Crispy Fried Chicken strips are the perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken coated in a golden, crunchy crust. It is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, It is perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce or enjoying on their own.
Why You’ll Love Fried Chicken Strips
Fried chicken strips are a classic favorite because they combine tender, juicy chicken with a crispy, flavorful coating. They’re easy to make, versatile, and can be paired with just about anything—from dipping sauces to sides like fries, salads, or rice. Plus, they can be customized with different seasonings, marinades, and breading techniques to suit your personal preferences.
Key Highlights:
- Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Can be customized with different seasonings.
- Easy to prepare at home with simple ingredients.
- Great for lunch, dinner, or parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Fried Chicken Strips
For this recipe, you’ll need just a few staple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate fried chicken strips:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best option for making chicken strips. You can also use thighs for a more juicy option, but breasts provide a leaner, milder taste.
- Buttermilk: This is key to making your chicken strips super tender and flavorful. It helps marinate the chicken, breaking down the fibers and adding moisture.
- Flour: For the breading, you’ll need all-purpose flour. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture will make your chicken coating extra crispy.
- Baking Powder: This helps make the batter light and airy, contributing to that crispy texture.
- Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne will bring out the flavor of your chicken strips. You can adjust the spices to your liking.
- Eggs: These help the flour mixture adhere to the chicken.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying, you’ll need oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Tips and Tricks for the Crispiest Fried Chicken Strips
Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: Marinating your chicken in buttermilk not only makes it tender but also gives the strips a great flavor base.
Double-Coating: For an extra crispy crust, dip the chicken in the flour mixture twice. This will ensure a thicker, crunchier coating.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying—this ensures the chicken cooks quickly and crisps up without absorbing too much oil. If the oil cools down, the coating can become soggy.
Use Cornstarch: The cornstarch in the flour mixture contributes to the crunchiness. Don’t skip it for that signature crispy texture.
Variations on Fried Chicken Strips
While the classic fried chicken strips recipe is a favorite, there are plenty of variations to make the dish your own. Here are a few ideas:
Spicy Fried Chicken Strips: Add more cayenne or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for extra heat. You can even toss the fried strips in a spicy buffalo sauce after frying.
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Strips: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the flour mixture for a cheesy, savory twist.
Gluten-Free Chicken Strips: Use a gluten-free flour blend or crushed rice cereal for the breading to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Baked Chicken Strips: If you’re looking for a healthier version, bake the breaded chicken strips at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Serve Fried Chicken Strips
Fried chicken strips are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas:
- With Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a spicy buffalo sauce.
- On a Salad: Add crispy chicken strips to a fresh salad for a satisfying meal. Try a Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- As a Sandwich: Place the chicken strips in a toasted bun with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and your favorite sauce for a delicious chicken sandwich.
- With Sides: Serve with classic sides like fries, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or even steamed vegetables.
How to Store Fried Chicken Strips
If you have any leftover fried chicken strips, don’t worry—they can be stored and enjoyed later. Here’s how:
- In the Refrigerator: Place the fried chicken strips in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: To freeze, place the chicken strips on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, bake the chicken strips at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until they’re heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for chicken strips?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful option. Just make sure to trim any excess fat and cut the thighs into strips.
2. How do I make my fried chicken strips extra crispy?
For maximum crispiness, double-coat the chicken, use cornstarch in the flour mixture, and maintain a high frying temperature.
3. Can I make these chicken strips ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread and freeze the chicken strips before frying. Just freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-lock bag. When you’re ready to cook, fry them straight from the freezer!
4. What’s the best oil for frying chicken?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all great choices for frying. They have high smoke points and neutral flavors, making them perfect for frying chicken.
Fried Chicken Strips
Crispy Fried Chicken strips are the perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken coated in a golden, crunchy crust. It is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, It is perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce or enjoying on their own.
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds chicken tenders (or 2 large boneless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch strips)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten with 2 tbsp water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Fill a skillet with about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat.
- In one bowl, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. In another, beat the egg and water together.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shake off excess, then dip into the egg and back into the flour.
- Set the chicken aside for 5 minutes to let the coating set.
- Ensure the oil is around 365°F-375°F. To test, drop a little flour into the oil—if it sizzles, it’s ready!
- Add 4-5 pieces of chicken at a time, frying for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Flip to brown on both sides.
- Transfer the cooked chicken strips to a paper towel-lined plate, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 723Total Fat: 34gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 1784mgCarbohydrates: 64gFiber: 3gSugar: 1gProtein: 39g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Fried chicken strips are a classic, comfort food dish that is both easy to make and full of flavor. With a little preparation and attention to detail, you can create crispy, tender strips that are sure to impress. Whether you’re making them for dinner or serving them at a party, fried chicken strips will always be a hit. Try out some of the variations and tips we’ve shared to make your fried chicken strips even better.
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