Making Crispy Chicken Strips In A Deep Fryer

Making fried chicken strips in a deep fryer is a simple process that yields a delicious, nostalgic meal for both kids and adults. The ingredients are easy to source and the method is straightforward, making this a great go-to dinner option for the whole family. The key to getting crispy chicken strips is to ensure the oil is heated to 375°F before frying, and to not overcrowd the pan. This will ensure the chicken cooks immediately and doesn't absorb too much oil.

Prepare the chicken

Start by slicing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. The thickness of the strips should be about half an inch. You can also use chicken tenderloins, which are the tender muscles located just beneath each chicken breast. If you prefer a richer flavour, you can use boneless, skinless thigh meat, but be sure to slice the thighs so they cook evenly.

Once you have cut your chicken, it's time to set up your breading station. You will need three separate shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place your flour and any seasonings you wish to add. In the second bowl, whisk together your eggs and milk or buttermilk. You can also add garlic powder or garlic salt to this mixture for extra flavour. The third bowl should contain your chosen breadcrumbs. Season the breadcrumbs generously with salt and pepper, or use Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs.

Now you are ready to start coating your chicken. First, dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy coating, repeat this process, dipping the chicken back into the egg mixture and then the breadcrumbs a second time.

Once all your chicken strips are coated, let them rest for a few minutes. This will help the coating stick and give the breading a chance to soften, resulting in an even crispier texture when fried.

Make the breading

Making the breading for fried chicken strips is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to make the breading:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact ingredients may vary depending on your preferences, but typically you will need flour, eggs, milk or buttermilk, and seasonings. For the seasonings, you can use a variety of options such as garlic salt, dried basil, paprika, pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, or smoked paprika. You can also use Italian-style seasoned bread crumbs or regular breadcrumbs. If you don't have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed saltines or another type of cracker.

Once you have your ingredients, set up your breading station. Place the dry ingredients (flour and/or breadcrumbs, and seasonings) in one shallow bowl and mix them together. In a separate shallow bowl, prepare the wet mixture by beating or whisking together the eggs and milk or buttermilk. You can also add garlic powder or garlic salt to the wet mixture for extra flavour.

Now you are ready to start breading the chicken. First, dip each piece of chicken into the wet mixture, making sure it is well coated. Then, dip the chicken into the dry mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Gently pat the dry mixture onto the chicken to help it stick. If desired, you can double dredge the chicken by dipping it back into the wet mixture and then the dry mixture again. This will create an extra thick and crispy coating.

Before frying, it is important to let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps the coating to stick and gives it a chance to soften slightly, which will result in an even crispier texture after frying.

Finally, heat your oil to the desired temperature (typically around 365-375°F) and carefully fry the chicken strips in batches. Do not crowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken strips for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Drain the fried chicken strips on paper towels and serve hot for the crispiest texture.

Fry the chicken

Now that you've prepared your chicken strips, it's time to fry them! Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Before you begin frying, it's important to set up your work area safely. Frying can be dangerous, so make sure you're using the right equipment and always keep a close eye on the oil. Have a fire extinguisher or a lid close by in case of any flare-ups.

First, you'll need to heat your oil. Pour enough oil into your deep fryer to cover the chicken strips. Heat the oil to around 365-375°F (190°C). This is a crucial step to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and doesn't absorb too much oil. An electric skillet or deep-fat fryer with temperature control can be helpful for this.

While the oil is heating up, you can prepare your chicken strips. If you've followed the previous steps, your chicken should already be coated in the breading of your choice. Place the coated chicken tenders on a wire rack to rest. This step helps the coating dry a little and stick better to the chicken.

Once the oil has reached the desired temperature, it's time to start frying! Carefully place a few strips into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry the chicken strips in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding the fryer will result in soggy chicken and an unevenly cooked exterior.

Once the chicken strips are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Season the strips with a little extra salt, if desired.

If you're frying in batches, keep the cooked chicken strips warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you fry the remaining batches.

And that's it! You've now successfully fried your chicken strips. Serve them with your favourite dips and enjoy the delicious, crispy results of your labour!

Make a dipping sauce

Making a dipping sauce to go with your fried chicken strips is simple and allows you to be creative with your choice of ingredients. A creamy, tangy sauce is a popular pairing with fried chicken strips. To make this, you will need mayonnaise, garlic salt, black pepper, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Simply stir all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl, then place the sauce in the fridge for 20-60 minutes to chill before serving.

If you want to add more of a kick to your sauce, you could add some chili sauce, spicy ketchup, or your favourite hot sauce. Alternatively, you could add some sweetness with honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar. Fresh herbs such as cilantro, basil, or mint can also add subtle flavours to your sauce.

If you want to make a Chick-Fil-A-style sauce, you will need mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and yellow and Dijon mustard. Simply mix these ingredients together in a bowl, and you're ready to serve!

Store and reheat the chicken

Storing and reheating your chicken strips properly is key to maintaining their delicious, crispy texture. Here's what you need to do:

Storing Chicken Strips:

• Drain off the oil well. Place the chicken strips on a rack straight out of the hot oil, avoiding paper towels. You can also place them on a rack in a preheated oven or toaster oven, or heat them in an air fryer. These methods will prevent the chicken from becoming greasy and soggy.
• Cool the chicken strips before storing. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the chicken strips soggy.
• As a precaution, place a paper towel underneath the chicken strips in the container to absorb any excess oil or condensation.
• Fried chicken strips can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for three to four months.

Reheating Chicken Strips:

• Avoid using the microwave to reheat your chicken strips, as this will result in a soggy texture.
• Instead, use an oven, air fryer, or toaster oven to reheat the chicken strips and restore their crispy exterior.
• If using an oven, preheat it to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and arrange the chicken strips in a single layer on the rack. This allows the hot air to circulate and crisp up the chicken evenly. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the skin is hot and crispy.
• For an air fryer, preheat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the chicken strips come to room temperature, then arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about four minutes, flipping once to ensure even cooking.
• If you're in a hurry, you can use a convection oven or air fryer at a higher temperature (around 500 degrees Fahrenheit) for a shorter time (5-7 minutes).

Frequently asked questions