Fried Chicken Strips Recipe

Fried Chicken Strips Recipe: Crispy, Juicy, and Delicious

Fried chicken strips are a beloved dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or even a snack. Their crispy golden exterior paired with tender, juicy chicken inside makes them irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing snacks for a gathering, fried chicken strips are always a hit. In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step through making the best fried chicken strips, with pro tips and variations to suit every taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: This recipe is perfect for beginners or seasoned cooks looking for a quick meal. The steps are easy to follow, and the ingredients are kitchen staples.
• Crispy Coating: Achieve that perfect crunch on the outside while keeping the chicken moist inside.
• Versatile: You can serve fried chicken strips with a variety of dipping sauces or side dishes to customize your meal.

Let’s dive into the details and see how you can make the perfect fried chicken strips at home!

Ingredients

For this recipe, we will focus on easily available ingredients that most households already have. However, a few special touches ensure that these chicken strips will stand out.

For the Chicken Strips:

• 2 pounds of chicken breast (cut into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Vegetable oil for frying

For Dipping Sauce (Optional):

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon honey mustard
• A pinch of smoked paprika

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into strips that are about 1-inch wide. You want uniform strips to ensure even cooking.

1. Marination: Place the chicken strips in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture, resulting in juicier strips. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your breading station with three bowls.

1. Bowl 1: In the first bowl, whisk together the eggs.
2. Bowl 2: In the second bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Bowl 3: In the third bowl, mix breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended for their extra crunch, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if preferred.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Strips

Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to coat the strips. Follow these steps:

1. Flour Coat: Remove each chicken strip from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
2. Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured strip into the beaten eggs, making sure the entire strip is covered in egg wash.
3. Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the strip in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well to the chicken.

Repeat this process with all the chicken strips and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Strips

Now, it’s time to fry the chicken. You can use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed skillet for frying.

1. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into your skillet until it reaches about 1 to 1.5 inches deep. Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C). It’s important to maintain this temperature to get that crispy texture without overcooking the chicken.
2. Frying in Batches: Fry the chicken strips in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy strips. Fry each strip for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Drain and Rest: Once done, remove the strips and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain the excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Now that your chicken strips are crispy and golden, it’s time to serve them! You can pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, or a homemade dipping sauce like the one we’ve included in this recipe.

Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken Strips

• Marination Time: While 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating the chicken overnight gives the best flavor and texture.
• Use a Thermometer: Invest in a food thermometer to ensure your oil is at the correct frying temperature (350°F/175°C). This will ensure that your chicken strips cook evenly without becoming greasy or soggy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the strips in small batches to avoid reducing the oil temperature.
• Drain on a Wire Rack: Instead of paper towels, use a wire rack to drain your fried chicken strips. This keeps the bottom of the strips crispy, whereas paper towels can make them soggy.

Variations to Try

While classic fried chicken strips are amazing, there are endless ways to switch up the flavors. Here are a few ideas:

1. Spicy Chicken Strips

For a bit of a kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the flour mixture, or add chili powder. You can also drizzle the strips with hot sauce before serving.

2. Herb-Crusted Chicken Strips

Add dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for a herby twist. This adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs well with garlic or lemon aioli dipping sauces.

3. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Strips

For a cheesy variation, mix 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs. The cheese will add an umami flavor and extra crispiness to your strips.

4. Gluten-Free Option

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the recipe remains the same, but you’ll have crispy, gluten-free chicken strips that everyone can enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

Fried chicken strips are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few pairing ideas to make it a full meal:

• French Fries: A classic combo that never fails.
• Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy slaw complements the richness of the fried chicken.
• Mac and Cheese: Comfort food at its finest. The creamy cheese balances the crispy chicken strips.
• Salads: For a lighter option, pair the chicken strips with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Add a sweet twist to your meal by serving sweet potato fries with your chicken strips.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Note: Nutritional information can vary based on portion size and ingredients used.

Conclusion

Fried chicken strips are a simple yet crowd-pleasing dish. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make the crispiest, juiciest chicken strips at home. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, game day, or a casual snack, these fried chicken strips are guaranteed to be a hit. Experiment with flavors, pair them with your favorite sides, and enjoy!