Crispy chicken strips are a popular and delicious snack or meal option made from boneless chicken pieces that are breaded and deep-fried until they become golden brown and crispy. Here’s a basic recipe to make crispy chicken strips at home:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Strips:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (you can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works well).
For the Coating (Optional):
- You can add various seasonings or spices to the breadcrumbs to flavor the chicken strips. Some options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts or tenders into strips of your desired size. Season them with salt and pepper.
- Coating Station: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:
- Dish 1: Place the all-purpose flour.
- Dish 2: Beat the eggs to create an egg wash.
- Dish 3: Add the breadcrumbs (and any optional seasonings or spices) for the final coating.
- Coat the Chicken Strips:
- Dredge each chicken strip in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
- Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or a deep fryer, heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use enough oil to submerge the chicken strips.
- Fry the Chicken Strips: Carefully place the breaded chicken strips into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if necessary to maintain the oil’s temperature. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the strips.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the chicken strips from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chicken strips hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
- Crispy chicken strips are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. They are often enjoyed with fries, coleslaw, or a side salad for a complete meal. Feel free to customize the seasonings and dipping sauces to suit your taste preferences.