Imagine sinking your teeth into golden, perfectly crispy chicken strips that are so delicious, you won't believe they're baked - not fried! These mouthwatering Oven Fried Chicken Strips are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines restaurant-quality crunch with a healthier home-cooking approach. Whether you're looking for a quick family dinner or a crowd-winning appetizer, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds without the extra grease and calories of traditional deep-fried chicken.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and pepper. In a second dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine breadcrumbs and paprika.
- Pat chicken strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating adhere better.
- Dredge each chicken strip first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
- Roll the egg-coated chicken strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick completely to the chicken.
- Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each strip to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken strips with cooking spray. This helps them brown and become crispy in the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices and ensures the chicken remains moist.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Tips
- Pat the chicken strips completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and better breading adhesion.
- Use a three-step breading process: flour, egg wash, and seasoned breadcrumbs for the ultimate crispy exterior.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each strip space to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Lightly spray the strips with cooking spray before baking to help them achieve a golden, crisp finish.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to help retain moisture and make the meat more tender.
- Experiment with different seasoning blends in your breadcrumbs for variety - try adding garlic powder, Italian herbs, or cayenne for a kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 308kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
