicken-fried crust!
Step 3: Dredge Each Potato
Individually coat the marinated potato slices in your seasoned flour, pressing firmly so every piece is totally covered. Use extra buttermilk from the bowl as needed to create those iconic crunchy bits—don’t be shy, a thick, lumpy coating is your friend here. Set the battered slices aside on a large tray in a single layer while you finish the rest.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crisp
Heat your oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C)—a thermometer helps keep it perfect. Gently add potato slices in small batches (5-6 at a time), separating them as soon as they hit the oil. Fry for about 5 minutes, until the coating goes deep golden and audibly crisp. Transfer cooked potatoes to a wire rack set over paper towels so they stay shatteringly crunchy—never directly on paper towels or they might steam and go soggy. Repeat with all the potato slices, letting the oil return to temp between batches.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Sprinkle the finished Chicken Fried Potatoes with a little more salt while they’re hot—taste a tester to check. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and extra garnishes for the ultimate treat!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Fried Potatoes
- Marinating Magic: A full 3-hour soak in the buttermilk marinade transforms plain potatoes into flavor bombs—shorter marinating won’t give the same tenderness or depth.
- Craggly Coating Secret: Mixing a bit of the marinade directly into the flour is the trick to those classic chicken-fried, extra crunchy bits!
- Oil Temperature Control: Fry in small batches and allow the oil to return to temperature between rounds for consistently crisp results (aim for 350°F/175°C).
- Wire Rack Finish: Always let the potatoes drain and cool on a wire rack—not just paper towels—to keep the crust crunchy, not soggy.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Potatoes
Garnishes
Take your Chicken Fried Potatoes over the top with fresh, bright garnishes. Try a dusting of chopped chives or parsley, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a little grated parm for salty depth. For an extra punch, top each piece with a thin pickle or gherkin slice—trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Side Dishes
These potatoes pair perfectly with all your classic comfort sides: think crisp green salads, creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or even a fried egg if you’re brunching. Don’t forget plenty of dips—like blue cheese, Sriracha mayo, or sour cream and chive—to keep every bite exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve Chicken Fried Potatoes on a big platter with dipping sauces in the center (let guests DIY!). Try stacking them on skewers for a fun pub-style snack, or build an “ultimate loaded” tray with bacon bits, scallions, and drizzled hot sauce for showstopping game day vibes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled Chicken Fried Potatoes in a single layer inside an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their flavor and some crisp for up to 2 days, though they’re best fresh.
Freezing
Freezing works surprisingly well! Lay fully cooled potatoes on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to zip-top bags. This keeps your Chicken Fried Potatoes from sticking together and lets you grab just what you want later.
Reheating
To bring back the crunch, reheat the potatoes on a wire rack in a hot oven (400°F/200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or in an air fryer for 3-5 minutes. Microwaving will soften the crust, so avoid that if possible.
FAQs
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Can I make Chicken Fried Potatoes without buttermilk?
Yes! If buttermilk isn’t available, try mixing 3/4 cup plain yogurt with 1/4 cup milk, or use 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes to thicken and use as you would buttermilk.
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Do I need a deep fryer for this recipe?
No deep fryer needed—a heavy-bottomed deep pot and a thermometer are all you really need. Just be sure the oil is deep enough to allow the potatoes to float freely for that even, shatteringly crisp finish.
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How do I keep Chicken Fried Potatoes crispy after frying?
Let them rest on a wire rack set over paper towels; never put them directly on napkins or plates where steam can soften the crust. Serve immediately or keep warm in a single layer in a low oven.
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Can I prepare Chicken Fried Potatoes ahead of time?
You can marinate and batter the potatoes a few hours in advance, but only fry just before serving for best texture. Fried potatoes can be reheated, but nothing beats them hot and fresh from the oil.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Fried Potatoes are pure joy wrapped in a golden, crispy shell—the kind of dish that puts big smiles on faces, no matter the occasion. Go on, give them a try and watch them become an instant favorite at your table!
PrintChicken Fried Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Frying
- Method: Stovetop
Description
These Chicken Fried Potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor. They make a perfect side dish or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 500g / 1lb Russets/Maris Pipers
- 300ml / 1 1/4 cups Buttermilk (see notes)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp EACH: Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, White Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder
Batter:
- 225g / 1 1/2 cups Plain/All Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt, plus more to serve if desired
- 1 tsp EACH: Baking Powder, Oregano, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 750ml – 1 litre / 3-4 cups Vegetable Oil, for deep frying (see notes)
Instructions
- Thinly slice the potatoes to 1/4″ / 0.6cm thickness.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and seasoning for the batter. Scoop out 3 tbsp of the marinade and stir into the flour until lumps form. Coat the potatoes in the flour, pressing it in and using excess buttermilk to create flaky bits.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 175C/350F. Fry potatoes in batches for 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
- Serve with salt and your favorite dip.
In a medium-sized bowl combine the buttermilk with the ‘marinade’ seasoning and spices. Stir in the potatoes until well-coated, then tightly cover with cling film. Leave to marinate in the fridge for 3 hours, preferably tossing now and then.
Notes
- Buttermilk alternatives and marinating times provided in the notes.
- Use oil with a high smoking point for frying.
- Recommended dipping sauces and serving suggestions included.
- Recipe inspired by Spoon Fork Bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 400 calories
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 2mg