Perfectly Crispy Chicken Strips

Chicken strips are a favorite among many, especially for those looking to enjoy a quick and delicious meal without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as an appetizer at parties, served alongside mashed potatoes for dinner, or even turned into a sandwich for lunch.

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6 people

Ingredients required to make crispy chicken strips:

• 1 and half pounds of chicken breast cutlets, pounded thin with a meat mallet
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• Salt (to taste)
• Ground black pepper (to taste)
• 3 large eggs
• Paprika or cayenne pepper for sprinkling over the coated chicken strips
• Cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, for deep frying

Steps to Prepare Crispy Chicken Strips:

1. Preparing the Batter: Start by combining buttermilk with the all-purpose flour in a large bowl. Mix until a smooth batter forms and season it generously with salt and pepper.

1. Crack three eggs into another bowl, beat them until well combined, then pour these beaten eggs into the batter mixture to further blend thoroughly.

2. Coating the Chicken Strips: Lay out your pounded chicken cutlets and dip each piece individually in the flour mixture first before rolling it into the egg-battered mixture. Ensure that you coat both sides of each piece equally for a uniformly crispy texture. Once coated, sprinkle some paprika or cayenne pepper on top to add some heat to your dish.

3. Frying: Heat up cooking oil in a deep fryer until the temperature reaches about 375°F (190°C). Gently lower three chicken strips at a time into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd them as this will lead to less-than-crispy results. Fry for approximately four minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

4. Drain and Serve: Once golden brown and cooked through, use a slotted spoon or strainer to transfer the chicken strips onto paper towels to drain off any excess oil. Let them cool down slightly before serving. Serve with your choice of dipping sauces such as tartar sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for added flavor.

Additional Tips:

• To achieve extra crispy results, allow the coated chicken strips to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better to the meat and ensures that the crust stays intact during cooking.
• If you prefer a lighter option, consider baking instead of frying by placing your coated strips onto a wire rack set on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in an oven preheated at 400°F (205°C) for about twenty minutes until golden and fully cooked through.

These crispy chicken strips are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly tasty! The combination of tender, juicy chicken combined with a perfectly crisp exterior makes them irresistible. Try these simple yet delicious chicken strips today to impress your family or friends!

Crispy chicken strips can be paired up with various side dishes such as fresh vegetables, creamy coleslaw, or baked sweet potatoes for an all-rounded meal.