spicy chicken strips recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best spicy chicken strips recipe

I’ve been making spicy chicken strips for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. We love the combination of flavors and textures in this recipe. The spicy kick from the peppers and the tangy zip from the lime juice make it a perfect dish for any occasion.

I’ve served it at family gatherings, picnics, and even as a quick weeknight dinner. My kids devour it in seconds, and I’m happy to oblige because it’s not only delicious but also relatively healthy. The chicken is lean protein, and the vegetables add fiber and nutrients to the dish.

Plus, it’s so easy to make that even my kids can help with prep work. We like to serve it with a side of rice or noodles to soak up all the juices. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress, whether you’re serving it to a crowd or just feeding your own family.

The best part is that you can customize it to your taste by adjusting the level of heat in the dish or adding your favorite spices. My husband loves it when I add some extra cayenne pepper for an extra kick. We also like to experiment with different types of peppers, like jalapeños or habaneros, to change up the flavor profile.

It’s amazing how something so simple can be transformed into a culinary masterpiece with just a few tweaks.

Spicy Chicken Strips

4.8 from 580 votes

Crispy, oven-baked chicken strips coated in a fiery blend of spices. These are perfect as a snack or main dish, served with your favorite dipping sauce.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Dipping Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sriracha sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp lime juice

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top for even cooking.
3In a bowl, combine buttermilk and chicken strips, ensuring they are fully submerged.
4Let them soak for at least 10 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
5In a separate shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
6Stir until the spices are evenly distributed.
7Remove each chicken strip from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
8Dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
9Place the coated strips on the wire rack in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
10Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the strips are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
11While the chicken bakes, prepare the dipping sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl.
12Adjust spiciness to taste.
13Remove the chicken strips from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes.
14Serve immediately with the spicy dipping sauce on the side.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowls
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Wire rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 26g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For extra heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. You can also use skinless chicken thighs for juicier strips.

Watch Video Of How Spicy Chicken Strips Works

These spicy chicken strips are always a good idea for any gathering because they are easy to make and please a crowd. To store leftovers, let them cool completely, then place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

For reheating, I recommend using an oven or air fryer at 350 degrees for about 5 to 7 minutes to bring back the crunch. Serve them with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a sweet chili sauce, and pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

They work just as well for a casual family dinner as they do for a party platter, and I always feel good serving homemade food that tastes this great.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Chicken Strips

1. What type of peppers should I use in this recipe?

I prefer using Anaheim or Poblano peppers for their mild heat and rich flavor, but you can experiment with different types of peppers to suit your taste.

2. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of strips?

Sure thing! You can use boneless chicken breasts and cut them into strips if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since chicken breasts cook faster than strips.

3. How do I store leftover spicy chicken strips?

Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

4. Can I make this recipe without using any oil?

You can cook the chicken strips on a non-stick skillet or griddle without adding any oil if you prefer a healthier option.

5. Can I serve this dish as an appetizer or snack?

This recipe makes a great appetizer or snack when served with toothpicks or small skewers.

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