Crispy & Juicy: The Ultimate Fried Buttermilk Chicken Strips Recipe
Fried chicken strips are a beloved comfort food for a reason. They’re crispy, juicy, and utterly satisfying. This recipe takes the classic to the next level with a buttermilk marinade that ensures incredibly tender and flavorful chicken. We’ll walk you through every step, from prepping the chicken to achieving that perfect golden-brown crust. Get ready to enjoy the best homemade fried chicken strips you’ve ever tasted!
Why Buttermilk? The Secret to Tender Chicken
The key to truly exceptional fried chicken strips lies in the buttermilk marinade. Buttermilk is more than just a tangy dairy product; it’s a culinary powerhouse. Here’s why it’s essential:
* **Tenderizes the Chicken:** Buttermilk’s acidity gently breaks down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. No more dry, tough chicken strips!
* **Adds Flavor:** Buttermilk imparts a subtle tang that complements the savory spices in the breading. It enhances the overall flavor profile, creating a more complex and delicious taste.
* **Helps the Breading Adhere:** The buttermilk creates a slightly sticky surface that helps the breading adhere evenly to the chicken. This ensures a consistently crispy crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather your ingredients. This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients that combine to create incredible flavor and texture.
**For the Chicken:**
* 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips (about 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long)
* 2 cups buttermilk
* 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco), optional but recommended
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
**For the Breading:**
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons paprika
* 2 tablespoons garlic powder
* 2 tablespoons onion powder
* 2 tablespoons dried oregano
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme
* 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
**For Frying:**
* 4-6 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil, for frying
Equipment You’ll Need
* Large bowl or zip-top bag for marinating
* Shallow dishes or plates for breading
* Large cast iron skillet or deep fryer
* Tongs
* Wire rack
* Paper towels
* Thermometer (optional, but recommended for monitoring oil temperature)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect fried buttermilk chicken strips.
**Step 1: Marinate the Chicken**
1. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the chicken strips, buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Mix well to ensure all the chicken is coated in the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become. Aim for at least 4 hours to maximize the benefits of the buttermilk.
**Step 2: Prepare the Breading**
1. In a large, shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Ensure all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. The cornstarch helps create a lighter, crispier crust.
**Step 3: Set Up Your Frying Station**
1. Place the breading mixture in one shallow dish. Have another empty shallow dish ready for the breaded chicken.
2. Line a wire rack with paper towels. This is where you’ll place the fried chicken strips to drain excess oil and maintain their crispiness.
3. If using a thermometer, clip it to the side of your cast iron skillet or deep fryer. You’ll want to maintain a consistent oil temperature of 325-350°F (160-175°C).
**Step 4: Bread the Chicken**
1. Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off. You can gently pat them dry with paper towels, but don’t remove all the moisture, as it helps the breading adhere.
2. Working one chicken strip at a time, dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to help it adhere.
3. Shake off any excess flour. This will prevent the breading from becoming too thick and gummy during frying.
4. Place the breaded chicken strip on the empty shallow dish. Repeat with the remaining chicken strips until all are breaded.
**Step 5: Fry the Chicken**
1. Pour vegetable oil or peanut oil into your cast iron skillet or deep fryer, filling it to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Make sure the oil level is sufficient to fully submerge the chicken strips.
2. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 325-350°F (160-175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of breading into it. If the breading sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
3. Carefully add the breaded chicken strips to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet or fryer. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches, adding only as many strips as will fit comfortably without touching each other.
4. Fry the chicken strips for 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Use tongs to carefully remove the fried chicken strips from the oil and place them on the wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**
1. Serve the fried buttermilk chicken strips immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
2. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or sweet chili sauce.
3. Enjoy them as a main course with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, french fries, or corn on the cob.
4. Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.
Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken Strips
* **Don’t Skip the Buttermilk:** The buttermilk marinade is crucial for tender and flavorful chicken. Don’t try to substitute it with regular milk, as it won’t provide the same benefits.
* **Marinate Long Enough:** Aim for at least 4 hours of marinating time, or preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the better.
* **Use a Thermometer:** Monitoring the oil temperature with a thermometer is essential for achieving consistent results. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s cooked through. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet/Fryer:** Frying in batches is important for maintaining the oil temperature and ensuring even cooking. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
* **Drain Excess Oil:** Place the fried chicken strips on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This will help them stay crispy.
* **Reheat Properly:** To reheat leftover chicken strips and restore their crispiness, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Variations and Additions
* **Spice It Up:** Add more cayenne pepper to the breading for extra heat. You can also use other spicy ingredients like chili powder or smoked paprika.
* **Add Cheese:** Mix grated Parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese into the breading for a cheesy twist.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs in the breading, such as rosemary, sage, or parsley.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in the breading to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Add a Sweet Touch:** A little sugar or honey in the buttermilk marinade can add a nice touch of sweetness.
* **Lemon Herb:** Grated lemon zest and finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley and thyme added to the breading brighten up the flavor profile. This works especially well served alongside a lemon-garlic aioli.
* **Nashville Hot:** Combine cayenne pepper with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of MSG (optional) for a spicy and slightly sweet Nashville Hot-style breading. Be careful, this is very spicy!
Serving Suggestions
Fried buttermilk chicken strips are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
* **As a Main Course:** Serve them with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, french fries, corn on the cob, or macaroni and cheese.
* **In Sandwiches:** Use them as the filling for delicious chicken sandwiches, topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your favorite sauce.
* **On Salads:** Add them to salads for a protein-packed and flavorful meal. Pair them with greens, vegetables, cheese, and a vinaigrette or creamy dressing.
* **As Appetizers:** Serve them as appetizers with dipping sauces for parties or gatherings.
* **In Wraps:** Wrap them in tortillas with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and your favorite sauce for a quick and easy meal.
* **Chicken and Waffles:** A classic pairing! Serve the chicken strips atop waffles with maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
* **Tacos:** Dice the chicken strips and use them as a filling for tacos, adding toppings like shredded lettuce, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
The right dipping sauce can elevate your fried chicken strips to a whole new level. Here are some popular options:
* **Ranch Dressing:** A classic and creamy dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with fried chicken.
* **Honey Mustard:** A sweet and tangy dipping sauce that complements the savory flavors of the chicken.
* **Barbecue Sauce:** A smoky and flavorful dipping sauce that adds a touch of sweetness and tang.
* **Sweet Chili Sauce:** A sweet and spicy dipping sauce that provides a delightful contrast to the fried chicken.
* **Blue Cheese Dressing:** A rich and tangy dipping sauce that adds a unique flavor to the chicken.
* **Garlic Aioli:** A creamy and garlicky sauce that enhances the savory notes of the chicken.
* **Sriracha Mayo:** Combine sriracha and mayonnaise for a spicy and creamy dipping sauce.
* **Spicy Ketchup:** Add a dash of hot sauce to your ketchup for a simple and flavorful dipping sauce.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
* Calories: 350-450 per serving (4-5 strips)
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
* Cholesterol: 100-120 mg
* Sodium: 800-1000 mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
* Fiber: 1-2 grams
* Sugar: 5-7 grams
* Protein: 25-35 grams
Conclusion
These fried buttermilk chicken strips are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The buttermilk marinade ensures incredibly tender and flavorful chicken, while the crispy breading provides the perfect crunch. With this recipe, you can easily recreate this classic comfort food at home and enjoy it with your favorite dipping sauces and sides. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to indulge in the best homemade fried chicken strips you’ve ever tasted! Enjoy!