Crispy Homemade Chicken Strips are golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Made with tender chicken coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust, these homemade strips are better than takeout. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and golden without being greasy.
- Simple ingredients and easy to make at home.
- Oven-baked, fried, or air-fried options.
- Great for meal prep—freeze and reheat later.
- Kid-friendly and perfect for dipping!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Vegetable oil or cooking spray
Directions
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease with oil or cooking spray.
- Prepare the dredging station: In three separate bowls, place flour in one, whisked eggs in another, and a mix of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the last.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each strip in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake: Arrange chicken strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Frying Method
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge the chicken using the same flour, egg, and breadcrumb process.
- Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Coat the chicken as directed, then arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Strips: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Cheesy Coating: Mix extra Parmesan into the breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Extra Crunchy: Double-coat by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
- Buttermilk Version: Marinate in buttermilk for extra tenderness before coating.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked or uncooked strips for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes until crispy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay extra juicy.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken and let them rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or buffalo sauce are great options.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, but panko makes the strips crispier.
How do I prevent dry chicken strips?
Don’t overbake—check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, skip the Parmesan and use dairy-free egg alternatives.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best.
Can I bake these without oil?
Yes, but lightly spraying them with oil helps achieve crispiness.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Double-coat in the breadcrumb mixture and bake at a high temperature.
Can I marinate the chicken before coating?
Yes, marinate in buttermilk or a mix of lemon juice and spices for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Crispy Homemade Chicken Strips are a delicious, crunchy, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, they deliver restaurant-quality flavor right at home. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy a family-friendly favorite
Print
These Crispy Homemade Chicken Strips are golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 50 minutes 1x
- Category: 4 servings
- Method: Main Course, Snack
- Cuisine: Main Course, Snack
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk, salt, pepper, and paprika for 30 minutes.
- Mix flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne in a bowl.
- Dip each strip in egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- Can be baked at 400°F for 20 minutes for a healthier option.
- Serve with honey mustard or ranch dressing.