These Crispy Chicken Strips are everything you want—super crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Better than takeout and easy to make at home, they’re perfect for family dinners, game day, or anytime a craving hits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra-crispy coating that stays crunchy
- Juicy, tender chicken every time
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Kid-approved & crowd-pleasing
- Perfect for dipping
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs chicken breast, cut into strips
Marinade
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Crispy Coating
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (secret for crunch)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable or peanut oil
How to Make Crispy Chicken Strips
1. Marinate
Place chicken strips in buttermilk, salt, and pepper.
Marinate 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
2. Prepare Coating
In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat
Remove chicken from arinade and dredge in flour mixture.
Press firmly to create a thick coating.
Extra crunch tip: dip back into buttermilk and coat again.
4. Fry
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry chicken in batches 4–5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain on a wire rack.
5. Serve Hot
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Pro Tips for Maximum Crunch
- Cornstarch is key
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Keep oil temperature steady
- Let coated chicken rest 5 minutes before frying
Dipping Sauce Ideas
- Honey mustard
- Ranch
- BBQ sauce
- Spicy mayo
- Chick-fil-A sauce (copycat)
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers up to 3 days in fridge
- Reheat in oven or air fryer for crispiness
Final Thought
These Crispy Chicken Strips are crunchy, juicy, and downright addictive. Once you make them at home, frozen or fast-food strips won’t stand a chance 🍗🔥