Crispy Baked Chicken Strips
- Recipe Introduction
- Crispy Baked Chicken Strips: Your New Weeknight Hero
- The Secret Ingredient: Panko Perfection
- Ingredients You'll Need
- Ingredients & Equipment for Crispy Baked Chicken Strips
- Getting Crispy Baked Chicken Strips Right
- Recipe Notes for Epic Baked Chicken Strips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some crispy baked chicken without the guilt? Me too! These baked chicken strips are like a hug on a plate. They're packed with flavour and have that satisfying crunch.
Brief Overview
Did you know fried chicken has roots in Scottish and West African cuisines? We're giving it a healthy twist. This easy chicken dinner takes about 45 minutes. It makes about 4 servings.
Main Benefits
These healthy chicken strips are baked, not fried, so less fat! Perfect for a midweek treat or a kid-friendly chicken recipe . What makes them special? That incredible crunch from the panko.
Let’s dive into this fantastic recipe for oven fried chicken without the guilt!
Crispy Baked Chicken Strips: Your New Weeknight Hero
Honestly, who doesn't love chicken strips? But the deep fried ones? Nah. These baked chicken strips are a game changer. They give you all the satisfaction without the post chip-shop regret.
Think of them as posh, but still comforting, chicken nuggets.
I remember trying to get my little cousin to eat his dinner. He was all about the dinosaur nuggets. I thought, “Right, I'll make proper chicken strips, and he'll love them!” I was right.
They are a kid-friendly chicken recipe !
The Secret Ingredient: Panko Perfection
Ever wondered how to get that crazy crispy texture on oven fried chicken ? The answer is panko! These Japanese breadcrumbs are airier than regular ones.
This is key for that perfect crunch. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Pro Tip: Use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This will keep those strips extra crispy.
Ingredients You'll Need
Ready to get started? Grab these bits and bobs:
- About 1.5 lbs (680g) of chicken breast.
- A half cup (120ml) of buttermilk (or a milk and lemon juice mix).
- All those lovely spices and panko! The full list is just below.
We need a buttermilk chicken marinade for that extra tender chicken. Honestly, it elevates the whole recipe!. Don't skip this step, even if you're using the substitution.
Are you ready to make some seriously amazing baked chicken tenders recipe ? I know I am!
Ingredients & Equipment for Crispy Baked Chicken Strips
Let's talk about what you need to nail these baked chicken strips . Don't worry, it's not rocket science! It's totally an easy chicken dinner that you can make in no time!
The Main Players
For the actual healthy chicken strips , you'll need:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Quality is key. Look for chicken that's pink and firm. Nobody wants dodgy chicken!
- 1/2 cup (120ml) of buttermilk. Buttermilk gives that buttermilk chicken marinade flavor! If you don't have any, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) of your fave hot sauce. This is optional! I like Tabasco, but use what you dig.
- 1 large egg.
The Coating Squad
This is where the magic happens. Here is what you need for the panko chicken strips :
- 1 cup (120g) of panko breadcrumbs. Panko is essential for the crispy baked chicken . Don't skimp on this!
- 1/2 cup (60g) of all-purpose flour.
- 1/4 cup (30g) of grated Parmesan cheese (optional). This adds a nice cheesy kick.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) each of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) of dried thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) of salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) of black pepper.
Seasoning Sensations
Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are your core. They create that classic savory flavor. Thyme adds a subtle herby note.
Honestly, you can play around with this! Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, to your oven fried chicken
If you don't have thyme, Italian seasoning works too. No biggie.
Kit Essentials
Here's what you'll need for equipment. It doesn't have to be fancy!
- Baking sheet.
- 2-3 shallow dishes or bowls.
- Whisk.
- Measuring cups and spoons. We need to be precise!
- Meat thermometer (optional). A meat thermometer ensures the chicken is safely cooked and will avoid those nasty salmonella episodes. Chicken should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
For the baking sheet, if you don't have one. A large oven safe dish will do. For dishes, you can always use plates. As long as they are shallow!
Getting Crispy Baked Chicken Strips Right
Honestly, who doesn't love chicken strips? But all that deep frying can be a bit much, right? That's why I'm sharing my go-to recipe for crispy baked chicken .
It's so much healthier but still delivers that satisfying crunch. It's a great way to enjoy healthy chicken strips without the guilt.
This easy chicken dinner is ready in under an hour.
Prep Like a Pro, Cook Like a Boss
First things first, mise en place . You know, get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. We need 1.5 lbs (680g) of chicken breasts cut into strips, buttermilk (or a milk/lemon juice sub), panko, flour, and spices.
Whisk the buttermilk, 1 egg, and hot sauce (if you like a kick!) in a bowl. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes .
Seriously, don't skip this. It makes the chicken so tender.
Time saving tip: While the chicken marinates, mix the dry ingredients. Boom, multitasking! And a serious safety note. Make sure you wash your hands after handling raw chicken. Nobody wants a dodgy tummy!
From Bland to Bangin': The Baking Process
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Grease your baking sheet.
- Mix 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs , 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour , parmesan cheese, garlic and onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each strip thoroughly . Press the breadcrumbs on. We want that oven fried chicken effect!
- Bake for 20- 25 minutes . Flip halfway through for even browning. You're looking for an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Visual cue: Golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tips for Baked Chicken Perfection
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet! It steams the chicken, not crisps it. Use two sheets if needed. You know, panko chicken strips are the key to a truly crispy texture.
Don't substitute regular breadcrumbs unless you absolutely have to. A super common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Nobody likes dry chicken.
A meat thermometer is your friend!
Want to get ahead? You can bread the chicken strips in the morning and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
Perfect for busy weeknights! Serve them with your favorite chicken strip dipping sauce . My personal fave? Honey mustard. These are seriously kid-friendly chicken recipe .
Plus, you can even try baking baked chicken strips without breadcrumbs if you need to avoid gluten. They're delicious with a parmesan crust!
Recipe Notes for Epic Baked Chicken Strips
Alright, so you're about to make some seriously awesome baked chicken strips . These ain't your grandma's soggy excuses for chicken fingers, you know? Let's talk about how to make 'em extra special.
Let's Plate These Bad Boys! Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters! Don't just chuck them on a plate. Get a bit fancy! I reckon these crispy baked chicken beauties look amazing served on a wooden board with little pots of dipping sauce.
Think chicken strip dipping sauce heaven! As for sides, proper chips (fries for our American mates) are a must. Coleslaw is a winner too.
And for a cheeky drink? A nice cold beer, or even a lemonade if you're keeping it PG.
Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Chicken Fresh
Honestly, these baked chicken strips are so good, they rarely last long. But if you have leftovers, no worries! Pop 'em in an airtight container in the fridge and they'll be good for about 3-4 days.
Reheating? The oven is best to keep that crispy texture about 350° F ( 175° C) for around 10 minutes.
If you're proper organised, you can freeze 'em after baking. Let them cool completely first, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen!
Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen
Fancy a change? You got it! For a healthy chicken strips twist, try using whole wheat panko breadcrumbs. Boom! Extra fibre.
Want to make them veggie friendly? Okay maybe not, but you can serve them with tons of vegetables. Seasonally, think about using different herbs in the breadcrumb mix.
In autumn, sage would be amazing. For a dietary adaptation, make them baked chicken strips without breadcrumbs !
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite
Alright, so these panko chicken strips are still pretty good for you. One serving is about 350-400 calories. That's a good balance of protein, carbs and a bit of fat.
The main health benefit? You're getting lean protein without all the deep fried nastiness. Plus, with all those herbs and spices, you're getting some extra vitamins and minerals.
It's a kid-friendly chicken recipe you can feel good about!
Look, making these easy chicken dinner heroes is gonna be a blast. Don't be scared to experiment and have a laugh. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my baked chicken strips from being soggy? No one wants a soggy bottom like in Bake Off!
Soggy chicken strips are a bummer! To avoid this, make sure you don't overcrowd the baking sheet; give those strips some space to breathe and crisp up. Also, patting the chicken dry with paper towels before coating helps the breadcrumbs stick and reduces moisture.
For even better results, bake them on a wire rack set inside the baking sheet to let air circulate all around.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko for these baked chicken strips?
While you can use regular breadcrumbs, panko is the real star of the show here! Panko breadcrumbs are larger and flakier, which means they'll give you that satisfying crispy crunch we're all after, a bit like the perfect fish and chips. Regular breadcrumbs tend to be finer and can result in a less crispy coating.
If you absolutely must substitute, keep a close eye on them in the oven as they may brown faster.
What's the best way to store leftover baked chicken strips? And how do I reheat them so they're still crispy?
Leftovers, you say? If you're lucky enough to have some, store your baked chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and revive that crispy goodness, the oven or air fryer is your best bet!
Reheating in the microwave can make them a bit soggy, so pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or air fry for a few minutes until heated through.
I'm trying to be a bit healthier are these baked chicken strips actually better for me than fried ones?
Absolutely! Baking significantly reduces the amount of oil compared to deep frying. You're ditching all that extra grease, which translates to fewer calories and less fat, especially saturated fat. Plus, you can control the ingredients and seasoning to keep the sodium content in check.
It's a win-win you get a delicious and satisfying meal that's also a bit kinder to your waistline. You can even add a bit of lemon to make this dish shine even more.
What dipping sauces go well with baked chicken strips? I'm looking for some inspiration!
Oh, the possibilities are endless! For a classic combo, you can't go wrong with ranch dressing or BBQ sauce. Honey mustard offers a nice balance of sweet and tangy, while sweet chili sauce adds a bit of a kick. If you're feeling adventurous, try a sriracha mayo or a creamy avocado dip.
Basically, any sauce you enjoy with chicken nuggets or chips will work wonders here!
My baked chicken strips always seem to dry out. Any tips to keep them moist?
Dry chicken is a culinary crime! Marinading the chicken strips in buttermilk (or a buttermilk substitute) is key to keeping them juicy. Also, don't overbake them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), but don't go beyond that.
Resting the chicken for a few minutes after baking also allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and moist bite.
Crispy Baked Chicken Strips
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17.5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
