Crispy Fried Chicken Strips Recipe

If you’re craving that perfect crunch combined with juicy, tender chicken inside, you’re in for a treat with this Crispy Fried Chicken Strips Recipe. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for easy weeknight dinners or game day snacks. I absolutely love how the rice crisp cereal coating gives it that unbeatable crunch without being greasy, and the seasoning hits just the right balance of flavor. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through every step so you get that golden-fried goodness every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients together makes all the difference. I love using rice crisp cereal for the coating—it adds that special crunch that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. And seasoning the chicken before coating helps the flavors really soak in.

• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cut into strips for even frying and quick cooking.
• Seasoning salt: A great base for flavor; gives a nice savory kick.
• Garlic powder: Adds subtle depth without overpowering.
• Pepper: For a slight hint of spice and warmth.
• Paprika: Brings color and a smoky note to the chicken.
• All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and creates that initial barrier for crispiness.
• Eggs: Whisked with water to make a light wash for the cereal to cling to.
• Rice crisp cereal: Crushed to coat the chicken strips and provide that irresistible crunch.
• Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.

Variations

I’m all for making recipes your own! Over time, I’ve tweaked this Crispy Fried Chicken Strips Recipe to fit different dietary needs or just my craving moods. Here are some variations you might want to try:

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the seasoning mix for that extra zing—I love this twist when we’re in the mood for a little heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free rice cereal to make these friendly for gluten-sensitive folks.
• Herb Infusion: Mix chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the flour for a fragrant lift that’s delicious and unique.
• Oven-Baked Version: For a lighter option, bake these coated strips at 425°F on a greased rack for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to keep them crispy.

How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Strips Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken Strips

First things first—after cutting your chicken breasts into strips, pat each piece dry with paper towels. This little trick helps the seasoning stick and prevents soggy coating later. Then mix up your seasoning salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl, and sprinkle it evenly over all sides of the chicken. I like to let the seasoned chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes while I set up the coating stations, so the flavors soak in better.

Step 2: Get Your Coating Stations Ready

Set out three shallow dishes: one for the flour, one for the egg wash, and one for the crushed rice crisp cereal. Now, for the egg wash, whisk the eggs with a few tablespoons of water—it thins the eggs just enough to get a nice, even coating. Crush the rice crisp cereal gently so it’s coarse but still has some texture; this is the secret to that incredible crunch.

Step 3: Coat Your Chicken Like a Pro

Now comes the fun part! Dredge each strip in the flour first to create a dry base. Shake off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, making sure it’s completely covered, and finally press it into the crushed rice cereal until fully coated. Lay the coated strips out on a plate or tray while you repeat with the rest. I find working systematically prevents any clumping and keeps the cereal crisp.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about 1 to 1½ inches of oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Keep an eye on it with a thermometer if you can; you want it around 350°F to 375°F. Fry the chicken strips in batches—don’t crowd the pot or the temperature will drop, resulting in greasy, soggy coating. Each side takes about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. When done, transfer to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken Strips Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving; it adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. A wedge of lemon on the side works wonders, too, especially if you like a bit of citrus zing.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with these chicken strips are classic coleslaw, crispy fries, or a cool, creamy ranch dip. Sometimes I go with a simple side salad or steamed veggies when I want to keep it lighter, and honestly, they all pair beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game days, I like serving the strips in mini slider buns with lettuce and a swipe of mayo—everyone loves grabbing these little sandwiches. Another fun idea is to serve them as a dipping platter with multiple sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, and buffalo. Makes it feel special without any extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftover chicken strips cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Keeping them crisp is easier when you store them in a single layer separated by parchment paper if you have a lot. They’ve stayed tasty in my fridge up to 3 days without drying out too much.

Freezing

If I want to prep ahead, I freeze the uncooked, coated chicken strips on a parchment-lined tray then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. This way, I can fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Perfect for quick meals later on.

Reheating

Reheating in the oven is my go-to method to keep them crispy—set your oven to 375°F and pop the strips on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave unless you don’t mind losing that delightful crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Fried Chicken Strips Recipe has been a lifesaver for busy nights when everyone wants something quick but delicious. I love sharing this with friends because it’s foolproof—once you get the hang of the coating and frying steps, you’ll wonder why you ever bought frozen strips ever again! So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy that perfect crunch and juicy bite that’ll have you coming back for more. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

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