Crispy Chicken Strips are a beloved comfort food, perfect for everything from family dinners to party appetizers. These golden-brown, crunchy tenders are made with a flavorful breading that locks in the juiciness of the chicken while delivering a satisfying crunch. Whether baked or fried, these strips are easy to make and can be customized with different seasonings and coatings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Strips:
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- Marinade:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Cooking Oil: Vegetable oil for frying (if frying)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional Sauces: Ranch, BBQ, or spicy sriracha mayo
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts into uniform strips, about ½ inch thick.
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Submerge the chicken strips in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk to create an egg wash.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge.
- Dip each strip into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally back into the flour mixture for a double coating.
- Place the coated chicken on a tray and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to help the breading adhere.
Step 4: Cooking Methods
Frying Method:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken strips in batches for 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Baking Method:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet.
- Spray lightly with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange the crispy chicken strips on a platter.
- Serve with honey mustard sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Enjoy the crunchy, juicy goodness!
For more variations, you can explore different recipes like this one or this version. Happy cooking! 🍗🔥