CRISPY CHICKEN STRIPS

### **How to Make Crispy Chicken Strips**

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into strips, roughly 1 inch wide. You can also use chicken tenders if you prefer, which are naturally tender and perfect for breading.
2. Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. This will help the coating adhere better and ensure a crispier texture.

#### **Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station**
1. In one shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be your dry coating.
2. In a second dish, whisk the eggs until they’re smooth and slightly frothy. This will help the breading stick to the chicken.
3. In a third dish, place the breadcrumbs. If you like, you can mix in some grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

#### **Step 3: Coat the Chicken**
1. Take each chicken strip and first dredge it in the seasoned flour, coating it evenly on all sides.
2. Next, dip the floured chicken strip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated in the egg mixture.
3. Finally, coat the chicken strip in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating. Repeat this for all the chicken strips.

#### **Step 4: Fry the Chicken**
1. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. To check if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of bread or a breadcrumb—if it sizzles right away, the oil is hot enough.
2. Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to fry the strips in batches depending on the size of your pan.
3. Fry the chicken strips for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the chicken gently to avoid damaging the breading.
4. Once the chicken is crispy and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C), remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

#### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Once the chicken strips are drained of excess oil, they’re ready to serve.
2. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. For an extra kick, toss them in buffalo sauce or a homemade spicy mayo.

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### **Tips for the Perfect Crispy Chicken Strips**

– **Use Panko Breadcrumbs**: Panko breadcrumbs provide the best crunch and texture for crispy chicken strips. They’re lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, making them perfect for frying.
– **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: Frying the chicken strips in batches ensures that they cook evenly and get a crispy coating. Overcrowding the pan can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in soggy strips.
– **Test the Oil Temperature**: If the oil is too hot, the coating might burn before the chicken cooks through. If it’s not hot enough, the breading will absorb too much oil, making the strips greasy. Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial.
– **Rest the Chicken**: After frying, let the chicken strips rest for a couple of minutes on paper towels. This helps remove excess oil and ensures the coating stays crispy.

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### **Serving Suggestions**

– **With French Fries**: Classic crispy chicken strips pair perfectly with crispy French fries for a satisfying meal.
– **In a Sandwich**: Serve the chicken strips in a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a crispy chicken sandwich.
– **Tossed in Sauce**: For a different twist, toss the crispy strips in buffalo sauce or a sweet chili sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
– **With a Side Salad**: For a lighter meal, serve the chicken strips with a fresh, crisp salad and a tangy vinaigrette.

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### **Why This Recipe Works**

Crispy chicken strips are all about achieving that perfect crunch on the outside while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside. This recipe nails that balance with the combination of a well-seasoned flour coating, a light egg wash, and crunchy breadcrumbs. The oil provides a crispy golden crust, while the chicken stays moist and tender.

The versatility of this dish makes it a go-to for busy families or anyone looking to whip up something delicious in a short amount of time. Whether you serve it as a snack, a main dish, or as part of a larger meal, crispy chicken strips are sure to please.

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### **Conclusion**

**Crispy chicken strips** are an unbeatable classic that’s loved by all ages. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a crunchy, flavorful dish that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re feeding the family or preparing a fun appetizer for a party, these crispy chicken strips are sure to impress.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll discover why crispy chicken strips are always a favorite. Enjoy them as-is or with your favorite sauces, and savor the crispy, juicy goodness in every bite.