Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breasts into strips, about 1 inch wide. Try to make them as uniform as possible for even cooking.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

1. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
2. Whisk the Eggs: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
3. Set Up Breadcrumbs: Place the breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. If you’re using panko breadcrumbs, they will give your chicken strips an extra crunch!

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Strips

1. Dredge in Flour: Take a chicken strip and coat it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Dip in Egg Mixture: Next, dip the floured chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Finally, roll the chicken strip in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the chicken. Repeat this process for all the chicken strips.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Strips

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
2. Fry the Chicken Strips: Working in batches, carefully place the breaded chicken strips in the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
3. Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the chicken strips to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare Dipping Sauce (Optional)

1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Step 6: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve the crispy chicken strips hot, with the dipping sauce on the side. They pair wonderfully with fries, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauce like barbecue or ranch dressing.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken Strips

• Marinate for Extra Flavor: For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken strips in buttermilk for a few hours or overnight before breading. This also helps keep the chicken juicy.
• Bake Instead of Frying: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the chicken strips in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the flour mixture for a unique twist. Try Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, or even grated Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumbs.

Conclusion

Crispy chicken strips are a delightful and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or as a party appetizer, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results. With their crunchy exterior and juicy interior, these chicken strips are bound to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this crowd-pleasing favorite!