Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cooking oil spray or vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breasts into strips, about 1 inch wide. If using chicken tenders, trim any excess fat and remove the tendon if desired.
- Set Up Breading Stations:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and water.
- In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Bread the Chicken Strips:
- Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken strip into the egg mixture, coating it completely.
- Press the chicken strip into the panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Place the breaded chicken strips on a plate or tray. Repeat with the remaining chicken strips.
- Cook the Chicken Strips:
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange the chicken strips in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken strips with cooking oil. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken strips are golden brown and cooked through.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking oil. Arrange the chicken strips on the baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken strips with cooking oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken strips are golden brown and cooked through.
- Frying Method: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F/175°C), carefully add the chicken strips in batches, frying for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy chicken strips hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
Enjoy these delicious and crispy chicken strips as a snack, appetizer, or main dish!