CRISPY CHICKEN STRIPS

Crispy Chicken Strips are a classic favorite that’s perfect for kids and adults alike! Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or a main dish, these homemade chicken strips are golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor. They are made with tender chicken breast coated in a seasoned crispy breading that will make your taste buds sing. You can fry or bake them for a healthier option.

The crispy exterior paired with the juicy, tender chicken inside makes for the perfect balance of textures. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce for an added flavor punch.

Total Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: 4-6 servings
Difficulty Level: Easy

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Strips:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 chicken breasts)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk)
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch) or regular breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

For Frying:

• 2 cups vegetable oil (or enough to fill your frying pan about 1/2 inch deep)

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Equipment Needed:

• Shallow bowls (for breading station)
• Frying pan or skillet (for frying)
• Paper towels (for draining)
• Tongs or a fork (for turning chicken)
• Plate (for serving)
• Meat mallet or rolling pin (optional, for tenderizing the chicken)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1.1 Slice the Chicken

Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips. For more even cooking, slice the chicken into pieces that are around 1-inch wide. If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them out to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch).

1.2 Season the Chicken (Optional)

If you prefer, you can lightly season the chicken strips with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before breading them. This is optional, but it gives the chicken a boost of flavor from the inside out.

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Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

2.1 Flour Mixture

In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to mix the dry ingredients together.

2.2 Egg Mixture

In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk (or regular milk) until smooth. The milk helps the egg wash adhere better to the chicken.

2.3 Breadcrumb Mixture

In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (optional). The combination of panko and Parmesan creates a crispy, golden crust that’s packed with flavor.

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Step 3: Bread the Chicken

3.1 Coat with Flour

Dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Gently shake off any excess flour.

3.2 Dip in Egg Wash

Next, dip the floured chicken strip into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.

3.3 Coat with Breadcrumbs

Finally, coat the egg-washed chicken strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well. Repeat this process with the rest of the chicken strips.

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Step 4: Fry the Chicken Strips

4.1 Heat the Oil

In a large frying pan or skillet, heat about 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be about 1/2 inch deep in the pan. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of bread or breadcrumb into the oil. If it sizzles and browns in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready for frying.

4.2 Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the breaded chicken strips into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to fry the chicken in batches, depending on the size of your skillet. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4.3 Drain the Chicken

Once the chicken strips are crispy and golden, use tongs to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

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Step 5: Serve

Once all the chicken strips are fried, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried parsley for extra color and flavor.

Enjoy these crispy chicken strips on their own or as part of a meal with fries, a salad, or a side of vegetables!

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Tips and Notes

1. Air Fryer Option: If you prefer a healthier option, you can cook the chicken strips in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray. Cook the chicken strips for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. Freezing: You can bread the chicken strips ahead of time and freeze them for later. Lay the breaded chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the strips to a freezer bag for storage. When ready to cook, fry or air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
3. Flavored Breading: For extra flavor, you can add different spices or seasonings to the flour mixture. Try adding Italian seasoning, paprika, or cajun seasoning for a different twist.
4. Chicken Tenderloins: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken tenderloins for the chicken breasts. Tenderloins are already pre-cut into strips, making them perfect for this recipe.
5. Dipping Sauces: These chicken strips pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. Try Buffalo sauce for a spicy kick, honey mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor, or a classic ranch dressing for a creamy, cool dip.

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Conclusion

These Crispy Chicken Strips are the perfect combination of crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them irresistible for any meal. Whether you fry or air fry them, they are easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside your favorite sides, and you’ve got a delicious meal everyone will enjoy. Happy cooking!