Spicy Cajun Chicken Strips
Elevate your taste buds with these Spicy Cajun Chicken Strips, a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a perfect blend of spices for a zesty kick. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad to complete the meal. Enjoy the bold flavors that will leave your guests asking for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (Plain, for coating)
Poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon (Dried spice blend)
Garlic salt
3/4 teaspoon (Mixed with salt and garlic)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (Ground spice)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground for best flavor)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground spice)
Cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (Spice blend for flavor)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 lbs (Cut into 1/2 inch strips)
Margarine or butter
2 tablespoons (For cooking)
Instructions
1
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the all-purpose flour, poultry seasoning, garlic salt, paprika, pepper, cayenne pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
2
Add the chicken strips to the bag, working in batches if necessary. Seal the bag and shake it well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
3
Heat margarine or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken strips in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
4
Cook the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the juices run clear. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).
5
Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sliced peppers for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Cajun Chicken Strips?
Spicy Cajun Chicken Strips are tender pieces of chicken breast coated in a zesty blend of Cajun spices and flour, then pan-fried until golden brown.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2 inch strips.
How do I coat the chicken in the spice mixture?
Combine the flour and spices in a large resealable plastic bag, add the chicken strips, seal the bag, and shake it well to ensure even coating.
What spices are included in the coating?
The coating includes all-purpose flour, poultry seasoning, garlic salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
How long should the chicken be cooked?
The chicken strips should be cooked in a skillet for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken must reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use either 2 tablespoons of margarine or butter to heat the skillet for cooking.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is designed as a quick and easy recipe, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners.
How should I garnish the chicken strips?
Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley and sliced peppers for extra color and flavor.
What side dishes pair well with Cajun chicken?
These strips are excellent when served alongside a fresh salad or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for breasts, you can use boneless skinless thighs cut into strips, though cooking times may vary.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a zesty kick from the cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust these amounts to control the heat level.
Do I need to cook the chicken in batches?
Yes, if your skillet is not large enough, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
What type of flour is used for the coating?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour for the spice coating.
Can I prepare the spice mix in advance?
Yes, you can pre-mix the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container until you are ready to cook.
How do I know the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it is golden brown on the outside, the juices run clear, and it reaches 165°F internally.
Can these chicken strips be used for meal prep?
Yes, they are a great protein option for salads or wraps throughout the week.
What size should the chicken strips be?
The chicken should be cut into strips approximately 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.
What is the purpose of the poultry seasoning?
Poultry seasoning adds a savory herbal depth that complements the spicy Cajun flavors.
Can I air fry these chicken strips?
While the recipe specifies pan-frying, they can likely be air-fried at 400°F for 8-10 minutes with a light spray of oil.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Absolutely, these strips work well as finger food or appetizers for gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients including the chicken, fat, flour, and various spices.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic salt?
Garlic salt is used for even distribution in the dry coating; if using fresh garlic, it is better to add it to the pan during cooking.
Does the recipe use black pepper?
Yes, it calls for 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, preferably freshly ground for the best flavor.
What heat setting should I use?
You should heat the margarine or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Should I let the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, remove from heat and let the chicken sit for a couple of minutes before serving to retain juiciness.
Can I substitute the cayenne pepper?
If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the cayenne or replace it with extra paprika for a milder version.
Is the Cajun seasoning a specific brand?
The recipe does not specify a brand, so you can use any standard Cajun spice blend.
Are these chicken strips gluten-free?
As written, they use all-purpose flour. You would need to substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
What is the texture of the chicken?
The chicken strips are tender on the inside with a lightly seasoned, golden-brown exterior.