The Best Chicken Strip Recipe – Golden, Crunchy, and Homemade

Looking for a recipe that’s crispy, juicy, and irresistibly delicious? This Chicken Strip Recipe delivers perfectly golden strips of tender chicken that are easy to make and loved by all ages. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a quick snack, these homemade chicken strips are a guaranteed hit.

From crispy coatings to flavorful marinades, this recipe gives you the ultimate guide to recreating restaurant-quality chicken strips right in your kitchen. Ready to make a batch that everyone will rave about? Let’s get started!

Chicken Strip Recipe Overview: Prep Time, Ingredients & Highlights

Here’s a quick overview of what makes this Chicken Strip Recipe a must-try:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Recipe Highlights

1. Crispy Perfection: Achieve a golden, crunchy coating that’s just like your favorite restaurant-style chicken strips.
2. Juicy and Tender: The chicken stays moist and flavorful with the perfect balance of seasonings.
3. Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose between frying, baking, or air frying to suit your preference. Looking to amp up the flavor? Check out our Chicken Air Fryer Seasoning Secrets: Bold Flavors Made Easy for bold and creative seasoning ideas.
4. Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a go-to for meals or snacks.
5. Customizable: Adjust the seasoning, spice level, and dips to match your taste.

With these highlights, this chicken strip recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s explore why chicken strips are such a universal favorite!

Why Chicken Strips Are a Favorite Everywhere

Chicken strips have earned their place as a timeless favorite for people of all ages. Here’s why they continue to win hearts worldwide:

1. A Universal Comfort Food

• Chicken strips combine the crispy crunch of a golden coating with the juicy tenderness of chicken, making them the ultimate comfort food.
• They evoke nostalgia for childhood meals and fast-food treats while remaining a versatile dish for any occasion.

2. Perfect for Sharing

• Whether served at parties, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, chicken strips are the ultimate shareable snack.
• Their finger-food nature makes them ideal for dipping, munching, and enjoying with friends.

3. Customizable to Any Taste

• From spicy versions to Parmesan-crusted or even gluten-free options, chicken strips adapt to various flavors and dietary needs.
• Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for endless combinations.

4. Versatility Across Meals

• Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or the star of a meal when paired with sides like fries, salads, or roasted vegetables.

It’s no surprise that chicken strips are a staple in kitchens and restaurants everywhere! Now, let’s dive into what makes this particular recipe so special.

What Makes This Chicken Strip Recipe Special?

This Chicken Strip Recipe is packed with all the qualities you want in crispy, juicy, homemade chicken strips. Here’s why you’ll love it:

1. Perfectly Crispy Coating

• Achieve that irresistible golden crunch with a coating that stays crispy, even after cooling.

2. Juicy and Flavorful Chicken

• The chicken is marinated and seasoned to ensure every bite is tender and bursting with flavor.

3. Easy to Make

• With straightforward ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is simple enough for beginners but delivers restaurant-quality results.

4. Customizable Cooking Methods

• Whether you prefer frying, baking, or air frying, this recipe provides step-by-step instructions for all methods.

5. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal

• These chicken strips are loved by kids, teens, and adults alike, making them perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

6. Great for Dipping

• Pair with your favorite sauces—think honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or spicy buffalo—for endless flavor combinations.

This recipe is your ticket to mastering crispy chicken strips at home. Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to get started!

Chicken Strip Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Essential Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Strips

1. Chicken:
   • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips.
2. Buttermilk:
   • 1 cup, for marinating the chicken to ensure tenderness.
3. Eggs:
   • 2 large, whisked, to help the coating stick.
4. All-Purpose Flour:
   • 1 cup, for the base of the crispy coating.
5. Breadcrumbs:
   • 1 cup (Panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch).
6. Seasonings:
   • 1 teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
   • ½ teaspoon black pepper.
7. Vegetable Oil:
   • For frying, or cooking spray if baking or air frying.

Optional Add-Ins and Dips

• Parmesan Cheese: Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy twist.
• Spices for Heat: Mix in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.
• Dipping Sauces: Honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or any favorite dip.

How to Make the Best Chicken Strip Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create crispy, juicy chicken strips that everyone will love:

Preparing the Chicken

1. Slice the Chicken:
   • Cut 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into evenly sized strips (about 1 inch wide).
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken strips in a bowl with 1 cup of buttermilk.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum tenderness.

Coating the Strips

3. Prepare the Coating Stations:
   • In one bowl, whisk 2 eggs.
   • In a second bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
   • In a third bowl, place 1 cup of breadcrumbs (add Parmesan or spices here if desired).
4. Coat the Chicken:
   • Remove chicken strips from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
   • Dip each strip in the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Cooking Methods: Fried, Baked, or Air Fried

Frying (Crispiest Results):
5. Heat Oil:

• In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

6. Fry the Chicken:
   • Fry chicken strips in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
7. Drain Excess Oil:
   • Place cooked strips on a wire rack or paper towels to drain.

Baking (Healthier Option):
5. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

6. Bake the Chicken:
   • Arrange coated strips on the baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Air Frying (Best of Both Worlds):
5. Preheat Air Fryer:

• Preheat to 375°F (190°C).

6. Cook in Batches:
   • Arrange strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Serve

7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle chicken strips with a little extra salt while hot. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Pro Tip

For an extra-crispy coating, double-dip the chicken in the flour and egg mixtures before adding the breadcrumbs.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Strips Every Time

1. Marinate for Maximum Tenderness
   • Soaking the chicken strips in buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but also helps the coating stick better. For the best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Even Sizing is Key
   • Cut chicken strips into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly, preventing overcooked or undercooked pieces.
3. Keep One Hand Dry
   • Use one hand for wet ingredients (buttermilk and eggs) and the other for dry ingredients (flour and breadcrumbs) to avoid clumping and mess.
4. Maintain the Right Oil Temperature
   • If frying, keep the oil at 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and the coating will burn before the chicken cooks. Too cold, and the strips will absorb excess oil and become soggy.
5. Don’t Crowd the Pan or Air Fryer
   • Cook the chicken strips in batches to maintain crispiness. Crowding reduces heat, resulting in uneven cooking.
6. Flip for Even Crispiness
   • Whether baking or air frying, flip the strips halfway through cooking for a golden crust on all sides.
7. Rest on a Wire Rack
   • After frying or baking, let the chicken strips rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.

Pro Tip

For added crunch, mix Panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or crackers. This creates a uniquely textured coating that elevates the chicken strips to the next level.

How to Serve Chicken Strips

These crispy chicken strips are versatile and pair perfectly with a variety of sides and dipping sauces. Here are some ideas to make your meal complete:

1. Classic Combos

• Fries and Coleslaw: Serve chicken strips with crispy French fries and creamy coleslaw for a classic comfort meal.
• Mashed Potatoes: Pair with buttery mashed potatoes and a side of steamed green beans for a hearty dinner.

2. Light and Fresh

• Salad Topping: Slice the chicken strips and add them to a Caesar salad or a mixed green salad for a protein-packed meal.
• Lettuce Wraps: Wrap the strips in butter lettuce leaves with a drizzle of ranch or honey mustard for a low-carb option.

3. Dipping Sauces

• Sweet and Tangy: Honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or sweet chili sauce.
• Creamy and Cool: Ranch, garlic aioli, or blue cheese dressing.
• Spicy and Bold: Buffalo sauce, sriracha mayo, or a spicy chipotle dip.

4. Kid-Friendly Options

• Serve with mac and cheese, tater tots, or a fruit salad for a kid-approved meal that’s easy to enjoy.

5. Creative Twists

• Chicken Strip Wraps: Roll the strips in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of ranch or hot sauce.
• Chicken Strip Sliders: Place strips on mini buns with pickles and a dollop of your favorite sauce for fun, bite-sized sandwiches.

Presentation Tips

1. Family Style: Arrange chicken strips on a large platter with dipping sauces in small bowls for sharing.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for an elevated look.
3. Kid Appeal: Serve with colorful plates and fun-shaped veggies or fruits for younger diners.

Chicken Strip Recipe: Nutrition Breakdown

Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Healthy Adjustments

1. Lower the Calories:
   • Bake or air fry instead of deep frying to reduce fat and calories.
2. Add Whole Grains:
   • Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or add crushed oats to the coating for extra fiber.
3. Reduce Sodium:
   • Opt for unsalted breadcrumbs and reduce added salt in the seasoning mix.

Packed with protein, these chicken strips are a great addition to a balanced diet. Discover more ideas in our 7 High Protein Chicken Recipes for Healthy and Delicious Meals

This nutritional breakdown gives you insight into how this recipe fits into a balanced diet while offering tips for healthier adaptations.

Chicken Strip Recipe: Print-Friendly Version

Chicken Strip Recipe Variations: Creative Twists

Make your chicken strips stand out with these fun and flavorful variations:

1. Spicy Chicken Strips

• Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper and ½ teaspoon chili powder to the flour mixture for a kick of heat.
• Pair with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the spice.

2. Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Strips

• Mix ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for a cheesy, savory coating.
• Serve with marinara sauce for an Italian-inspired twist.

3. Gluten-Free Chicken Strips

• Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, while keeping the strips crispy and delicious.

4. Sweet and Savory Strips

• Add 1 teaspoon brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon to the flour mixture.
• Drizzle with honey or maple syrup before serving for a unique sweet-and-savory flavor.

5. Buffalo Chicken Strips

• Toss the cooked strips in a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter for classic buffalo flavor.
• Serve with celery sticks and ranch dressing for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

6. Herb-Crusted Chicken Strips

• Mix fresh or dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley) into the breadcrumb mixture.
• Serve with garlic aioli or a lemony yogurt dip for a sophisticated touch.

Pro Tip for Variations

Combine elements from multiple variations (e.g., spicy Parmesan-crusted strips) to create a personalized flavor profile that suits your tastes.

FAQs About Chicken Strip Recipe

Try This Chicken Strip Recipe Today!

This Chicken Strip Recipe brings together crispy, golden perfection with juicy, flavorful chicken in every bite. Whether you’re serving them as a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a quick snack, these strips are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

With easy-to-follow steps and plenty of opportunities to customize, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. Pair with your favorite dips, sides, or salads, and enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and versatile.

We’d love to hear how your chicken strips turned out! 📝 Share your experience in the comments below or tag us on social media with your creations. Your feedback helps us craft recipes you’ll love.

Love versatile chicken recipes? Try our Chicken Breakfast Recipes: Quick, Hearty, and Packed with Protein for a delicious start to your day.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every crispy bite! 🍗✨