CRISPY CHICKEN STRIPS

 

Crispy Chicken Strips: Golden, Crunchy, and Totally Irresistible

Few things are as universally loved as a perfectly crispy chicken strip. Whether you're feeding picky eaters, prepping a casual family dinner, or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, Crispy Chicken Strips are a tried-and-true classic — and for good reason.

Golden on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, these chicken strips are everything you want in a comfort food favorite. And the best part? They're simple to make at home with just a few basic ingredients and some easy steps.

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🍗 Why You’ll Love These Crispy Chicken Strips

• Crispy perfection: The crunchy coating delivers big-time texture with every bite.

• Kid-friendly: Loved by kids and adults — great for lunchboxes or dipping dinners.

• Versatile: Bake them, fry them, or air-fry them — your choice.

• Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for later!

No more soggy fast food or mystery meat tenders — once you try these homemade chicken strips, there’s no going back.

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🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Strips:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders

• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

For the Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne (optional, for a kick)

For Cooking:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• Cooking spray (if baking or air frying)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Crispy Chicken Strips

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Slice chicken breasts into even strips, about 1-inch wide.

• In a bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

• Add chicken to the mixture and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for maximum tenderness).

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In a shallow bowl, combine flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off, then coat each strip in the dry mixture, pressing to adhere.

Step 3: Cook Your Chicken Strips

To Fry:

• Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).

• Fry chicken strips in batches for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

• Drain on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt.

To Bake:

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

• Place strips on a baking rack over a sheet pan, spray with oil.

• Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and fully cooked.

To Air Fry:

• Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

• Spray chicken with cooking oil and air-fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze fully cooked strips on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat from frozen in oven or air fryer.

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🥣 Sauce Pairing Ideas

These crispy chicken strips are great with:

• Honey mustard

• Ranch dressing

• Spicy mayo

• BBQ sauce

• Buffalo or hot sauce

Or serve with a trio of dips for a party platter!

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🥗 Serving Suggestions

• Pair with fries or a green salad for a complete meal.

• Use in wraps or sandwiches for easy lunch options.

• Serve with waffles for a fun “chicken and waffles” brunch twist.

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💬 Final Thoughts

Crispy Chicken Strips are the ultimate homemade comfort food — crunchy, juicy, and endlessly dippable. With simple ingredients and flexible cooking options, this recipe belongs in every home cook's go-to collection. Whether you're feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, these strips are guaranteed to satisfy every time.