There’s something absolutely magical about the aroma of baked breaded chicken strips wafting through your kitchen. Picture this: crispy golden breading, juicy chicken, and a hint of garlic that tickles your senses. As you tear into these delightful strips, the crunch gives way to tender meat, making each bite a celebration of flavor. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends, these chicken strips are sure to steal the show.
I can still remember the first time I made baked breaded chicken strips for my friends. We were all crammed into my tiny kitchen, laughter echoing as we eagerly anticipated the taste test. Little did I know, this would become our go-to recipe for weekend get-togethers. Now, it’s not just about eating; it’s about sharing joy and good memories with those you love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These baked breaded chicken strips are incredibly easy to whip up on a busy weekday evening.
- The flavorful blend of spices creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- They look stunning on any plate, making them perfect for entertaining guests or family dinners.
- Versatile enough to pair with various dipping sauces or sides, they adapt beautifully to your meal preferences.
I once surprised my family on a random Tuesday night with these chicken strips, and their ecstatic reactions made me feel like a culinary rockstar.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor or panko for an extra crispy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds depth; avoid pre-shredded varieties if possible.
Eggs: These bind the breadcrumbs and help create a tasty crust once baked.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle brings out savory notes that perfectly complement the chicken.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; use freshly cracked pepper for better flavor.
Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spraying helps achieve a golden-brown finish without frying.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make baked breaded chicken strips
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures that your chicken strips become crispy and delicious.
Prepare Your Chicken: While waiting for the oven to heat up, slice your boneless chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide. This size allows them to cook evenly and stay juicy.
Create Your Breading Station: Set up a simple breading station with three shallow bowls: one for beaten eggs mixed with salt and pepper, one filled with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, and another one empty for easy cleanup later.
Dip and Coat Chicken Strips: First, dip each strip into the egg mixture until fully coated. Then let any excess drip off before transferring it into the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently so every inch gets covered in that crunchy goodness.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled foil. Give them some space; nobody likes crowded chicken!
Spray and Bake!: Lightly spray the tops of the strips with olive oil spray – this helps them brown beautifully without frying. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are golden brown.
With each step following this guide, you’ll create irresistible baked breaded chicken strips that will surely impress everyone at your table!
Content
Tip: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Panko creates a light, crispy texture that elevates your chicken strips. My first try using regular breadcrumbs felt like eating cardboard.
Tip: Marinate the chicken before breading. A simple marinade enhances flavor and tenderness. I once forgot this step and ended up with bland chicken strips—never again!
Tip: Let the chicken rest before baking. This helps maintain juiciness and improves texture. I learned this the hard way when my hungry kids devoured them too quickly!
You Must Know
- This baked breaded chicken strips recipe combines ease with deliciousness; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- The aroma of baking chicken fills your kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in.
- It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Prepare your chicken by marinating it first, then coat it in breadcrumbs, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. This sequence ensures crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out seasonings or add cheese to the breadcrumbs for a unique flavor twist. You can also experiment with different dipping sauces to complement your chicken strips.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover baked breaded chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, always season the flour before coating the chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give each strip room to crisp up nicely.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and perfect doneness.
When my son took his first bite of these baked breaded chicken strips, his eyes lit up like Christmas morning! He declared them better than fast food, which made my heart swell with pride.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken strips for this recipe?
Yes, just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked through.
What dipping sauces pair well with baked breaded chicken strips?
Honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce are favorites that complement the flavors beautifully.
How can I make these baked breaded chicken strips spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your marinade or breadcrumbs for an extra kick!
Baked Breaded Chicken Strips
Indulge in the irresistible crunch of baked breaded chicken strips that are juicy on the inside and golden brown on the outside. This simple, yet flavorful recipe combines tender chicken with seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan for a delightful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces to elevate this crowd-pleaser!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide.
- In a shallow bowl, beat eggs with salt and pepper. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange coated strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Lightly spray tops with olive oil spray and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 strips (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Marinate the chicken beforehand for enhanced flavor and tenderness. Experiment with different spices or add cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for variety.
