Quick and Easy Fried Chicken Strips Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Craving something crispy, juicy, and satisfying after a long day? This Quick and Easy Fried Chicken Strips Recipe is your go-to solution for busy weeknights. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have golden, perfectly seasoned chicken strips that both kids and adults will love. Whether you serve them with fries, a fresh salad, or tuck them into a sandwich, this recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Chicken Strips Recipe

• ✅ Quick – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• ✅ Simple Ingredients – Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.
• ✅ Versatile – Great for dipping, sandwiches, wraps, or even topping salads.
• ✅ Family-Friendly – Kids love them, and grown-ups can’t stop at one.
• ✅ Crispy and Juicy – Crunch on the outside, tender on the inside.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients to make crispy, golden fried chicken strips at home:

the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar as substitute)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder

the Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Frying:

• Vegetable oil (or canola oil – enough to fill pan about 1 inch deep)

Instructions: Step-by-Step

🔹 Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine sliced chicken with buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.

💡 Tip: Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick better.

🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a shallow bowl, mix flour, breadcrumbs (if using), paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each marinated chicken strip in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat all sides.

🔄 Optional: Double-dip by dunking coated strips back in buttermilk, then flour again for extra crunch.

🔹 Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test it by dropping a small piece of bread – it should sizzle and float.

🔹 Step 4: Fry the Chicken Strips

Add the coated chicken strips in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F or 74°C).

🔥 Pro Tip: Use tongs to flip and remove to minimize splatter and mess.

🔹 Step 5: Drain and Serve

Remove the fried chicken strips and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces or sides!

Best Dipping Sauces for Chicken Strips

Pair your crispy chicken strips with these flavorful sauces:

• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard
• Barbecue sauce
• Buffalo wing sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Spicy sriracha mayo

What to Serve with Fried Chicken Strips

These easy chicken strips go with almost everything! Try them with:

• French fries or sweet potato fries
• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Mac and cheese
• Fresh green salad
• Coleslaw
• Biscuits or dinner rolls

Quick Variations You Can Try

Oven-Baked Version:
Skip the oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes. Spray the strips with cooking oil for a crispy finish.

Air Fryer Method:
Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Spicy Kick:
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a bolder flavor.

Gluten-Free Option:
Use rice flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for breading.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked strips on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Bake in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 540mg

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crispy, juicy, and fast chicken dinner the whole family will love, this fried chicken strips recipe is your best friend on busy nights. It’s simple enough for weeknights but tasty enough for weekends too. Serve with your favorite side and dip, and you’ve got a winning meal on the table in no time.