Tired of greasy, fried chicken strips? This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful baked chicken strips that are surprisingly easy to make and significantly healthier than their fried counterparts. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun family meal, these baked chicken strips are guaranteed to be a hit!
Why Choose Baked Chicken Strips?
Baked chicken strips offer a delicious alternative to their fried counterparts, boasting several advantages:
- Healthier: Significantly lower in fat and calories compared to fried chicken strips.
- Easier Cleanup: Baking eliminates the need for messy frying oil and reduces kitchen splatter.
- More Versatile: You can easily customize the seasonings to match your taste preferences.
- Crispy Texture (Yes, Really!): With the right technique, you can achieve a satisfyingly crispy exterior.
Ingredients for Easy Baked Chicken Strips
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, adds a cheesy flavor)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray
How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Strips: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips.
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Season the Flour: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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Create the Egg Wash: In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
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Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using).
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Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken strip in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dip it in the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
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Bake the Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray.
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Bake until Golden Brown: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I make my baked chicken strips crispier?
For extra crispy chicken strips, use panko breadcrumbs, which are larger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs. Ensure the chicken strips are arranged in a single layer on the baking sheet to promote even browning and crispiness. Lightly spraying the chicken with cooking spray also helps.
Can I use different seasonings?
Absolutely! Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or even a simple blend of salt and pepper are all great options.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is cooked through when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The chicken should also be opaque and no longer pink inside.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken strips ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This can save time on busy weeknights. However, baking is best done fresh for optimal crispiness.
What are some good dipping sauces for baked chicken strips?
Honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, sweet chili sauce, and buffalo sauce are all popular choices. Get creative and experiment with different sauces to find your favorites!
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Chicken Recipe
These easy baked chicken strips are a delicious and healthy alternative to fried chicken. They're quick to prepare, customizable to your taste, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for crispy, flavorful chicken. So ditch the fryer and try this recipe today! You won't be disappointed.
