extra crispy fried chicken strips
Are you ready to treat your taste buds to some extra crispy fried chicken strips? I promise,once you try this recipe,you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! With a golden,crunchy exterior and juicy chicken on the inside,these strips are perfect for dipping or snacking. Let’s dive into making this appetizing dish together!
Simple Ingredients for Delicious Extra Crispy Fried Chicken Strips
ready to make some extra crispy fried chicken strips? Let’s gather everything you need! This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This will give your chicken that delightful crunch.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: A little seasoning goes a long way!
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: For that hint of spice.
- 2 large eggs: these will help the flour stick for that extra crispy coating.
- 4 tablespoons water: This thin mixture helps the egg adhere better.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders: The star of the show! Tender and juicy.
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying: You want enough oil to fully submerge your chicken for even cooking.
Feel free to get creative with your ingredient choices. You can add your favorite herbs or spices to the flour mix,such as garlic powder or paprika,to customize the flavor. Just make sure to measure everything out before you start cooking—this makes the process smooth and stress-free!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfectly Cooked Chicken Strips
now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into making these delicious chicken strips! Follow these steps for a perfectly crispy result:
- Prepare the Coating: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. In a seperate small bowl,whisk together the eggs and water until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken: Take a few chicken strips and dip them into the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Shake off any excess flour.next, dip them into the egg mixture and let the excess drip off. Return to the flour mixture for a second coating, and then set the coated strips on a plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow your coated chicken strips to sit for about 5 minutes. This step helps the coating adhere better during frying.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep-fryer or large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for frying, ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that golden-brown crust.
- Fry in Batches: Carefully place the chicken strips into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Cook for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain the Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the chicken strips to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Now, you’re ready to serve these crispy delights! Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, like tangy barbecue or zesty ranch.
Serving and Storage Information for Extra Crispy Fried Chicken Strips
Once you’ve cooked up these delicious extra crispy fried chicken strips, it’s time to think about serving and storage. This recipe is perfect for family dinners,parties,or even meal prep!
Serving:
I love to serve these chicken strips while they’re still warm,as they truly shine in texture and flavor. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some of my favorites:
- Classic ranch dressing: Creamy and herbaceous.
- Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy option that complements the crunch.
- Buffalo sauce: For those who love a little heat!
- BBQ sauce: Smoky and sweet, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
You can also serve these strips over a bed of mixed greens for a delicious salad or alongside classic sides like coleslaw or French fries.
Storage:
If you have any leftovers (which can be a rarity), storing them properly is key to maintaining their crunch. Let the chicken strips cool down to room temperature before storing. Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigeration: Place the cooled chicken strips in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, it’s best to store them in a single layer with parchment paper between layers.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken strips. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then,transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes will help restore their crispy texture.
Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting Tips for Extra Crispy Fried Chicken Strips
Cooking can sometimes present unexpected obstacles, but don’t worry! here are some handy troubleshooting tips to help your chicken strips turn out perfectly every time.
Notes:
- Oil Temperature: It’s essential to maintain the oil temperature at about 350°F (175°C). A thermometer is really helpful here. If the oil is too hot, your chicken may burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. If it’s too cool, the strips will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Coating Consistency: Make sure the chicken strips are properly coated. If the coating seems too thick or clumpy, try lightening up with a whisked egg.A thinner, more even coating will fry up crispier.
Troubleshooting:
- Breading Falling Off: If the breading falls off during frying, it might be too wet from the egg wash. Let your coated strips sit a bit longer before frying to help the flour adhere better.
- Soggy strips: If your chicken ends up soggy, it could be due to not letting them drain on a paper towel after frying. this step is crucial to remove excess oil and keep that crunch.
With these tips in mind, you’re all set to make successful batches of crispy chicken strips! Enjoy the process and the delicious results that follow.