Ultimate Crispy Chick-N-Strips with Creamy Chick-Fil-A Sauce
Indulge in the golden, crispy perfection of these homemade Chick-N-Strips, reminiscent of your favorite fast-food treat but made right in your kitchen! These tender chicken strips are marinated to soak up flavor, then double-breaded for an extra crunch and fried to perfection. Paired with a sumptuous Chick-Fil-A sauce, this meal is a perfect addition to lunch or snack time, guaranteed to satisfy any craving. Gather your ingredients and enjoy a delightful culinary adventure that will impress family and friends alike, all while keeping it simple and delicious!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mayonnaise
1/4 cup (none)
Honey
2 tablespoons (none)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
Yellow mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
Fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons (from one lemon)
Barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Pickle juice
1/2 cup (none)
Whole milk
1/2 cup (none)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Chicken tenderloins
16 pieces (about 1 3/4 pounds) (none)
Peanut oil
6 cups (for frying)
Egg
1 piece (beaten)
Pickle chips
8 pieces (from a jar (16 oz))
All-purpose flour
3 cups (none)
Powdered sugar
1/4 cup (none)
Baking powder
2 tablespoons (none)
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon (none)
Paprika
1 tablespoon (none)
Chili powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Chick-Fil-A sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, lemon juice, and barbecue sauce in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the pickle juice and whole milk. Add the chicken tenderloins, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes for maximum flavor.
3
While the chicken is marinating, heat the peanut oil in a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 325 degrees F.
4
Prepare the dry breading mix by whisking together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
5
After marinating, remove the chicken from the pickle and milk mixture, reserving the marinade. Place the chicken on a plate.
6
Whisk the egg into the reserved marinade, creating a binding mixture. One by one, dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, followed by dredging in the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is well-coated. Repeat this step for a double-breaded effect, then set aside on a clean plate.
7
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until golden brown on each side and the chicken is opaque in the center, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
8
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked strips to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9
Serve the crispy Chick-N-Strips with the creamy Chick-Fil-A sauce for dipping, and enjoy your homemade fast-food delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this recipe for?
This is a copycat recipe for Ultimate Crispy Chick-N-Strips served with a homemade creamy Chick-Fil-A dipping sauce.
How do I make the Chick-Fil-A sauce?
Whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, lemon juice, and barbecue sauce in a small bowl until combined.
What is the secret to the chicken marinade?
The chicken is marinated in a mixture of pickle juice and whole milk to ensure tenderness and flavor.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes for maximum flavor saturation.
What type of oil is best for frying these strips?
Peanut oil is recommended for its high smoke point and flavor, heated to 325 degrees F.
How do I achieve an extra crispy breading?
This recipe uses a double-breading technique, dipping the chicken in the egg mixture and flour twice.
What ingredients are in the dry breading mix?
The mix consists of all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Why is powdered sugar used in the breading?
Powdered sugar adds a subtle sweetness and helps achieve the signature golden-brown color during frying.
What temperature should the oil reach?
The oil should be heated to 325 degrees F before adding the chicken.
How long do the chicken strips need to fry?
Fry the strips for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and opaque in the center.
What should I do with the chicken after frying?
Transfer the cooked strips to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
How do I prepare the binding mixture for breading?
Whisk one beaten egg into the reserved pickle juice and milk marinade after removing the chicken.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts sliced into strips, though the recipe specifically calls for 16 tenderloin pieces.
Is the Chick-Fil-A sauce spicy?
The sauce is creamy and tangy with a hint of sweetness; it is not considered spicy.
What role does baking powder play in the recipe?
Baking powder helps the breading puff up slightly, creating a lighter and crispier texture.
How many chicken tenderloins does this recipe use?
The recipe is designed for 16 chicken tenderloins, approximately 1 and 3/4 pounds.
What is the purpose of the pickle juice?
Pickle juice acts as a brine that tenderizes the meat and provides the iconic flavor associated with Chick-Fil-A chicken.
Should I fry all the chicken at once?
No, you should fry the chicken in batches to ensure the pot is not overcrowded and the oil temperature stays consistent.
What type of mustard is needed for the sauce?
The sauce requires both Dijon mustard and regular yellow mustard for a balanced flavor profile.
How much flour is required for the breading?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
What spices give the chicken its color?
Paprika and chili powder contribute to the vibrant golden-red color of the fried breading.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe recommends fresh lemon juice from one lemon, but bottled juice can be used as a substitute.
Is the chicken seasoned before breading?
The chicken is seasoned through the marinade and the heavily seasoned flour breading mixture.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
Serve the crispy strips with the prepared creamy sauce for dipping, and optionally with pickle chips on the side.
How much honey is in the sauce?
The sauce uses 2 tablespoons of honey.
Do I need to let the sauce sit?
Yes, setting the sauce aside while you prepare the chicken allows the flavors to meld together.
How much oil is needed for frying?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of peanut oil for frying.
Does the recipe use kosher salt or table salt?
The breading uses 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, while the sauce uses 1/4 teaspoon of regular salt.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use for the dip?
Any standard barbecue sauce of your choice will work for the Chick-Fil-A sauce mixture.
Is garlic powder included in the breading?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder is whisked into the flour mixture.