Chicken strips are a classic dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe features tender, crispy chicken strips coated in a flavorful batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. It’s a popular choice for both kids and adults alike, offering a delightful combination of crunchy texture and savory taste.

The origins of chicken strips, often referred to as chicken tenders or chicken fingers, are rooted in American cuisine. They are typically made from chicken breast meat, sliced into strips, then coated and fried until crispy.

This recipe is relatively easy to prepare, making it an excellent option for home cooks looking to whip up a delicious meal without a lot of fuss.

While frying chicken strips might seem straightforward, achieving the perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior requires attention to detail. This recipe offers a moderate level of difficulty, suitable for beginner cooks looking to expand their culinary skills.

Expert Tip: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F/175°C) before frying the chicken strips to achieve a crispy exterior without burning the batter.

Ingredients

Chicken Boneless: The star of this dish, boneless chicken breast, is lean and tender, making it ideal for creating juicy chicken strips. It provides a neutral base for the spices and batter, allowing the flavors to shine through.

Gram Flour (Besan): This gluten-free flour is made from ground chickpeas and adds a unique nutty flavor to the batter. It helps create a crispy coating on the chicken strips when fried.

Egg: The egg serves as a binding agent, helping to adhere the batter to the chicken strips. It also contributes to the overall texture, making the chicken strips tender and moist.

Chilli Powder, Turmeric Powder, Coriander Seeds, Cumin Seeds: These spices add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the chicken strips. Chilli powder provides a subtle heat, turmeric powder lends a vibrant color, while whole coriander and cumin seeds infuse a delightful aroma and taste into the batter.

Salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish, salt balances out the spices and brings out the natural taste of the chicken.

Expert Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken strips in a mixture of buttermilk and spices for at least 30 minutes before coating them with the batter.

Serving Suggestions

• Dipping Sauces: Chicken strips are perfect for dipping! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. These sauces complement the crispy texture of the chicken strips and add an extra layer of flavor.
• Side Dishes: Pair your chicken strips with classic side dishes like French fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. The combination of crispy chicken strips and these sides makes for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
• Wraps or Sandwiches: Use the chicken strips to make wraps or sandwiches by stuffing them into soft tortillas or sandwich bread along with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite condiments. This turns the chicken strips into a portable and delicious meal option.
• Party Appetizer: Chicken strips can also be served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties or gatherings. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and offer a variety of dipping sauces for guests to enjoy.
• Family Dinner: Make chicken strips the centerpiece of a family-friendly dinner by serving them with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. It’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Expert Tip: To reduce mess, use one hand for dipping the chicken strips in the batter and the other hand for coating them with breadcrumbs or flour, if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these chicken strips instead of frying them?

Absolutely! While deep-frying yields the crispiest results, you can also bake these chicken strips in the oven for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway through the cooking time.

Can I use a different type of flour instead of gram flour (besan)?

Yes, you can substitute gram flour with all-purpose flour or cornstarch if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the flour used.

How do I know when the chicken strips are cooked through?

To ensure that the chicken strips are cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before removing them from the oil or oven.

Can I prepare the chicken strips ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken strips in advance and store them in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven or toaster oven until heated through and crispy again.

How do I prevent the batter from becoming too thick or thin?

Gradually add the water to the batter while mixing until you achieve a smooth and slightly thick consistency. If the batter becomes too thin, add a bit more gram flour. If it’s too thick, add a little more water until you reach the desired consistency.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Chicken Goujons
• Chicken Fingers
• Chicken Pakora
• Breaded Chicken Tenders
• Chicken Tenders

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Chicken Strips

by Nabeela Kauser

Who can resist the allure of crispy, tender chicken strips? Perfect as a snack or main course, our chicken strips bring the crunch and the flavour in equal measure.

5 from 7 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetiser, Snack

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 4

Calories 248 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 500 g Chicken Boneless
• ▢ 100 g Gram Flour Besan
• ▢ 1 Eggs
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric Powder Haldi
• ▢ 1 tsp Coriander Seeds
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Seeds Jeera
• ▢ 100 ml Water

Instructions

• Cut the chicken breast into long and thin strips
• In a separate bowl add the salt, chilli powder, egg, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, whole coriander seeds and the gram flour then mix until well combined
• Slowly add some water and mix until a paste-like consistency forms – add the water gradually as you do not want the batter to end up too think
• Add the chicken strips into the mixture and make sure that each piece is coated evenly
• Heat up the oil and make sure that the oil is hot enough to cook the chicken but not too hot that the batter will burn yet leave the inside uncooked
• Add the chicken strips to the deep fryer and allow the chicken strips to cook for a few minutes before flipping over and allowing to cook further until golden brown
• Serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice then enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 248kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 18gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 666mgPotassium: 378mgFibre: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 308IUVitamin C: 1mgVitamin D: 0.3µgCalcium: 36mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Chicken, Finger Food, Food, Meat, Recipe, Snack

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