:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spicy-fried-chicken-strips-3056880-hero-01-e5bad43e0d3441749f17c1b98b5486c2.jpg)
The Spruce Eats/Nita West
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving) | |
---|---|
444 | Calories |
24g | Fat |
16g | Carbs |
39g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 4 to 6 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 444 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 24g | 31% |
Saturated Fat 7g | 34% |
Cholesterol 117mg | 39% |
Sodium 905mg | 39% |
Total Carbohydrate 16g | 6% |
Dietary Fiber 2g | 6% |
Protein 39g | |
Calcium 132mg | 10% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
You may think chicken tenders are strictly the domain of bar food, takeout, or fast food, but making chicken tenders at home is easy, and it allows you the opportunity to customize them exactly how you like them. Giving them a kick is just a matter of adding in some heat, but it's easy. These spicy chicken strips are excellent for an everyday meal, tailgating, or as an appetizer for a party. Serve alongside homemade french fries, a green salad, and coleslaw.
This recipe works best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The chicken marinates in a combination of buttermilk, which makes it tender and juicy, and hot sauce, for flavor. You'll need some Buffalo wing sauce, which you can definitely make on your own, or your favorite hot sauce, too, to pull this off.
This recipe requires the use of a deep fryer or a large saucepan or deep sauté pan for the stovetop, and a deep-frying thermometer.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts (without skin)
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (or 1/4 to 1/2 cup of a similar hot sauce, such as Texas Pete or Frank's)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder (divided)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sweet ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional: chipotle mayonnaise, Buffalo aioli, blue cheese or ranch dressing (for serving)
Steps to Make It
-
Gather the ingredients.
The Spruce / Nita West
-
Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch strips, about 3 to 4 inches in length.
The Spruce / Nita West
-
In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce or wing sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of the garlic powder.
The Spruce / Nita West
-
Put the chicken strips in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours or overnight.
The Spruce / Nita West
-
In a large shallow bowl or pie plate, combine the flour, oregano, remaining garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and ground black pepper.
The Spruce / Nita West
-
Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Coat each piece with the flour mixture, arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
The Spruce / Nita West
-
Dip each chicken strip once again in the buttermilk mixture, then coat again with the flour mixture. Discard any remaining buttermilk mixture.
The Spruce / Nita West
-
In a large saucepan or deep sauté pan, heat vegetable oil to 365 F. Fry the chicken strips in small batches, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown.
The Spruce / Nita West
-
Remove to paper towels to drain.
The Spruce / Nita West
-
Repeat with the remaining chicken strips.
The Spruce / Nita West
-
Serve these tasty chicken strips with chipotle mayonnaise, Buffalo aioli, or a blue cheese or ranch dressing.
The Spruce /Nita West
Tip
- Don't use chicken straight from the fridge. If you put cold chicken into hot oil, it will significantly reduce the temperature of the oil. The chicken won't cook evenly nor will it be super crispy once it's fried. Instead, take your chicken out and let it sit at room temperature about 30 minutes before you plan to bread it.
How to Store Spicy Chicken Strips
Fried chicken always tastes best the day you make it. You can keep this in the fridge, wrapped in foil, for three to five days. Reheat, wrapped in foil, in a low oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Use it cold straight out of the fridge and add it to a salad, put it in a wrap, or turn it into a creative grilled cheese sandwich.
Recipe Tags: