Let’s be honest — fried chicken is one of those things you can never get enough of. But what if I told you that you can make crispy, golden chicken strips at home without deep-frying? Yep, this version gives you all the crunch and juiciness you crave, with a lighter and faster method.
I love making these chicken strips on lazy weekends or movie nights. They’re crunchy outside, tender inside, and perfect with any dipping sauce. My favorite combo? Sweet and spicy yogurt sauce — a little tangy, a little hot, and totally addictive.
These are the kind of snacks that disappear the second you serve them. And the secret to the amazing crisp? Crushed nachos! Instead of using breadcrumbs, we’re coating the chicken with smashed nachos and cornflakes. It gives the chicken the most irresistible crunch and a hint of cheesy flavor. Let’s jump into the recipe — it’s super easy and satisfying!
Crispy Fried Chicken Strips You’ll Want Every Day
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or tenderloins
- Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (for seasoning)
- Cornstarch
- 1 beaten egg
- Crushed nachos or cornflakes
- Optional: Yogurt sweet & hot sauce for dipping
Instructions
-
Prep the chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts into strips.
- Sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
-
Marinate for flavor
- Let the chicken rest for a while to absorb the seasoning.
- This step helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
-
Make the crispy coating
- Crush leftover nachos (or cornflakes) into coarse crumbs.
- This will be your crunchy outer layer.
-
Coat the chicken
- Lightly coat each strip in cornstarch.
- Dip into the beaten egg, then roll in crushed nachos or cornflakes.
- Press gently to help the coating stick well.
-
Cook to golden perfection
- Air-fry or bake until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve with yogurt sweet & hot sauce or your favorite dip!
🍗 Q&A About Crispy Fried Chicken Strips
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and stay tender after frying. Just cut them into even strips for consistent cooking.
2. What can I use instead of crushed nachos?
You can swap nachos with crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even crispy rice cereal — they all give great crunch!
3. How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Press the crumbs firmly onto each strip and let the coated chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking. This helps the coating stick better.
4. Is air-frying better than deep-frying?
Air-frying uses less oil and still gives a delicious crispy texture. Deep-frying, though, makes it extra golden and crunchy — your choice!
5. What’s the best dip for these chicken strips?
Try a mix of yogurt with sweet chili or hot sauce for a tangy kick! It’s light, creamy, and pairs perfectly with the crispy coating.
Serve your crispy fried chicken strips with a creamy yogurt sauce mixed with a touch of chili or honey — it’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy!
