Looking for the ultimate fried chicken strips recipe? You’ve come to the right place! Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these chicken strips are a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Whether for a family meal or a party appetizer, this recipe offers golden perfection that pairs perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken strips in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Fried Chicken Strips Recipe
- Crispy perfection: Achieve perfectly crispy chicken strips with a seasoned flour coating.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Kid-approved: These fried chicken strips are sure to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
- Customizable: Change up the seasonings or use your favorite dips to make this recipe your own.
- Versatile: Perfect for game days, family dinners, or as a snack.
What You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients for the ultimate fried chicken strips recipe:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Dipping sauces of your choice (ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, etc.)
Tools for This Fried Chicken Strips Recipe
- Large skillet or deep fryer: For frying the chicken strips.
- Tongs: Essential for flipping the chicken during frying.
- Paper towels: To drain excess oil after frying.
- Whisk: To blend the egg mixture.
- Shallow dishes: For dredging the chicken in flour and eggs.
- Meat thermometer: To ensure your chicken strips reach the perfect temperature of 165°F.
How to Make Fried Chicken Strips
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into evenly sized strips. This ensures they cook evenly.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station
- In one shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In another shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
3. Bread the Chicken
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Then coat the chicken strips in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the flour sticks.
4. Fry the Chicken Strips
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. If you have a deep fryer, set it to the same temperature.
- Carefully place the chicken strips in the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each strip for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F).
- Transfer the cooked chicken strips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken Strips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop, which ensures crispy results.
- Check the oil temperature: Keeping the oil at 350°F is key to frying the chicken strips evenly and preventing them from getting greasy.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to guarantee they’re fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest the chicken strips: Let the strips drain on paper towels for a minute or two to remove any excess oil before serving.
Ingredients for Fried Chicken Strips
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Dipping sauces of your choice
Instructions for Making Fried Chicken Strips
Step 1: Cut and Prepare Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts into strips and set aside.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
- In one shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In another shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
Step 3: Bread Chicken Strips
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, then dredge in the seasoned flour until fully coated.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken Strips
- Heat the oil in a large skillet to 350°F.
- Fry the chicken strips in batches for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internally).
Step 5: Drain and Serve
- Remove the chicken strips from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
What to Serve with Fried Chicken Strips
- French fries: A classic combo that never fails.
- Coleslaw: The cool, tangy flavors of coleslaw complement the crispy chicken.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair well with fried chicken for a hearty meal.
- Salad: A light, fresh salad balances the richness of the fried chicken.
- Corn on the cob: Add some buttery corn for a complete meal.
Leftovers and Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Fried chicken strips can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for the best results.
- Reheating: To keep the chicken crispy, reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or use an air fryer to crisp them up in just a few minutes.
With this fried chicken strips recipe, you’ll achieve crispy perfection every time. Whether for a family dinner, snack, or game day treat, these chicken strips are easy to make and packed with flavor. Follow this perfection recipe and enjoy delicious, crispy fried chicken strips in just a few simple steps!