Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving crispy, flavorful chicken strips without the gluten? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe delivers delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy gluten-free chicken strips that the whole family will adore. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family meal, these chicken strips are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to ditch the takeout and embrace the joy of homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better.
Step 2: Make the Seasoning Mix
In a shallow dish, combine the gluten-free flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge the egg-coated chicken strip in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres evenly. Finally, coat the chicken strip in the gluten-free breadcrumbs, again pressing gently.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a breadcrumb dropped in should sizzle immediately), carefully place the breaded chicken strips in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs to gently turn the chicken strips.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Remove the cooked 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, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps create a crispy exterior.
- Let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before frying. This allows the breading to set.
- For extra crispy chicken, you can double-bread the chicken by repeating steps 3.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder to the flour mixture.
- Herby: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the flour mixture.
- Parmesan: Mix grated parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for a cheesy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. A serving size of approximately 3-4 chicken strips:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This gluten-free chicken strip recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional chicken strips. It's a simple recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights and a great way to enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal without compromising on taste or health. Enjoy!