1. Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into strips, about 1 inch wide. Try to keep them uniformly sized for even cooking.
- Season: Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
- Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and a bit of the garlic powder and paprika. Mix well.
- Egg Wash: In another shallow dish, beat the eggs with the milk until well combined.
- Breadcrumbs: Place the breadcrumbs or panko in a third shallow dish, seasoning it with a little salt and the remaining garlic powder and paprika.
3. Bread the Chicken
- Coat the Chicken: One by one, dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Set Aside: Place the breaded chicken strips on a plate or a wire rack while you heat the oil.
4. Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or a deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
- Fry: Fry the chicken strips in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain: Transfer the cooked chicken strips to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your crispy chicken strips with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, or ketchup. They’re also great in wraps, salads, or simply enjoyed on their own.
Tips for the Perfect Crispy Chicken Strips
- Uniform Pieces: Cutting the chicken into uniformly sized strips ensures they cook evenly.
- Hot Oil: Maintaining the oil at the right temperature is crucial. Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked; too low, and the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Do Not Overcrowd: Cooking the chicken strips in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping and ensures each piece becomes perfectly crispy.
Enjoy your homemade crispy chicken strips, a simple yet delicious treat that’s sure to satisfy your craving for something savory and crunchy!