Crispy chicken strips are a popular and delicious finger food that’s perfect for snacking, as an appetizer, or even as a main dish. Here’s a simple recipe for making crispy chicken strips:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (you can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Cooking oil (vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil) for frying
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oil:
- Pour enough cooking oil into a large, deep skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot to have about 2 inches of oil in it.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat to about 350-375°F (175-190°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature, or you can test it by adding a small piece of bread or a breadcrumb. If it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is ready.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breasts into strips or tenders. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika if desired.
- Set up the Dredging Station:
- In three separate shallow bowls or plates, place the following:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Whisked eggs
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs
- In three separate shallow bowls or plates, place the following:
- Coat the Chicken Strips:
- Take each chicken strip and coat it first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well.
- Fry the Chicken Strips:
- Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil, a few at a time, depending on the size of your skillet or pot. Do not overcrowd the pan, as it can reduce the oil temperature and make the strips less crispy.
- Fry the chicken strips for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the strips.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the crispy chicken strips from the hot oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy chicken strips hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
Enjoy your homemade crispy chicken strips! They make a great snack, party appetizer, or a tasty addition to a meal.