As a teenager, my favourite thing to order off of any menu was the classic chicken tenders and fries. It didn't matter which restaurant I was at, I wanted to try those juicy strips. My friends would make so much fun of me, as they could always guess what my order would be. Now fast forward 15 years later, and here I am making my very own baked crispy chicken strips.
It is just so much more rewarding making homemade versions of your favourite recipes. And to top it off, making them healthier. Now that feeling is in a category of its own! Since the majority of restaurant-ordered chicken strips are deep fried, the fact that this version is baked makes it a zillion times healthier for you.
It is also healthier because we know exactly what we are adding into the bread mixture. I mean, just look at the ingredients. There is nothing outrageously bad for you in this recipe. So you know exactly what you are coating these bad boys with. A lot of chicken strips tend to include a big-sized serving of Parmesan cheese in their breaded crumbs... bet you didn't know that!
And just because they are healthier does not mean they aren't as tasty. In fact, they are tastier. These baked crispy chicken strips are phenomenal! Not that I am biased or anything... Juicy long strips of chicken shaped perfectly for dipping into your favourite sauce, coated with a flawless crispy and crunchy exterior created by a combination of panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning blend and paprika, should I keep going? 🙂
For those of you that don't know, in the world of breaded chicken, there are breadcrumbs and then there are panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are a Japanese-style breadcrumb with a jagged coarse texture that gets super crispy without having to be deep-fried, hence why they make the perfect coat for baked chicken strips. I found them in the "International" aisle of my local grocery store. You can also find them at any specialty Asian supermarket.
Although, my restaurant activities have changed immensely from when I was a young teenager, and I now like to try new and more intricate dishes on the menu, I can still appreciate a batch of good old-fashioned chicken strips. I particularly consume them when I am at a baseball game or hosting game day at our home. It is the perfect appetizer to munch on while cheering on your favourite team.
Pair this with a side of your favourite dipping sauce (mine is barbecue sauce) and watch it disappear right before your eyes!
Recipe
Baked Crispy Chicken Strips
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 chicken strips
Description
Juicy long strips of chicken shaped perfectly for dipping and coated with a flawless crispy and crunchy exterior, baked crispy chicken strips are a pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 and ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 lb. chicken breast, cut into long strips
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- dipping sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 F. Line a cooking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking oil or brush with oil.
- In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring continuously until the breadcrumbs start to brown. Be careful not to burn them, you only want them to slightly turn a golden colour. Remove from heat and mix in the italian seasoning blend, paprika, salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Set aside.
- In a bowl, beat your egg. Add the mayonnaise and continue to beat. Pour into a shallow dish.
- In another shallow dish, add the flour.
- Now, start coating your chicken strips. First, dip the chicken into the flour and fully coat it. Next, dip it into the egg mixture and fully coat. Lastly, place your chicken into the panko breadcrumb mixture and coat fully.
- Place the coated chicken strip onto your cooking tray. Continue for all pieces.
- Bake the strips for 15-18 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
- Serve immediately with a side of your favourite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Anne Murphy says
Sometimes you just need that finger food... but yeah, I rarely want to deep fry things at home for so many reasons... This baked version looks good.
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks, Anne! I definitely agree with you 🙂
Ilona @ Ilona's Passion says
I loved that you used mayonnaise in it. It adds so much flavour to the chicken. I need to try it:)
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks, Ilona! 🙂
Leah says
Oh my goodness these look incredible! I love chicken strips. Have you ever tried adding almond meal to your breading? I've done it for chicken nuggets before and it turned out well!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks, Leah! I haven't tried almond meal but thanks for the tip!! I will have to try it next time 🙂
Valentina says
My son and whole family will love this. I LOVE adding paprika to this sort of crust. Delicious!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks, Valentina! That's great! I am glad the whole family will enjoy this 🙂
Sharee @ Savory Spicerack says
This is a great recipe for my family as we continue to bake chicken more. Pinned!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks, Sharee! I am glad your family will enjoy this 🙂
April @ Girl Gone Gourmet says
Chicken strips are still a favorite of mine - love your healthier version!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks, April! Healthy still tastes great 🙂