Indulge in a mouthwatering delight with our Italian Chicken Strips! These homemade chicken tenders are coated in a fragrant blend of Italian herbs ensuring a crispy and flavorful experience with every bite. Dip them in a savory sauce for the perfect culinary treat!
Here’s a simple recipe for Italian Chicken Strips:
Ingredients
For the Chicken Strips
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
For the Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1/ In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This will be your breading mixture.
2/ Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second dish, and the breadcrumb mixture in the third dish.
3/ Dip each chicken strip first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken strip with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere.
4/ Heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
5/ Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken strips in batches. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
6/ Place the cooked chicken strips on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7/ In a small saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat over low heat until warmed through.
Serving Italian Chicken Strips:
Serve the Italian Chicken Strips hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy your homemade Italian Chicken Strips as a tasty appetizer or main dish!
Tips and tricks for making Delicious Italian Chicken Strips
Even Coating: Ensure an even coating of breadcrumbs on the chicken strips for uniform crispiness. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to make them adhere better.
Flavorful Marinade: Consider marinating the chicken strips in buttermilk or yogurt with your choice of herbs and spices for added flavor and tenderness before breading.
Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature around 350-375°F (175-190°C) for perfectly crispy chicken. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature.
Don’t Overcrowd: Fry the chicken strips in batches to prevent overcrowding which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy coating.
Draining Excess Oil: After frying place the cooked strips on a paper towel lined plate to remove excess oil.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the Italian seasoning blend to your taste. You can add garlic powder paprika or even a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor.
Oven Baking: If you prefer a healthier option you can bake the chicken strips in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes flipping halfway through until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Sauce Variations: Get creative with dipping sauces. Besides marinara try ranch dressing honey mustard or barbecue sauce for different flavor profiles.
Serve Fresh: Chicken strips are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve them immediately for the crispiest texture.
Pairing: Italian Chicken Strips are great as an appetizer in a sandwich or as part of a salad. Pair them with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
By following these tips and tricks you’ll master the art of making irresistible Italian Chicken Strips every time!
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for Italian Chicken Strips can vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used.
Here’s an approximate breakdown for a standard serving of Italian Chicken Strips (about 3-4 strips).
Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per serving.
Protein: About 20-25 grams, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken strips.
Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20 grams, mostly from the breadcrumb coating.
Fat: Around 8-12 grams, primarily from frying and any added oil or butter.
Fiber: Minimal dietary fiber, as most of the dish consists of protein and carbohydrates.
Sodium: The sodium content can vary based on seasoning and dipping sauces, but it’s typically around 300-500 milligrams.
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific recipe and portion size. Additionally oven-baked versions may have lower fat content compared to deep fried ones. If you have specific dietary concerns or requirements it’s best to calculate the nutrition using the exact ingredients and quantities you use.
