Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips

Introduction

Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips are a crispy, golden, and flavorful take on a classic southern comfort food. These chicken strips are seasoned to perfection, dredged in a crispy, seasoned flour coating, and fried until golden brown. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, game day, or just a craving for comfort food. The best part? This recipe is completely halal, with no pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol included. You’ll find this dish to be a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, offering a perfect balance of tender chicken and crispy breading that’s hard to resist.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Game day snacks
• Potlucks or BBQs
• Kid-friendly meals
• Southern food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips

Here’s why Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips will become your go-to recipe for comfort food:

• Crispy and Flavorful: The chicken strips are coated with a seasoned flour mixture that crisps up beautifully when fried, creating the perfect crunchy texture on the outside while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe is halal and free from pork, bacon, wine, and alcohol, making it suitable for everyone to enjoy.
• Perfect for Dipping: These chicken strips are ideal for dipping into your favorite sauces, from ranch dressing and honey mustard to barbecue sauce.
• Versatile: They can be served in various ways, whether as a main dish with sides or as finger food at parties.
• Easy to Make: The preparation for these chicken strips is simple, with easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep time, making them a stress-free meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips:

Chicken Strips:

• 1 ½ pounds chicken breast (about 4 breasts), cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
• ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Breading:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon baking powder (for extra crispiness)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For Dipping (Optional):

• Honey mustard sauce
• Barbecue sauce
• Ranch dressing

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breasts: Chicken breast is tender and easy to work with for making chicken strips, and it’s a great choice for a lean protein.
• Buttermilk: The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while adding a tangy flavor. It also helps the breading stick.
• Paprika: Both the smoked and regular paprika add a smoky depth of flavor and a beautiful color to the crust.
• Cayenne Pepper: For those who like a little kick, cayenne pepper adds spice without overpowering the flavors.
• Flour: The seasoned flour coating provides the crispy texture that makes fried chicken so irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the best Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips:

Prepare the Chicken Strips:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This step helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with flavor.

Prepare the Breading:

2. Mix the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, baking powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken strips from the buttermilk mixture. Allow excess liquid to drip off, then dredge each strip into the flour mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the coating sticks. For an extra crispy coating, dip the coated chicken back into the buttermilk and then again into the flour mixture for a double coating.

Fry the Chicken:

4. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or Dutch oven until it reaches about 2 inches up the side of the pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of the flour mixture into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken strips for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
6. Drain the Chicken: Once the chicken strips are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve the Chicken Strips:

7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.

How to Serve Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips

There are many ways to enjoy Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Style: Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and cornbread for an authentic southern meal.
• In a Sandwich: Place the fried chicken strips in a sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce, served on a soft bun.
• With Fries: Serve with crispy french fries or sweet potato fries for a complete comfort meal.
• On a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the chicken strips on top of a mixed green salad with your favorite dressing.
• For Parties: Make them bite-sized for party platters or serve with an array of dips to please your guests.

Additional Tips for Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips

Here are some helpful tips to perfect your Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips:

• Double Dipping for Extra Crunch: If you like your chicken extra crispy, try double dipping your chicken strips. After dipping in the buttermilk, coat the chicken in the seasoned flour, then dip it back into the buttermilk and coat it in flour again.
• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature is key to ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly. Too hot, and the chicken will burn; too cool, and the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken strips in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy, unevenly fried chicken.
• Use Fresh Oil: For the best results, use fresh oil to fry the chicken. Oil that has been used multiple times can affect the taste and texture of the chicken.
• Rest After Frying: Let the chicken strips rest on paper towels for a few minutes after frying. This allows excess oil to drain and ensures the crispy coating stays intact.

Recipe Variations of Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips

Here are 10 tasty variations of Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips:

• Buffalo Fried Chicken Strips: Toss the fried chicken strips in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick and serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing.
• Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Strips: Drizzle the strips with honey barbecue sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor.
• Cajun Fried Chicken Strips: Add Cajun seasoning to the flour mixture for a zesty and spicy twist.
• Spicy Fried Chicken Strips: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy version.
• Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken Strips: After frying, toss the chicken strips in lemon pepper seasoning for a citrusy, peppery flavor.
• Crispy Parmesan Fried Chicken Strips: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the flour mixture for a cheesy, crispy coating.
• Garlic Herb Fried Chicken Strips: Add garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary to the flour mixture for a savory herby flavor.
• Fried Chicken Tenders: Use whole chicken tenders instead of strips for a slightly different presentation and texture.
• Sweet and Spicy Fried Chicken Strips: Drizzle with a sweet chili sauce for a balance of sweet and heat.
• Southern Fried Chicken with Pickles: Serve the fried chicken strips with pickle slices for that perfect salty-sour contrast.

Freezing and Storage for Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken strips for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooled chicken strips on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
• Storage: Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them crispy, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.

Special Equipment for Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips

Here are some tools that will make making Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips even easier:

• Deep Fryer or Dutch Oven: A deep fryer or Dutch oven will allow for even frying and give the chicken that perfect crispy texture.
• Thermometer: A kitchen thermometer is essential for checking the oil temperature and ensuring the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature.
• Tongs: Use tongs to handle the chicken strips carefully while frying to avoid burning your hands or disturbing the breading.
• Shallow Dish: A shallow dish for dredging the chicken strips in the flour mixture will help ensure the strips are coated evenly.
• Paper Towels: Paper towels are important for draining the excess oil from the chicken after frying.

FAQ Section about Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier piece of meat. Just cut them into strips or tenders.
2. Can I make these chicken strips in an air fryer?
   Yes, you can air fry these chicken strips. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Can I make these chicken strips ahead of time?
   You can prepare the chicken strips and coat them in the flour mixture ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
   The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

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Conclusion

Southern-Style Fried Chicken Strips are the ultimate comfort food, combining a crispy coating with juicy, tender chicken. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, part of a meal, or as part of a party platter, these strips are sure to be a hit. With a variety of dipping sauces and easy customization options, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Simple to make, satisfying, and absolutely delicious, these halal-friendly chicken strips are the perfect treat for any occasion.