These crispy chicken strips are golden, crunchy, and irresistibly juicy, making them the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these tender, flavorful strips are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in buttermilk, and fried to perfection. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Strips
- 1 lb chicken breast tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to tenderize the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder.
- Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
Step 3: Fry to Perfection
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Serve alongside the crispy chicken strips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Crispy: The cornstarch and baking powder create an extra-crunchy coating.
- Juicy & Flavorful: The buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken tender and moist.
- Easy & Versatile: Serve with fries, salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy these Crispy Chicken Strips, a delicious homemade version of a classic favorite! 🍗🔥
You can explore more variations of this recipe here or here.