Description: These Crispy Chicken Strips are perfectly seasoned, golden brown, and incredibly crunchy on the outside while tender and juicy on the inside. With a deliciously crispy coating and a savory flavor, they’re great for a quick weeknight meal, as a snack, or served with your favorite dipping sauce. A family-friendly dish that’s bound to please everyone!
Origin: Chicken strips, or chicken tenders, have become a popular dish in many cuisines, especially in American and Southern comfort food. They are typically made by breading and frying chicken, and while the exact origins are unclear, they’ve been a beloved fast food and homemade staple for decades.
Ingredients Quantity:
For the Chicken Strips:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (240g) panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Sweet and sour sauce
Instructions:
- Prep the chicken: If using chicken breasts, slice them into thin strips. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks better.
- Prepare the breading station: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first, place the flour. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, combine the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken strip first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well. Repeat until all chicken strips are coated.
- Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be about 1 inch deep. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F/175°C), carefully place the chicken strips into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the chicken: Remove the chicken strips from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chicken strips with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- For an extra crispy texture, double-coat the chicken by dipping it in the egg and breadcrumbs twice.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature to avoid soggy chicken.
- You can bake the chicken strips at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes if you prefer a healthier version (flip halfway through).
- To keep the chicken crispy, serve immediately after frying.
Recommendations:
- Pair the crispy chicken strips with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ for a flavor boost.
Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 600mg
