Preparing the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken strips with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Mix well to ensure each strip is evenly coated with the seasonings.
Breading the Chicken:
- Set Up the Dredging Station: Arrange three shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix the flour with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. In the second dish, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon water. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
- Dredge the Chicken: Coat each chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, then finally coat it well with the panko mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a good coating. Place the breaded strips on a plate or wire rack while you finish breading the rest.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray. This setup allows air to circulate around the chicken strips, ensuring they become crispy all around.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken strips on the prepared wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken strips, so it’s good to check for doneness using a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serving:
Serve the crispy chicken strips hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing. They’re also great with a side of coleslaw, french fries, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Extra Crispiness:
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are key to achieving that light, airy, and crispy texture. They’re larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, which means they absorb less oil and stay crisper.
- Wire Rack Baking: Baking the chicken strips on a wire rack ensures the hot air circulates evenly around the chicken, making them crispy on all sides without needing to flip them.
Crispy Chicken Strips are not just a dish; they’re a crowd-pleaser, capable of bringing smiles to any table. By following this recipe, you’ll master the art of making chicken strips that are as satisfying to crunch into as they are delightful to taste, all from the comfort of your kitchen.