Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe
Overview:
Looking for the ultimate crispy chicken strips recipe? Look no further! These delectable strips are not only super crunchy but also incredibly flavorful. The batter is the secret to achieving that perfect crispiness, and while cayenne adds a kick, it’s entirely optional—perfect for customizing to your taste preferences. Plus, you’ll love how versatile this recipe is; it works wonders with meaty fish too! So let’s dive into making these mouthwatering crispy chicken strips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 975.8
Ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups flour
- 3 tsp onion powder
- 3 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup club soda
- 1 cup pancake mix
Instructions:
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Prep Chicken:
- Start by lightly coating the chicken breasts with flour. This step helps the batter adhere to the chicken better. Let the coated chicken dry for about 5-10 minutes.
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Prepare Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix, club soda, onion powder, garlic powder, seasoning salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir the ingredients until well combined, creating a smooth batter.
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Heat Oil:
- In a deep fryer or a large pot, heat oil to 425°F (220°C). It’s essential to maintain this temperature for perfectly crispy chicken strips.
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Coat Chicken:
- Once the oil is hot, dip each flour-coated chicken breast into the prepared batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before frying.
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Fry Chicken Strips:
- Carefully place the battered chicken strips into the hot oil. Fry them for approximately 6-8 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked thoroughly. Make sure to turn them occasionally for even cooking.
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Drain and Serve:
- Once the chicken strips are beautifully crispy and cooked through, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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Enjoy!:
- Serve your crispy chicken strips hot and fresh! They’re perfect on their own as a tasty snack or paired with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Club Soda vs. 7-Up: Remember to use only club soda for the batter, as it helps create that airy, crispy texture. Avoid using 7-Up or other soda alternatives for this recipe.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. You can omit it entirely for a milder flavor or increase it for an extra kick.
- Try with Fish: This batter isn’t just for chicken! Experiment with pieces of meaty fish like cod or tilapia for a delicious seafood alternative.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Elevate your crispy chicken strips experience by serving them with various dipping sauces such as ranch, barbecue, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 975.8
- Total Fat: 9.6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.2g
- Cholesterol: 218mg
- Sodium: 1445.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 118.9g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.5g
- Sugar: 0.9g
- Protein: 95.2g
Conclusion:
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can whip up the crispiest chicken strips right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, or a fun snack, these golden-brown beauties are sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, fire up the fryer, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible crunch of these homemade crispy chicken strips! 🍗🔥