The smell of freshly fried chicken strips wafts through the air, crisp and golden, enticing everyone nearby. Just imagine that first bite—juicy chicken encased in a crunchy coating, an explosion of flavor with every crunch.
Growing up, these chicken strips were our family’s go-to for movie nights. The excitement of hearing that sizzle as they hit the oil was only matched by the joyful chaos of sharing them around the couch, dipping them in ranch or honey mustard.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken strips recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- Each bite bursts with flavor thanks to a perfect blend of spices
- Visually appealing with their golden crust, these strips are sure to impress at any gathering
- They are versatile enough to serve as a snack, main course, or party appetizer
I still remember the first time I made these chicken strips for my friends. Their enthusiastic compliments made me feel like a gourmet chef—even though I was just following this simple recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose about 3-4 breasts; adjust based on your crowd size for maximum enjoyment.
-
Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken and adds a rich flavor; it’s worth it to use real buttermilk.
-
All-Purpose Flour: Use this for coating; it creates a crispy exterior that everyone loves.
-
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add extra crunch and texture; don’t skip them for that perfect bite!
-
Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder): Customize to your liking; they elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
For the Sauce:
-
Honey Mustard Sauce: Mix equal parts honey and mustard for a sweet and tangy dip that pairs perfectly with the strips.
-
Ranch Dressing: A classic choice; its creaminess complements the crispy chicken wonderfully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless chicken breasts into even strips. This ensures they cook evenly and gives everyone plenty to enjoy.
Marinate in Buttermilk: Place your chicken in a bowl and cover it with buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to become juicy and flavorful.
Prepare Your Coating Station: Set up three bowls: one with seasoned flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with panko breadcrumbs mixed with spices. This makes breading effortless!
Dredge and Coat Your Strips: Take each marinated strip and dredge it first in flour, then dip into egg before finally coating it in panko breadcrumbs. Press lightly to ensure it sticks well.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add your coated strips and fry until golden brown on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side should do.
Drain and Serve Hot!: Once cooked, remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistibly tasty experience!
You Must Know
- The chicken strips recipe can be a family favorite that’s fun to make
- The crunchiness on the outside paired with tenderness inside makes each bite delightful
- Perfect for dipping, they are sure to please even picky eaters
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in your favorite spices, then bread it before frying or baking for crispy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until crispy again, about 10-15 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For maximum crunch, double-dip your chicken strips in egg and breadcrumbs
- Make sure oil is hot enough before frying to prevent sogginess
- Always let them rest after cooking to keep them juicy and tender
The first time I made this chicken strips recipe, my kids declared it “the best dinner ever”—a compliment I still cherish!
FAQ
What is the best way to season chicken strips?
Use a mix of garlic powder, paprika, and salt for a flavorful kick.
Can I bake instead of fry chicken strips?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
How do I keep chicken strips crispy after cooking?
Place them on a wire rack instead of paper towels after cooking to maintain crispiness.
Crispy Fried Chicken Strips
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Freshly fried chicken strips are a family favorite, boasting a crispy golden crust and juicy interior. Perfect for movie nights, game day, or gatherings, these delicious strips are easy to make and even easier to enjoy with your favorite dips. With the right blend of spices and a crispy coating, each bite is sure to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup honey mustard sauce (mix equal parts honey and mustard)
- ½ cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into even strips.
- Marinate in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Set up three bowls: one with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with spices.
- Dredge each strip in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the strips for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 strips (150g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
