Crispy Golden Chicken Strips (Printable)

Crispy breaded chicken strips with buttermilk marinade and golden panko coating, ready in 30 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lb chicken breast fillets, cut into strips

→ Marinade

02 - ½ cup buttermilk
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
05 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ½ teaspoon paprika

→ Breading

07 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
10 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

→ For Frying

13 - Vegetable oil, for deep frying

→ To Serve

14 - Barbecue sauce
15 - Honey-mustard sauce

# How to Make It:

01 - Whisk buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Submerge chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate up to 2 hours for enhanced tenderness.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls: combine flour with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in the first; beat eggs in the second; place panko breadcrumbs in the third.
03 - Lift strips from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Coat each piece in flour mixture, dip into beaten eggs, then press firmly into panko crumbs to adhere.
04 - Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 2 inches in a deep skillet. Heat until oil reaches 350°F.
05 - Fry strips in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to wire rack or paper towels to drain.
06 - Arrange chicken tenders on serving plates alongside barbecue sauce and honey-mustard sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfectly Crispy: The panko breadcrumb coating ensures a satisfying crunch in every bite.
  • Tender & Juicy: A simple buttermilk marinade makes the chicken incredibly moist and flavorful.
  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.
  • Family-Friendly: A guaranteed favorite for both kids and adults, especially when served with classic dipping sauces.
02 -
  • Don't Skip the Marinade: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes is key to achieving tender, juicy results.
  • Use One Hand Wet, One Hand Dry: When breading, use one hand for the dry flour/panko and the other for the wet egg to keep your fingers from getting caked.
  • Maintain Oil Temperature: Frying at a consistent 175°C (350°F) prevents the tenders from becoming greasy and ensures they cook evenly.
  • Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Frying in batches allows the tenders to get golden and crispy all over.
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