Name: Homemade BBQ Chips Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large russet potato (6-8 ounces), peeled or unpeeled; 3/4 cup cold water; 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder; Frying oil (vegetable or peanut), enough to fill a fryer or for brushing slices if baking

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If you’ve ever craved that irresistible smoky, sweet, and spicy crunch from a bag of chips but wished it were fresher, healthier, and made with love at home, then you are about to adore this Homemade BBQ Chips Recipe. These chips are the perfect blend of crispy russet potato slices seasoned to perfection with a vibrant BBQ spice mix that sings of paprika, garlic, and just the right touch of chili heat. Whether you fry or bake them, you’ll end up with a batch that’s incredibly addictive, delightfully flavorful, and so much better than anything store-bought.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Homemade BBQ Chips Recipe - Recipe Image

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list here—it’s surprisingly simple! Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect BBQ chip, delivering that balance of smokiness, sweetness, and a little hint of heat. You’ll also notice how the choice of potato and spices impacts the texture and color, making these chips both beautiful and delicious.

Russet potato: The star of the show, its starchy texture crisps up beautifully, giving you that classic chip crunch.
Cold water: For soaking the potato slices to remove excess starch, ensuring maximum crispiness.
Smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky flavor that defines the BBQ taste.
Onion powder: Provides a gentle, savory background note without overpowering the chips.
Brown sugar: Brings subtle sweetness to balance the smoky and spicy elements.
Garlic powder: Infuses a rich, earthy undertone that enhances overall flavor.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Chili powder: Offers just a hint of heat to give your chips a lively finish.
Frying oil: Use vegetable or peanut oil for frying, or brush slices with oil if baking to ensure even cooking and crispness.

How to Make Homemade BBQ Chips Recipe

Step 1: Slice the Potatoes Thinly

Grab a mandoline slicer if you have one, or carefully use a sharp knife to slice your russet potato into thin rounds roughly 1/10 inch thick. The key here is uniformity; you don’t want slices so thin they’re translucent but thin enough to become perfectly crispy after cooking.

Step 2: Soak and Dry Your Slices

Place the potato slices into a bowl and cover them completely with cold water. This step is vital as it helps wash away excess starch, preventing chips from sticking together and becoming gummy. Soak for 30 minutes, then drain and make sure to pat each slice completely dry before moving on.

Step 3: Mix Your BBQ Spice Blend

Combine smoked paprika, onion powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and chili powder in a bowl or large freezer bag. This aromatic seasoning will coat your chips, infusing every bite with that unmistakable barbecue flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Chips

Here, you can decide whether to fry or bake your chips. For frying, heat oil in a deep fryer or pan to 350°F and fry batches of potato slices until golden and crisp, roughly 3 to 5 minutes per batch. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F, place the oiled potato slices in a single layer on greased baking sheets, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 5: Season and Cool

Once your chips are cooked and still warm, toss them in your prepared spice mixture. The warmth helps the seasoning stick perfectly. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to crisp up further before enjoying.

How to Serve Homemade BBQ Chips Recipe

A white bowl filled with light brown, thin, round potato chips stacked in layers, showing crispy texture and slight golden spots on the edges. The bowl rests on a green cloth placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a blurred white bowl with a creamy light yellow dip and wooden spoons, adding a soft contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these chips are fantastic on their own, you can elevate the experience with simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Adding herbs adds a fresh contrast to the smoky spices and introduces a pop of color to your presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve these chips alongside your favorite burgers, grilled chicken, or even a bright, tangy coleslaw. The robust BBQ flavor pairs beautifully with creamy dips or cooling yogurt-based sauces, creating a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting party snack, arrange your Homemade BBQ Chips Recipe in a large rustic bowl or corrugated paper cones. You can also layer them in a large platter interspersed with small bowls of ranch, guacamole, or salsa for a fun, interactive snack experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover chips (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their crispness while preventing the seasoning from fading. Avoid refrigerating as moisture can soften the chips.

Freezing

While it’s not recommended to freeze the cooked chips because they lose crispiness, you can freeze the sliced, soaked, and dried potatoes before cooking. Freeze them flat on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag to freeze longer. When ready, cook straight from frozen for convenience.

Reheating

To revive any chips that have lost their crunch, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make chips soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Russet potatoes work best due to their high starch content, which crisps up nicely. Waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes tend to stay softer and might not achieve the perfect crunch.

Is it better to fry or bake these chips?

Frying provides a faster, crispier result with a classic chip texture, but baking is a healthier alternative that still yields satisfying crispness if you brush the slices with oil and keep an eye on timing.

How do I ensure my chips are not greasy after frying?

Make sure to drain the chips thoroughly on a cooling rack or paper towels immediately after frying. This helps excess oil drip away, preventing sogginess.

Can I adjust the spice levels?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more chili powder for heat or increase the brown sugar for sweetness to suit your palate. This Homemade BBQ Chips Recipe is very adaptable.

How long do homemade chips stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they usually last 2-3 days at room temperature while maintaining good crispness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making snacks from scratch, especially ones as crave-worthy as this Homemade BBQ Chips Recipe. It’s a simple yet impressive way to bring that BBQ magic right into your kitchen. Whether you share them at gatherings or enjoy a cozy night in, these chips will quickly become a beloved favorite. Give them a try, and get ready to impress your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share them with you!