### **CRISPY CHICKEN STRIPS (Better Than Takeout!)**
These **ultra-crispy, juicy chicken strips** are perfect for a quick dinner, game day snack, or kid-friendly meal. The secret? A **double-dredge** in seasoned flour and buttermilk for maximum crunch!
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### **Ingredients:**
#### *For the Chicken Strips:*
– **1.5 lbs (700g) chicken tenders** (or boneless breasts cut into strips)
– **1 cup buttermilk** (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar)
– **1 tbsp hot sauce** (optional, for extra flavor)
– **1 tsp garlic powder**
– **1 tsp paprika**
– **1 tsp salt**
– **½ tsp black pepper**
#### *For the Crispy Coating:*
– **1 cup all-purpose flour**
– **½ cup cornstarch** (for extra crispiness!)
– **1 tsp baking powder** (makes coating extra airy)
– **1 tsp garlic powder**
– **1 tsp onion powder**
– **1 tsp smoked paprika**
– **1 tsp salt**
– **½ tsp black pepper**
#### *For Frying:*
– **Vegetable oil** (for shallow or deep frying)
#### *For Serving (Optional):*
– **Honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, or ketchup**
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### **Instructions:**
#### **1. Marinate the Chicken:**
– In a bowl, mix **buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper**.
– Add chicken strips, coat well, and marinate for **at least 30 mins** (or up to 4 hours for maximum tenderness).
#### **2. Prepare the Coating:**
– In a separate bowl, whisk together **flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and all spices**.
#### **3. Dredge the Chicken:**
– Remove chicken from buttermilk (let excess drip off).
– Coat each strip in the flour mixture, pressing firmly.
– *For extra crunch:* Dip back in buttermilk, then flour again (**double-dredge!**).
#### **4. Fry to Golden Perfection:**
– Heat **1 inch of oil** in a deep skillet to **350°F (175°C)**.
– Fry strips in batches for **3–4 mins per side** until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: **165°F/74°C**).
– Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
#### **5. Serve Hot & Crispy!**
– Enjoy immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
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### **Air Fryer Option (Healthier!):**
– Spray coated strips with **oil spray**.
– Air fry at **400°F (200°C)** for **10–12 mins**, flipping halfway.
### **Pro Tips:**
✔ **Use a thermometer** to maintain oil temp (too cold = greasy, too hot = burns).
✔ **Double-dredging** = extra crunch!
✔ **Baking option?** Bake at **425°F (220°C)** for 15–20 mins, flipping halfway.
These **Crispy Chicken Strips** beat any fast-food version—tender inside, shatteringly crispy outside! Enjoy!