Crispy chicken strips are one of the most beloved comfort foods around the world. They are golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender, juicy on the inside, making them perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even a quick snack paired with your favorite dipping sauce. This recipe will guide you step by step to prepare homemade crispy chicken strips that taste even better than fast food, while being simple enough for anyone to master in their own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 500g (1 lb) chicken breast, cut into strips
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornflakes or breadcrumbs (crushed for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spiciness)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breast into evenly sized strips, about the width of your finger. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help the coating stick better.
- Make the egg wash: In a medium bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This will act as the “glue” that helps the flour and crunchy coating stick firmly to the chicken.
- Prepare the coating: In another bowl, combine flour, crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken strip first into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally coat it again with the seasoned flour mixture (or breadcrumbs for extra crispiness). Double-coating ensures maximum crunch.
- Heat the oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep pan to cover the chicken strips. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 175°C (350°F). To test if it’s ready, drop in a small piece of coating—it should sizzle and float to the top.
- Fry the strips: Gently place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it lowers the oil temperature and prevents crispiness.
- Drain and serve: Once fried, place the chicken strips on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with ketchup, honey mustard, ranch, or spicy dipping sauces. A squeeze of fresh lemon also adds a refreshing touch.
Tips & Variations:
- Oven-baked version: For a lighter option, bake the chicken strips at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the egg wash for an extra kick.
- Kid-friendly: Skip the cayenne pepper and serve with barbecue or honey mustard dip.
- Serving ideas: Pair these crispy chicken strips with French fries, a fresh salad, or tuck them into a wrap with lettuce and mayo for a quick meal.
These crispy chicken strips are guaranteed to be a family favorite, bringing restaurant-style crunch right to your home kitchen.
Disclaimer
This story and recipe are created for entertainment and informational purposes only. The accompanying image is AI-generated and not a real photograph.