CRISPY CHICKEN STRIPS: The Ultimate Homemade Version! 🍗✨



 For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or breast cut into strips

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)

For the Dredge:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 tsp garlic powder

  • 2 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)

For the Coating:

  • 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tsp dried parsley

For Cooking:

  • ¼ cup olive oil or melted butter

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  • Place chicken strips in buttermilk and hot sauce

  • Marinate 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours)

Step 2: Create Dredging Stations

  • Station 1: Flour + all seasonings mixed together

  • Station 2: Buttermilk marinade

  • Station 3: Panko + Parmesan + parsley

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

  1. Dip chicken in flour (shake off excess)

  2. Dip in buttermilk

  3. Press into Panko mixture until fully coated

  4. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet

Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Oven Method:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)

  • Brush strips with oil/butter

  • Bake 15-20 minutes, flip halfway

Air Fryer Method:

  • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes

  • Spray with oil before cooking

Pro Tips for the Crispiest Strips

  • PRESS BREADCRUMBS FIRMLY: Ensures coating adheres

  • USE WIRE RACK: Prevents sogginess on bottom

  • DON'T OVERCROWD: Leave space between strips

  • FLIP HALFWAY: Ensures even browning

Delicious Dipping Sauces

Honey Mustard:

  • ¼ cup mayo + 2 tbsp each honey & mustard

Creamy Ranch:

  • Greek yogurt + ranch seasoning + lemon juice

Spicy Mayo:

  • Mayo + sriracha + lime juice

BBQ Sauce:

  • Your favorite store-bought or homemade

Serving Suggestions

Classic Dinner:

  • With fries and coleslaw

Healthy Option:

  • Over salad with ranch dressing

Game Day:

  • With celery sticks and blue cheese dressing

Kids' Lunch:

  • In lunchboxes with ketchup

Storage & Reheating

Make Ahead:

  • Freeze unbreaded strips up to 3 months

  • Freeze cooked strips up to 2 months

Reheating:

  • Oven: 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes

  • Air Fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes

  • Avoid microwave (makes them soggy)

There you have it—the crispiest, most delicious homemade chicken strips that will have your family begging for more! Perfectly golden, wonderfully crunchy, and so much better than anything from a freezer bag or fast-food joint.

Enjoy your homemade crispy goodness! 🐔