Indulge in the mouthwatering goodness of homemade crispy chicken strips! These golden-brown, crunchy delights are perfect for a family dinner or a game-day snack. Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and baked or fried to perfection, these chicken strips promise to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable meal!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Strips:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2-3 breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying) or non-stick cooking spray (for baking)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breasts into strips (about 1 inch wide).
- In a bowl, mix the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare the Breading Station:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking.
- Set up three shallow dishes:
- First dish: Place the flour, salt, and pepper.
- Second dish: Beat the eggs in a bowl.
- Third dish: Combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, letting the excess drip off.
- Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat with the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Cooking Methods:
- For Frying:
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot (about 350°F), fry the chicken strips in batches for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- For Baking:
- Place the breaded chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spray the tops with non-stick cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve:
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.