Start by making the garlic aioli sauce. Preheat your oven to 375° F. Take the halved garlic bulb and place it in the center of a double layer of foil. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt on top. Wrap the foil around the garlic and place it on a small rimmed pan. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and golden brown.
Once the garlic is roasted, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a medium bowl. Use a fork to mash them into a paste. Add in the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to use; you can even make this several hours in advance or the day before.
Now it’s time to prepare the Chicken Fries. Slice the chicken breast into thin strips, about half an inch wide, mimicking a French fry shape. This is crucial for achieving that classic look and texture.
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Season the chicken strips generously with this spice mixture. Make sure every piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
Next, prepare your breading station. In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well beaten. In a second bowl, add the flour. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. This three-step process is key to achieving that crispy coating!
Coat each chicken strip in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip each strip in the beaten eggs, then transfer to the bowl with breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is fully coated, pressing down gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
In a large skillet, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the skillet by one inch over medium heat. You want the oil to reach about 350° F before adding the chicken.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken strips, being cautious not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for about two to four minutes per side, turning as needed until the chicken fries are cooked through and have a crispy, golden brown exterior.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain the oil's temperature.
Serve your delicious Chicken Fries hot, paired with that delectable garlic aioli sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy each bite and relish in the delightful crunch!
