Easy Chicken Strips Recipe (Giant Chicken Nuggets)
There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly cooked chicken strip. Whether you’re serving them up for a casual family dinner, a game night with friends, or simply indulging in a late-night snack, these Easy Chicken Strips Recipe (Giant Chicken Nuggets) are bound to be a hit. Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, these chicken strips are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why It Deserves a Spot
This Easy Chicken Strips Recipe (Giant Chicken Nuggets) deserves a spot in your recipe collection for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these chicken strips in no time. Secondly, they’re versatile! You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, toss them into a salad, or enjoy them alongside some roasted vegetables. Lastly, they’re a crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike will love the crunchy texture and juicy chicken, making them perfect for family dinners or parties.
The Essentials
To make your Easy Chicken Strips Recipe (Giant Chicken Nuggets), you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This helps to create a crunchy exterior.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning your chicken and flour.
- 2 large eggs: These will act as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs.
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs: Italian style adds a lovely flavor and crunch.
- Oil to sauté: Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for frying.
Equipment & Tools
Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. For this recipe, you will need:
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface for cutting your chicken.
- Sharp knife: For slicing the chicken breasts into strips.
- Three shallow bowls: For the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Large skillet: For sautéing the chicken strips.
- Spatula: To flip the chicken strips while cooking.
- Paper towels: For draining excess oil after frying.
Easy Chicken Strips Recipe (Giant Chicken Nuggets), Made Easy
Now that we have everything we need, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make the best Easy Chicken Strips Recipe (Giant Chicken Nuggets).
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Place the chicken on a cutting board and slice each breast into thick strips. Aim for about 1-inch wide to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In three shallow bowls, set up your breading station. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour and season it with salt and pepper to taste. In the second bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until well combined. In the third bowl, add the bread crumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Strips
Take each chicken strip and coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured strip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, press the chicken strip into the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is fully coated. Repeat this process for all chicken strips.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a breadcrumb into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
Step 5: Cook the Chicken Strips
Carefully place the breaded chicken strips into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the chicken strips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch.
Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives
If you’re looking for low-carb or keto options, here are a few alternatives to consider for this Easy Chicken Strips Recipe (Giant Chicken Nuggets):
- Almond flour: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a low-carb option.
- Egg wash only: Omit the breadcrumbs and use just the egg wash for a less carb-heavy version.
- Parmesan cheese: Mix grated Parmesan cheese with almond flour for a flavorful crust.
- Crushed pork rinds: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for a crunchy coating.
Cook’s Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken strips in your favorite spices or sauces for an hour before breading.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to avoid soggy strips.
- If you prefer baking, you can bake the coated chicken strips in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Prep Ahead & Store
You can prep these chicken strips ahead of time! Simply bread the chicken strips and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before cooking. If you want to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best results.
Easy Chicken Strips Recipe (Giant Chicken Nuggets) Q&A
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and moisture to your chicken strips. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as they may take a little longer to cook through.
What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken strips?
These chicken strips are versatile and pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for those who like a kick!
Can I freeze the chicken strips before cooking?
Yes! After breading the chicken strips, lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to your cooking time.
Are these chicken strips gluten-free?
To make these chicken strips gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Bring It Home
These Easy Chicken Strips Recipe (Giant Chicken Nuggets) are not just a meal; they’re an experience. The satisfying crunch and juicy chicken make them irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is straightforward and delicious. So grab those chicken breasts, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy some homemade goodness that’s sure to impress. You’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought chicken nuggets again!
Easy Chicken Strips Recipe (Giant Chicken Nuggets)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Slice each breast into thick strips, about 1-inch wide.
- Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one for the flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one for whisked eggs, and one for the breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken strip in the flour mixture, dip it in the egg, then press it into the breadcrumbs until fully coated. Repeat for all strips.
- Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Test if the oil is ready by dropping in a breadcrumb; if it sizzles, it's good to go!
- Carefully place the breaded chicken strips into the hot oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked strips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Consider marinating the chicken strips in spices or sauces for added flavor.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough to avoid soggy strips.
- If preferred, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
