Here’s an extra-crispy Chicken Strips recipe 🍗✨
Golden outside, juicy inside—perfect for dipping.
Crispy Chicken Strips
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Chicken
- 1½ lbs chicken breast, cut into strips
Marinade
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Breading
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (key for crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable or canola oil
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken strips in a bowl.
- Add buttermilk, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
(up to 8 hours for extra tenderness).
2. Prepare the Breading
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Remove chicken from marinade (let excess drip off).
- Dredge each strip in the flour mixture.
- Press firmly so the coating sticks well.
- Place coated strips on a tray and let rest 5 minutes
(this helps the coating stay on while frying).
4. Heat the Oil
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Oil should be deep enough to submerge the strips halfway.
5. Fry the Chicken
- Fry chicken in batches (do not overcrowd).
- Cook 3–4 minutes per side, until:
- Golden brown
- Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Remove and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
6. Serve Hot
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
- Honey mustard
- Ranch
- BBQ sauce
- Ketchup
- Spicy mayo
Tips for Extra Crunch
- Cornstarch is essential—don’t skip it.
- Keep oil temperature steady.
- Fry in small batches.
- For ultra-crispy strips, double-dip (back into marinade, then flour again).
Oven or Air Fryer Option
- Oven: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes, flipping once.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F (205°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
If you want spicy chicken strips, baked only, or fast-food-style seasoning, just tell me 😄