4 Foolproof Steps to Make Crispy Chicken Strips Everyone Will Fight Over!

By boom Last updated Mar 20, 2025

If you’re craving something irresistibly crispy, juicy, and downright delicious, you can’t go wrong with classic chicken strips. These golden beauties are a favorite for both kids and adults, and they’re perfect for everything from family dinners to game-day snacks. But what if we told you that achieving restaurant-quality crispy chicken strips at home is easier than you think? In fact, with just four simple steps, you can prepare a plate of crunchy, mouthwatering chicken strips that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!).

Let’s break down how you can master this all-time favorite dish right in your kitchen.

Why Homemade Chicken Strips Are Better

Sure, it’s tempting to grab frozen chicken tenders or hit the drive-thru when you’re craving crispy chicken. But homemade chicken strips beat store-bought every single time—and here’s why:

Control Over Ingredients: You know exactly what’s going into your food—no preservatives, artificial flavorings, or questionable oils.
Customization: Craving extra spice? Prefer gluten-free breadcrumbs? Want to bake instead of fry? It’s all up to you.
Cost-Effective: Preparing a big batch at home is significantly cheaper than buying pre-made or ordering out.

Freshness: Nothing beats that just-fried crunch and juicy interior.

Here’s What You’ll Need

Before diving into the four easy steps, gather your ingredients:

Boneless chicken breasts or tenders (about 1 lb)

All-purpose flour (1 cup)
Eggs (2 large, beaten)
Breadcrumbs or panko crumbs (1 ½ cups)

Salt & pepper (to taste)
Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (optional but recommended)
Vegetable oil or preferred frying oil

Optional:

Buttermilk (for marinating)
Hot sauce (for extra flavor kick)

The 4-Step Process for Perfect Crispy Chicken Strips

Step 1: Prepare & Marinate the Chicken

Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into even strips—about 1 inch wide. If you have time, marinate the strips in buttermilk with a dash of salt, pepper, and hot sauce for at least 30 minutes to a few hours. This step isn’t mandatory but helps tenderize the chicken and adds deeper flavor.

Pro Tip: “Soaking chicken in buttermilk keeps the meat moist and tender while giving the coating something to cling to,” says a professional chef.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station

This is where the magic happens! Set up three shallow bowls:

Bowl 1: Flour seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs or panko crumbs. You can also mix in a bit of grated parmesan or dried herbs for extra flavor.

Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip it in the egg mixture, and finally coat it generously with breadcrumbs.

Important: Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick well and create that thick, crispy crust.

Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat (around 350°F or 175°C). Carefully place a few chicken strips in the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Once cooked, transfer the strips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Chef’s Advice: “Maintain a steady oil temperature—too hot, and the crust burns before the chicken cooks; too cool, and the strips absorb too much oil.”

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Serve your crispy chicken strips hot with your favorite dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, spicy mayo, or classic ketchup. Pair them with fries, a fresh salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Baked or Air-Fried Version

Looking for a healthier option? You can bake or air-fry the chicken strips:

Baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken strips in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping once, until crispy and cooked through.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they might vanish quickly!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness—microwaving will make them soggy.

Flavor Variations to Try

The classic recipe is always a winner, but feel free to experiment:

Spicy Buffalo: Toss cooked strips in buffalo sauce.

Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle with grated parmesan and garlic butter.
Asian-Inspired: Add sesame seeds and drizzle with sweet chili sauce.
Southern Style: Double dredge in seasoned flour and buttermilk for extra crunch.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy chicken strips are proof that simple ingredients can deliver extraordinary results. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping snacks for a party, or just satisfying a personal craving, this recipe is your go-to solution.

Not only is it incredibly easy to follow, but it also gives you full control over flavor, texture, and quality. Plus, the joy of biting into that golden, crunchy exterior and tasting the juicy chicken inside? Absolutely unbeatable.