Ultimate Crispy Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip

Alright, let's dive into the world of crispy, juicy, and utterly delicious chicken, shall we? Ever wondered how to make chicken so good, it rivals your favourite takeaway? Well, grab your aprons 'cause we're about to unlock the secrets to the ultimate chicken strips recipe !

The Best Chicken Strips Recipe You'll Ever Need

Honestly, who doesn't love a good chicken strip ? but these aren't just any chicken strips. we're talking about the kind that are crispy on the outside, ridiculously juicy on the inside, and packed with flavour.

These fried chicken strips, reminiscent of good ol' southern comfort food, are about to become your new go-to!

These aren't just your average, run-of-the-mill bits. This recipe blends American diner charm with a sprinkle of home cooking magic. These crispy chicken strips are perfect with honey mustard.

Why These Chicken Strips Are The Absolute Bomb

So, what makes this chicken strips recipe so special? firstly, the buttermilk marinade. it tenderizes the chicken like nobody's business, giving you that melt-in-your mouth texture.

Then, the batter recipe for chicken . it's a carefully crafted blend of flour, cornstarch (or cornflour for my uk pals), and spices that creates the perfect crispy coating.

Quick 'n' Easy: Let's Get to It

This chicken strip recipe is surprisingly easy. it takes about an hour from start to finish (including a little marinating time), and you'll end up with enough juicy fried chicken tenders to feed a family of four.

Think of it as a delicious diy project that ends with a plate piled high with golden brown goodness. what you are looking for is exactly what we will reach.

Healthier Than You Think (Kind Of!)

Okay, deep fried food isn't exactly a health food, but let's focus on the positives. chicken is a great source of protein, which is awesome for building muscle and keeping you feeling full.

Plus, when you make it at home, you control the ingredients, so you can avoid all those nasty additives you find in processed foods.

Or you can make the chicken strip recipes baked , instead of fried.

This crispy chicken strips are ideal for a casual friday night dinner, a weekend treat, or even a fun party snack.

But be warned: they're addictive! they will show you how to make crispy chicken like a pro.

Now, are you ready to learn how to make crispy chicken that everyone will rave about? Stay tuned, because next up, we're diving into the ingredients! I even have a secrete batter for fried chicken recipe! You can't miss it!

Alright, let's talk about what you actually need to nail this chicken strips recipe . trust me, having the right stuff makes all the difference.

I can’t tell you how many times i’ve tried to wing it (pun intended!) only to end up with a soggy mess.

Let’s avoid that disaster, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment: No Faffing Allowed

Listen, I'm not about complicated cooking. You don't need a whole kitchen shop for this. Just the essentials. This is all you need to achieve the best Juicy Fried Chicken Tenders .

Main Players (Ingredients)

Okay, the star of the show here is obviously the chicken. we need 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Cut 'em into strips, about an inch wide. quality matters! look for chicken that's pink and firm. avoid anything that looks pale or feels slimy.

That's a no-go!

Next up, the marinade. you'll want 1 cup (240ml) of buttermilk. this is what makes the crispy chicken strips tender.

And don’t skip the 1 large egg , beaten, and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce. also 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper .

The coating is what makes the batter recipe for chicken sing. grab 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour, ½ cup (60g) cornstarch (or cornflour if you're in the uk, you know), 2 teaspoons paprika, and 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder.

If you're feeling brave, add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a bit of a kick. finish it off with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.

Seasoning Shenanigans

Honestly, the right spices can elevate your chicken strip . paprika is key here! it gives a lovely colour and a slightly smoky flavour.

Garlic and onion powder? essential. don't even think about skipping them.

If you're not a fan of cayenne, a pinch of smoked paprika can also add some depth. don't be afraid to experiment! and if you really want to level up your batter for fried chicken , try a dash of msg.

Essential Gear: Keep It Simple, Stupid

You don't need fancy gadgets. a large bowl, a shallow dish for dredging, and some tongs are pretty much it.

Oh, and a pot or deep fryer for frying. if you're using a pot, a deep fry thermometer is helpful to keep the oil temperature at around 350° f ( 175° c) .

No deep fryer? No problem! Just use a big, heavy bottomed pot. A wire rack and some paper towels are also useful for draining the chicken strip recipes baked .

Honestly, that’s it! Nothing too scary, right? Now, lets get cooking.

Right then, let's get down to business and talk cooking methods particularly how to knock up some crispy chicken strips .

Honestly, who doesn't love them? this ain't just any chicken strip recipe; this is the ultimate one. think diner quality, but made in your own gaff!

Prep: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place , yeah? basically, have everything ready to go. it's the chef's way to save time.

Cut the chicken into strips. mix your wet ingredients. mix your dry ingredients. bob's your uncle. essential mise en place is the name of the game.

Next, time saving tips. honestly, pre-measuring your spices? game changer. get all your dipping sauces ready before you even touch the chicken.

Honestly, you'll thank me later. safety first, too. hot oil's no joke, so keep a fire blanket handy just in case.

Bangin' Chicken Strips: step-by-step

Okay, here we go, five easy steps to juicy fried chicken tenders .

1. Marinate: Dunk your chicken strips in buttermilk (a cup should do it!), an egg, a splash of hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Leave it for at least 30 minutes. The buttermilk tenderises the chicken, yeah?
2. Coating Station: Mix flour ( 1 1/2 cups ), cornstarch ( 1/2 cup ), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (optional), salt, and pepper in a bowl. This Batter Recipe For Chicken is gonna make all the difference.
3. Dredge: Take the chicken out the marinade and coat it in the flour mix. Press it on, make sure it's properly coated for that crispy chicken strips .
4. Fry 'Em Up: Heat some oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry until they're golden brown. About 4- 5 minutes each side.
5. Drain: Stick 'em on a wire rack to drain. That's how you avoid soggy Chicken Tender Recipes Fried , innit?

Pro Tips from Yours Truly

Right, listen up, I've learned a thing or two over the years. For super how to make crispy chicken , try double dipping. Flour, then buttermilk, then flour again. Trust me.

Don't skip marinating! It makes the chicken tender and juicy. Also, don't overcrowd the pan. It lowers the oil temperature, and you'll end up with greasy chicken.

You can even prep the chicken ahead of time. coat 'em in the morning and keep 'em in the fridge until you're ready to fry.

Easy peasy. so many chicken strip recipes baked , but fried is just better, innit? this batter for fried chicken will make even you look like a pro.

Seriously, once you get the hang of this chicken strips recipe , you'll be making it every week. guaranteed.

Alright, let's chat about how to make your chicken strips recipe totally banging! i've been there, done that, and learned a few things along the way.

So, grab a cuppa, and let's dive into some recipe notes that'll take your crispy chicken strips game to the next level.

Honestly, these little tweaks can make all the difference between "meh" and "oh my gosh, these are amazing!"

Recipe Notes: Making the Best Chicken Strips

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plating

Okay, so you've got these golden, juicy fried chicken tenders . now what? don't just chuck 'em on a plate! presentation matters, you know? for a classic vibe, arrange them nicely with a big pile of chips (fries for those across the pond!).

A dollop of coleslaw adds a nice crunch and freshness. or, if you're feeling fancy, try serving them on a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.

As for drinks, a crisp lager or a homemade lemonade works a treat. i swear, even just a little bit of effort can make dinner feel like a proper treat.

Storage Tips: Keep Those Chicken Strips Fresh

Right, so you've made a big batch of your killer chicken strip recipe , but can't eat them all? no worries! let them cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container.

They'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. if you want to freeze them, spread them out on a baking sheet first so they don't stick together.

Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. they'll be good for up to 2 months.

Reheating is key. for best results, reheat them in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) for about 10- 15 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also use the air fryer for that extra crisp . honestly, microwaving is a last resort as the crispy chicken strips will go soggy.

Variations: Making It Your Own

Want to switch things up? i get it! if you're watching your carbs, try almond flour instead of regular flour for the batter recipe for chicken .

It gives a lovely nutty flavor too! for a seasonal twist, add some grated parmesan cheese to your batter for fried chicken in the autumn.

Boom. fancy.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Heads Up

Okay, let's be real, these aren't exactly health food, but you can make smarter choices. baking instead of frying obviously cuts down on the fat.

Try one of the chicken strip recipes baked . chicken is a great source of protein, which helps keep you full.

This chicken strip treat still has its benefits. so enjoy responsibly, yeah?

Honestly, mastering a good chicken tender recipes fried or baked is like unlocking a secret level in the kitchen! Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy the process! You got this! And who knows, maybe your how to make crispy chicken secrets will spread far and wide!

It's all about finding that batter recipe for chicken that you love!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to get my chicken strips recipe extra crispy?

For that ultimate crunch, try double dipping your chicken! Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, then dip it back into the buttermilk mixture, and finally dredge it in the flour again before frying.

Also, make sure your oil is at the correct temperature (350°F or 175°C) and don't overcrowd the pan frying in batches helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even crispiness. Think of it like giving your chicken a lovely, crispy suit of armour!

Can I make these chicken strips recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the coating with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Bob's Red Mill and King Arthur make great options. Double check all your other ingredients too, just to be sure sometimes sneaky gluten can hide in unexpected places, like certain spices or sauces.

You'll be enjoying crispy, gluten-free chicken strips in no time, guv'nor!

I don't have buttermilk. What can I use instead for this chicken strips recipe?

No buttermilk, no worries! You can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Stir it well and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it slightly curdles. This will give you a similar tang and tenderizing effect as buttermilk, perfect for your chicken strips.

A little kitchen wizardry, eh?

How do I store leftover chicken strips, and how long will they last?

Leftover chicken strips are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will generally last for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use an oven (350°F or 175°C for 10-15 minutes), an air fryer (350°F or 175°C for 5-7 minutes), or even a microwave (though they might lose some crispness).

Consider them a cheeky leftover treat for lunch!

Can I air fry these chicken strips instead of deep frying?

Definitely! Air frying is a healthier and easier alternative to deep frying. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), then place the coated chicken strips in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

The air fryer will give you a satisfyingly crispy result with less oil. It's a cracking option if you're watching your waistline!