Crispy Chicken Cheese Cones Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Chicken Cheese Cones are a fun and flavorful twist on fried chicken that fit perfectly in a waffle cone. These handheld treats combine crunchy, spicy chicken with fresh veggies and melted cheese, making them a delightful snack or meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 6 waffle cones
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
2. Step 2: Place the beaten eggs in a separate bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in another bowl for dredging.
3. Step 3: Dip the chicken pieces first into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat them evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until hot enough for frying.
5. Step 5: Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Step 6: Warm the waffle cones in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2 minutes to crisp them up.
7. Step 7: Mix the hot sauce into the mayonnaise and spread a layer of this sauce inside each waffle cone.
8. Step 8: Fill each cone with shredded lettuce, then add the crispy chicken pieces, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomato, and chopped cilantro to finish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for 30 minutes before coating.
• Substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• If you prefer baked chicken, bake the coated pieces at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes instead of frying.
• Add sliced avocado or pickled jalapeños inside the cones for additional texture and taste.

Storage

Store leftover crispy chicken separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep it crispy. It’s best to assemble the cones fresh before serving to maintain the waffle cone’s crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cone instead of waffle cones?

Yes, you can try sturdy bread cones or taco shells, but waffle cones provide the ideal balance of sweetness and crunch that complements the chicken.

How do I keep the chicken crispy when assembling the cones?

To keep the chicken crispy, make sure it’s well-drained on paper towels after frying and assemble the cones just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Crispy Chicken Cheese Cones Recipe

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Crispy Chicken Cheese Cones are a fun and delicious handheld snack featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a flavorful seasoned crust, nestled inside warm, crunchy waffle cones. Topped with a spicy mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, diced tomato, and cilantro, these cones offer a perfect blend of textures and flavors for a unique and satisfying treat.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Coating

• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

Cones and Toppings

• 6 waffle cones
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Prepare the coating mix: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure all spices are evenly distributed.
2. Set up coating stations: Place the beaten eggs in a separate bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in another bowl to create an assembly line for dredging the chicken pieces.
3. Coat the chicken: Dredge the chicken pieces first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip them into the beaten eggs, and finally coat them thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even layer for maximum crispiness.
4. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C), suitable for deep frying.
5. Fry the chicken: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil for approximately 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Crisp the waffle cones: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the waffle cones on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 2 minutes to crisp them up and enhance their texture.
7. Prepare the spicy mayo: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and hot sauce until well combined. Spread a layer inside each warmed waffle cone to add moisture and flavor.
8. Assemble the cones: Layer shredded lettuce into each cone, then add the crispy fried chicken pieces, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken, add diced tomato, and finish with chopped cilantro for freshness and color.

Notes

• Ensure oil temperature is maintained at medium-high for proper frying to achieve a crispy crust without greasy chicken.
• Waffle cones can be substituted with sturdy bread cones if desired, but warming them enhances crispiness.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the mayonnaise to suit your preferred spice level.
• The chicken pieces should be bite-sized for easy eating and better coating adherence.
• Use fresh, crisp lettuce to add crunch and balance the richness of the fried chicken and cheese.

Keywords: crispy chicken cones, fried chicken recipe, waffle cone snacks, chicken cheese cones, spicy mayo chicken, handheld chicken snack