These golden-brown delights are juicy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside, making them a family favorite. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or main course with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
For the chicken strips:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the breading:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (60g) cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For frying:
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
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Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken strips, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for extra flavor).
- Prepare the breading station:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, and all the seasonings for the breading. Mix well.
- Coat the chicken:
- Remove chicken strips from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the breading mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place coated strips on a plate.
- Heat the oil:
- In a deep frying pan or pot, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry the chicken:
- Fry the chicken strips in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with your favorite dips, such as honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
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Pro Tips
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken: return it to the buttermilk after the first breading, then coat it again in the breading mixture.
- Keep cooked chicken warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while frying the remaining batches.
- Leftovers? Reheat in an air fryer or oven to retain crispiness.
Enjoy your homemade crispy chicken strips! 🐔
- Marinate the chicken: