Have you ever wondered why homemade spicy chicken strips is better than ordering from outside? When you make them at home, you can control the spice level, make them healthier, and save money. Plus, there’s nothing like eating fresh, hot chicken right from your kitchen.
Spicy chicken strips recipe is a perfect snack, appetizer, or even a quick dinner idea that you can easily make at home.
What Are Spicy Chicken Strips?
Spicy chicken strips are simply chicken pieces (usually boneless chicken breast or chicken thigh meat) cut into strips, marinated with spices, coated with flour or breadcrumbs, and then fried or baked until crispy. The beauty of this dish is its versatility. You can serve them as snacks for game night, pack them for lunch, or turn them into a full meal with fries, rice, or salad.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Strips Recipe at Home
Let’s walk step by step into making this at home in a way so simple that anyone can do it.
Ingredients for Spicy Chicken Strips Recipe
- 500 grams boneless chicken thighs or breast
- 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice level)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes (for extra crunch)
- Oil for frying (or spray oil if baking)
How to Make Spicy Chicken Strips Recipe (Step by Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Wash the boneless chicken and cut it into even strips, about the size of your fingers. This makes them cook evenly and look nice.
Step 2: Marinate for Flavor
In a bowl, mix buttermilk, half of the chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken strips to it and coat well. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you want more flavor, leave it in the fridge for 2-3 hours. This step makes the chicken juicy and spicy from the inside.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, mix flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, and the remaining spices. This coating will give your chicken the crunchy outer layer.
Step 4: Dip and Coat
Take each marinated chicken strip, dip it in beaten egg, then roll it in the flour-breadcrumb mixture. Make sure it’s fully coated so that the crispiness comes out perfect.
Step 5: Fry or Bake
- Frying: Heat oil in a pan. Once hot, fry the strips in small batches until golden brown and crispy. This usually takes 4–5 minutes per side.
- Baking (Healthier Option): Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the coated chicken strips on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with oil. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Variations of Homemade Spicy Chicken Strips
Do you want to make your spicy chicken strips recipe more exciting? Here are some fun variations:
- Honey Spicy Chicken Strips: After frying, toss them in a mix of honey and hot sauce for a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Cheesy Chicken Strips: Add grated parmesan or cheddar to your breadcrumb mix for a cheesy crust.
- Air-Fryer Version: Coat the strips as usual and air-fry them at 200°C for 15 minutes. Healthier and still crispy!
- Asian Style: Add soy sauce, ginger, and chili paste in the marinade for a spicy Asian flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate values for fried version:
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
Making spicy chicken strips at home is one of the simplest yet tastiest things you can try. So, the next time you are craving something crunchy and spicy, don’t order from outside.
Try this spicy chicken strips recipe in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you make them, your family and friends will keep asking for more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for 30 minutes is enough for good flavor, but if you have time, keep it for 2–3 hours. The longer the marination, the juicier and tastier the chicken will be.
2. Can I make spicy chicken strips without frying?
Yes! You can bake them in the oven or air-fry them. They will still turn out crispy if you coat them well and spray lightly with oil.
3. What’s the best dipping sauce for spicy chicken strips?
Ranch, spicy mayo, garlic sauce, or even ketchup works well. For a unique twist, try honey mustard or sweet chili sauce.
4. Can I make spicy chicken strips less spicy for kids?
Absolutely! Just reduce or skip cayenne pepper and chili powder. You can keep the crispy flavor without making it too hot.
