Extra Crispy Chicken Strips

The ultimate crowd-pleaser, these Extra Crispy Chicken Strips are a must-try for any fried food lover. With a flavorful buttermilk marinade and a perfectly seasoned flour coating, they turn out juicy on the inside and delightfully crunchy on the outside. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner, hosting a casual get-together, or prepping something tasty for the kids, these chicken strips deliver flavor and satisfaction in every bite. Serve them with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo for an unbeatable finger food experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken tenderloins

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Add chicken tenderloins and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

2. In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and onion powder.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).

4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat.

5. Fry chicken strips in batches for 5–6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

6. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating) | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding marinating)

Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Secret to Perfectly Extra Crispy Chicken Strips at Home

There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a perfectly crisp, golden chicken strip. That crunch, followed by juicy, tender meat on the inside, evokes the comfort of childhood dinners, late-night cravings, and indulgent moments of joy. While it’s easy to swing by a fast-food chain for a fix, nothing compares to the flavor and satisfaction of making Extra Crispy Chicken Strips in your own kitchen. This recipe delivers on every level flavor, texture, simplicity, and nostalgia.

Why We All Love Chicken Strips

Chicken strips (also called chicken tenders or chicken fingers) have stood the test of time in homes and restaurants for one simple reason: they’re universally loved. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or entertaining adults, chicken strips manage to bridge the culinary gap between gourmet and casual. They’re the perfect blend of convenience and comfort, offering juicy chicken enveloped in a seasoned, crunchy crust that’s hard to resist.

They’re incredibly versatile, too. Pair them with French fries, slide them into a sandwich, chop them over a salad, or simply serve them with an array of dipping sauces. They’re a go-to for weeknight dinners, parties, game-day snacks, and even meal prepping.

But what makes this particular recipe so special?

What Makes These Chicken Strips “Extra Crispy”?

The phrase “extra crispy” isn’t just marketing fluff it’s a texture promise. And in this recipe, the texture is everything. The crispiness is achieved through a few clever techniques:

• Buttermilk Marinade: Buttermilk not only tenderizes the chicken but also helps the flour coating stick better, creating those flaky, crunchy ridges when fried. It infuses the meat with subtle tang and flavor while keeping it moist through the cooking process.

• Cornstarch & Baking Powder Combo: This is the game-changer. Cornstarch adds lightness to the breading, preventing it from becoming too heavy or doughy. Meanwhile, baking powder creates those tiny bubbles in the coating that crisp up beautifully in the hot oil.

• Double-Dredging (Optional but Amazing): While not required, some cooks like to dredge the chicken back into the buttermilk and coat it again in the flour mixture. This double-dip method results in a thicker, craggier crust that crackles with every bite.

• Hot Oil, Right Temperature: Frying at 350°F ensures the breading crisps up quickly without overcooking the inside. Too low and it’ll get greasy; too high and it might burn before the inside cooks through.

All these elements come together to make these strips taste like they came straight from your favorite Southern kitchen.

The Role of Seasoning in Flavorful Chicken Strips

Many fried chicken recipes fall flat because the seasoning is either limited to the outer coating or not used enough. This recipe ensures the flavor penetrates both inside and out.

The buttermilk marinade is seasoned with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, which subtly infuse the chicken while it tenderizes. Then the flour mixture brings another layer of seasoning, so every bite is consistently flavorful. This method prevents the all-too-common issue of biting into beautifully golden chicken only to find a bland center.

Want to spice things up even more? Feel free to experiment with smoked paprika, chili powder, or even a hint of dried mustard in the dredging mix.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

What’s a plate of chicken strips without the perfect side or sauce? This dish pairs well with both indulgent and light accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to elevate your plate:

• Dipping Sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue, spicy mayo, buffalo sauce, sriracha aioli—the possibilities are endless. A simple mix of mayo, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce can create an instant gourmet dip.

• Sides: French fries, coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, or a fresh garden salad all make excellent partners. For a lower-carb option, try roasted vegetables or cauliflower mash.

• On a Sandwich: Slide these crispy chicken strips between brioche buns with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your favorite sauce for a killer chicken sandwich.

• Over a Salad: Cut the strips into chunks and toss them over a bed of greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, and croutons for a satisfying lunch.

• Chicken & Waffles: Yes, go full Southern and plate them with waffles and maple syrup. It’s a brunch-time masterpiece.

Tips for Frying Like a Pro

Frying at home can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With these quick tips, you’ll be on your way to pro-level results:

1. Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.

2. Use a Thermometer: A kitchen thermometer helps maintain the oil at 350°F essential for crispy texture.

3. Drain Properly: After frying, place the chicken strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet instead of paper towels. This prevents sogginess from trapped steam.

4. Let It Rest: Give the chicken strips a couple of minutes to rest before serving. It allows the juices to redistribute and the crust to set.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of a classic like this is how adaptable it is. Want to tweak it to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences?

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

• Baked Instead of Fried: You won’t get the exact same crunch, but baking at a high temp (around 425°F) with a light spray of oil can yield tasty, healthier results.

• Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce to your buttermilk or increase the cayenne in the flour.

• Herb Crusted: Mix dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary into the flour for an earthy flavor twist.

Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite

It’s fast, flavorful, and doesn’t require fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Kids love them, adults crave them, and you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar serving them up hot and fresh.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, planning a casual dinner party, or prepping freezer meals for busy nights, these chicken strips will never disappoint. You can even make a big batch, freeze the extras, and reheat them in the oven or air fryer when cravings hit.

Conclusion:

Few meals are as comforting and universally appreciated as fried chicken, and these Extra Crispy Chicken Strips hit every mark. They’re juicy, flavorful, satisfyingly crunchy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve them at a gathering or enjoy them solo with your favorite dipping sauce, they deliver on the promise of homemade comfort food at its best.