Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, and you’ve got a dish everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These chicken strips deliver the perfect balance of crunch and flavor.
- Super crispy coating
- Juicy and tender inside
- Easy to make at home
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Great for dipping
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 500 g chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying:
- Oil (for deep frying)
Marinating the Chicken
In a bowl, combine chicken strips with buttermilk, salt, and pepper.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).
Preparing the Coating
In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
This combination creates a light, crispy texture.
Coating the Chicken
Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to create a thick coating.
For extra crispiness, dip back into the buttermilk and coat again (double coating).
Frying
Heat oil in a deep pan to 175°C (350°F).
Fry the chicken strips in batches for 5–6 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Oven-Baked:
- Preheat to 200°C (390°F)
- Place strips on a lined tray
- Spray lightly with oil
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway
Air Fryer:
- Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 12–15 minutes
- Flip halfway for even crispiness
Dipping Sauce Ideas
Serve with a variety of sauces:
- Honey mustard
- Garlic mayo
- BBQ sauce
- Spicy chili sauce
- Ranch dressing
Serving Suggestions
These crispy chicken strips pair perfectly with:
- French fries or wedges
- Coleslaw
- Salad
- Wraps or sandwiches
Tips for Best Results
- Marinate well: Ensures juicy chicken
- Double coat: Extra crunch
- Maintain oil temperature: Prevents soggy coating
- Don’t overcrowd: Even frying
- Serve hot: Best texture
Variations
- Spicy Strips: Add cayenne pepper
- Herb Flavor: Add dried herbs to coating
- Parmesan Crust: Mix grated cheese into coating
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Reheat in oven or air fryer to keep crispy
- Freezing: Freeze cooked or uncooked strips for up to 2 months
Final Thoughts
Homemade Crispy Chicken Strips are a delicious, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and always a hit. With their crunchy coating and juicy interior, they’re perfect for any occasion—from casual meals to gatherings.
Once you try making them at home, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions.
Enjoy every crispy, juicy bite! 🍗✨