Crispy Chicken Strips are a classic favorite that everyone loves! They’re crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces. Here’s a simple, crispy chicken strip recipe that you can easily make at home:
Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips, about 1 inch wide)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Directions:
- Prep the chicken:
- Slice the chicken breasts into strips, aiming for 1-inch wide pieces. You can also gently pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Prepare the coating stations:
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk (or buttermilk).
- In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan (if using).
- Coat the chicken:
- Dredge each chicken strip first in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well to the surface.
- Fry the chicken strips:
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small amount of breadcrumbs in—it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the chicken strips in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each strip for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy chicken strips immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Tips:
- For Extra Crispy Chicken: Double-coat the chicken by dipping the strips back into the egg mixture and breadcrumb mixture for an even thicker, crunchier coating.
- Baking Option: If you prefer baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Add Spice: If you want to add some extra heat, toss the cooked chicken strips in a bit of buffalo sauce or drizzle with sriracha mayo.
These Crispy Chicken Strips are perfect for a weeknight meal, a party snack, or even a homemade chicken tender platter! Enjoy!