Craving that delicious Chick-fil-A taste but don't want to leave the house? This recipe lets you recreate the magic of those crispy, juicy chicken strips right in your own kitchen! It's easier than you think, and the result is a truly satisfying, homemade meal the whole family will love. This recipe offers quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights, and is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can easily make at home. Forget takeout – let's dive into this easy recipe for homemade Chick-fil-A style chicken strips!
Ingredients:
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For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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For the Breadcrumbs:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken strips and ensure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. This step is key to tender and juicy chicken strips.
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Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
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Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, press the coated chicken strip firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it's evenly coated.
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Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (around 350°F). Carefully place the breaded chicken strips in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
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Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken strips from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces – honey mustard, Chick-fil-A sauce (you can easily find recipes online!), or BBQ sauce are all excellent choices.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Use a thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is your best friend for ensuring the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Experiment with different herbs and spices!
Variations:
- Spicy Strips: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
- Baked Chicken Strips: For a healthier option, bake the chicken strips in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and specific ingredients used. It's best to use a nutritional calculator for a precise analysis once you've finalized your ingredient quantities. Generally, expect a higher calorie count due to frying, but the nutritional benefits of lean chicken remain.
This homemade Chick-fil-A chicken strip recipe is a delicious and satisfying alternative to takeout. It's a perfect example of healthy meals you can easily prepare at home. Enjoy the ease of this recipe and the delightful taste of homemade happiness!