Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, crispy, and satisfying, but short on time? Then look no further! This crispy chicken strips recipe is your answer. It's a simple, healthy meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family meal. Forget takeout – homemade crispy chicken strips are easier than you think, and infinitely tastier! This recipe delivers that perfect golden-brown crunch with juicy, tender chicken inside. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tender chicken)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs recommended for extra crispiness)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch strips. Ensure they're relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
Step 2: Season the Flour
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Pour the milk into a separate shallow dish. Dip each chicken strip into the milk, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge the milk-coated chicken strip in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the flour. Finally, coat the floured chicken strip in the breadcrumbs, again pressing gently.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of breadcrumbs sizzles immediately. Carefully place the breaded chicken strips in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs to turn the chicken strips.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken strips from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
Cooking Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in greasy chicken instead of crispy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken strips and the heat of your stove.
- Panko breadcrumbs: For extra crispy chicken strips, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a lighter, crispier coating.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Strips: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Parmesan Chicken Strips: Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for a cheesy twist.
- Baked Chicken Strips: For a healthier option, bake the chicken strips in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
This easy recipe makes a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will love. Enjoy your homemade crispy chicken strips! They're perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or even a party appetizer. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!