Easy Homemade Chicken Strips Recipe Perfect Every Time
As a busy mom, finding quick meals that everyone loves is a challenge. That’s why I’m excited to share my foolproof homemade chicken strips recipe. These strips are crispy, golden, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Chicken strips were always a favorite of mine, but store-bought ones often lacked flavor and texture. So, I decided to make my own. After many batches and taste tests, I perfected a recipe. It offers the perfect mix of crispy breading and juicy chicken.
Key Takeaways
- Homemade chicken strips are healthier and more cost-effective than store-bought options
- This recipe yields 10 crispy chicken strips with just 261 calories per 2-strip serving
- The total preparation time is only 49 minutes, making it a quick and easy dinner solution
- Frying the chicken strips takes just 60-90 seconds per side, with an additional 5 minutes of cooking time
- Cooked chicken strips can be frozen for up to 3 months for convenient meal prep
Why Homemade Chicken Strips Are Better Than Store-Bought
Homemade chicken tenders are healthier and cheaper than store-bought ones. Making your own homemade chicken tenders lets you pick the ingredients. This means less preservatives and more flavor. You get a fresher, tastier meal that’s also healthy chicken tenders.
Health Benefits of Making Your Own Chicken Strips
Homemade chicken tenders are better for you than store-bought ones. You can use fresh, quality chicken without additives. This makes a nutritious meal with:
- Calories per serving: 257kcal
- Carbohydrates: 43g per serving
- Protein content: 36g per serving
- Fat content: 7g per serving
- Saturated Fat: 2g per serving
- Cholesterol: 195mg per serving
- Sodium: 279mg per serving
- Potassium: 632mg per serving
- Fiber: 4g per serving
- Sugar: 2g per serving
- Vitamin A: 210IU per serving
- Vitamin C: 1.3mg per serving
- Calcium: 89mg per serving
- Iron: 3.5mg per serving
Cost Savings of Homemade vs Store-Bought
Making your own chicken tenders saves money too. Buying chicken in bulk and cooking it yourself is cheaper. You get a delicious, nutritious meal for less money.
Choosing homemade chicken tenders means a healthier, cheaper meal. You can customize it to your liking. Homemade wins when it comes to chicken tenders because of the control and quality.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Strips Recipe
Making tasty chicken breast strips or boneless chicken strips at home begins with the right ingredients. You’ll need a few key things:
- 1-2 pounds of chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- All-purpose flour for dredging
- Eggs, beaten
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- Panko breadcrumbs for a super crunchy coating
For extra flavor and tenderness, consider these optional ingredients:
- Buttermilk for marinating the chicken
- Seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper
Chicken breast is the best choice for chicken strips because it cooks quickly and is tender. The recipe also uses saltines for a crunchy coating. For more flavor, add a mix of spices like garlic salt, dried basil, paprika, and black pepper.
Milk tenderizes the chicken, and the egg helps the breading stick. Choose high smoke point oils like canola, safflower, peanut, corn, soybean, or sunflower oil for frying.
Whether it’s for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these ingredients will make your chicken strips taste like they’re from a restaurant.
Equipment and Tools You’ll Need
Making tasty fried chicken tenders or baked chicken strips at home is easier with the right tools. You’ll need the best pans for frying and tools for temperature control. Let’s explore the essential items for a great chicken tenders recipe.
Best Pans for Frying Chicken Strips
A 9-inch cast iron or stainless steel skillet is perfect for pan-frying. These pans heat evenly, helping your chicken get that golden-brown crust. Don’t use nonstick pans, as they can’t get hot enough for frying.
Temperature Control Tools
Keeping the oil at the right temperature is key for frying chicken tenders. Get a candy or deep-fry thermometer to check the oil’s temperature. It should be between 315-325°F for the best results. An infrared thermometer is also handy for quick checks.
Safety Equipment
Frying or baking chicken requires caution with hot surfaces and oil. Use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies. A splatter screen also helps control oil splatters.
If you prefer a healthier option, consider using an air fryer. It cooks chicken to a crispy texture without oil.
With the right equipment and tools, you’re ready to make delicious fried or baked chicken tenders at home.
Preparing Your Chicken for Breading
To make the best homemade chicken strips, start by preparing the chicken right. Trim any extra fat or tendons from your chicken tenderloins or cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch wide strips. This makes sure the chicken cooks evenly and the breading sticks well.
After trimming, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is important for the breading to stick. If you’re using a marinade, like buttermilk, put the chicken in a big sealable bag with the marinade and seasonings. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours, to soak in the flavors.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken tenderloins | 1 lb |
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1 lb |
| Buttermilk (for marinade) | 1 cup |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
By taking the time to prepare your chicken well, you’re on your way to making the tastiest and crispiest homemade chicken strips your family has ever had!
The Ultimate Breading Mixture
To make your homemade crispy chicken fingers or breaded chicken strips perfect, start with the breading. You need a mix that’s both crispy and flavorful. A few secret ingredients will elevate your recipe.
Secret Ingredients for Extra Crunch
For a crispy texture, mix a few simple ingredients. Add all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder to your breading. Cornstarch absorbs moisture, and baking powder creates air pockets. This makes your chicken light and crunchy.
Seasoning Combinations
- Season with salt and pepper, but don’t stop there. Add garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- For a savory taste, sprinkle dried thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning on the breading.
- For freshness, add finely grated lemon or orange zest to the mix.
Creating the ultimate crispy chicken fingers or breaded chicken strips is about finding the right seasonings. Experiment with different mixes to find your family’s favorite!
Step-by-Step Buttermilk Marinade Process
Starting with a buttermilk fried chicken or chicken strips recipe is easy. A flavorful buttermilk marinade is key. It makes your chicken tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
First, put your chicken tenders in a big bag or bowl. Pour in buttermilk and add paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Put the bag or bowl in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Or, marinate for up to 24 hours for even more flavor.
- The longer the chicken marinates, the better it tastes. Just remember to keep it cold in the fridge.
This buttermilk marinade is the secret to crispy, juicy chicken. It’s a crucial step for making delicious chicken strips.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken tenders | 2 lbs |
| Buttermilk | 1/2 cup |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
By marinating your chicken in buttermilk, you’ll make it even tastier and crisper. Get ready for a mouthwatering dish!
Three Methods to Cook Perfect Chicken Strips
Learn how to make fried chicken tenders, baked chicken strips, and air fryer chicken tenders perfectly at home. You can choose from pan-frying for a crispy taste, oven-baking for ease, or air frying for a healthier option. We’ll show you how to do it right.
Classic Pan-Fried Method
To make fried chicken tenders like a pro, heat 1/2 inch of oil like canola or peanut in a big skillet to 375°F. Cook the chicken strips in batches for 8-10 minutes on each side. They should be golden and the inside should be 165°F. Then, drain them on paper towels and add your favorite spices.
Oven-Baked Technique
First, heat your oven to 425°F. Put a wire rack on a baking sheet. Lay the baked chicken strips on the rack in a single layer. Bake for 10-13 minutes, flipping them halfway. For crispiness, brush with oil before baking. Don’t overcook to keep the chicken juicy.
Air Fryer Instructions
The air fryer makes air fryer chicken tenders easy. Set your air fryer to 400°F. Cook the chicken for 4 minutes on each side until it’s 165°F inside. The air fryer’s hot air makes the chicken crispy without extra oil.
Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best taste and texture. Serve your homemade chicken strips with your favorite sauces and sides for a tasty meal.
Temperature and Timing Guidelines
To make chicken strips recipe or fried chicken tenders just right, watch the temperature and timing closely. These tips will help you get crispy outside and juicy inside chicken strips every time.
For pan-frying, keep the oil at 365-375°F. Cook the chicken strips for 8-10 minutes on each side, flipping them now and then, until they’re golden. Make sure the inside is at least 165°F with a meat thermometer for safety.
To bake your chicken strips, heat your oven to 425°F. Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 10-13 minutes, flipping them halfway. Check the inside with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s 165°F.
For air fryer cooking, set it to 400°F. Cook the chicken tenders in batches for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Use a meat thermometer to check if the inside is 165°F.
| Cooking Method | Oil/Oven Temp | Cook Time | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan-Fry | 365-375°F | 8-10 min per side | 165°F |
| Oven-Bake | 425°F | 10-13 min | 165°F |
| Air Fryer | 400°F | 12-15 min | 165°F |
Whether you’re pan-frying, baking, or using an air fryer, always check with a meat thermometer. This ensures your chicken strips recipe or fried chicken tenders are safe and deliciously cooked.
Proper Oil Selection and Frying Tips
Preparing crispy chicken fingers or fried chicken tenders at home needs the right oil and careful frying. A few simple tips can help your homemade chicken strips get that perfect crunch and golden color every time.
Best Oils for Crispy Results
Choose oils with a high smoke point for the best results. Vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or safflower oil are good choices. They can handle high frying temperatures without burning or adding bad flavors. Stay away from olive oil or butter because they burn easily and can make the chicken greasy.
Oil Temperature Management
Keeping the oil at the right temperature is key for fried chicken tenders. Fill your pan with about 2 inches of oil and heat it to 365°F to 375°F. Use a candy thermometer to check the oil’s temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. This can lower the oil’s temperature too much. Fry in batches if you have to, to keep the oil hot and the chicken crispy.
“Maintaining the right oil temperature is the key to unlocking the perfect crispy texture in your homemade chicken strips.”
By choosing the right oil and managing the temperature, you can make crispy chicken fingers and fried chicken tenders just like a restaurant. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a delicious meal.
Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces
Serve your homemade chicken strips hot with tasty dipping sauces. Try honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or tangy ketchup. Pair them with sides like french fries, coleslaw, or a garden salad for a complete meal.
You can also serve the chicken strips over a salad or with cornbread or garlic bread. This makes the meal more filling. The recipe is flexible, so you can mix and match to your liking.
By following the steps in the previous sections, you can make crispy and juicy chicken strips at home. This way, you get the restaurant-quality taste without leaving your kitchen.