Chicken strips are a popular finger food that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main course. One of the most efficient and quick ways to prepare chicken strips is by using a deep fryer. Deep frying chicken strips results in a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the meat inside moist and tender.
However, it is important to cook chicken strips in a deep fryer for the right amount of time to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat. Undercooked chicken can pose health risks, while overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.
The ideal cooking time for chicken strips in a deep fryer is typically around 4 to 6 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken strips and the temperature of the oil. It is recommended to preheat the deep fryer to around 350°F (175°C) before adding the chicken strips.
When cooking the chicken strips, it is important to ensure they are evenly coated with a batter or breading to achieve a uniform and crispy texture. It is also important to cook the chicken strips in small batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can result in uneven cooking.
Once the chicken strips are cooked, they should be placed on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil. They can be served immediately with dipping sauces or used in various recipes such as wraps, salads, or as a topping for pizzas.
Preparing Chicken Strips for Deep Frying
Deep-fried chicken strips make for a delicious and crispy snack or meal. Preparing the chicken strips before frying is an essential step to ensure that they turn out perfectly cooked and flavorful. Here is a simple guide to help you prepare your chicken strips for deep frying:
Cut the Chicken
Start by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. The size and thickness of the strips can vary depending on your preference, but aim for strips that are about 1 inch wide and 4-5 inches long. Cutting the chicken into uniform strips will help them cook evenly.
Marinate the Chicken
Marinating the chicken strips can add an extra layer of flavor and help keep them moist during deep frying. You can use pre-made marinades or create your own by combining your favorite herbs, spices, and liquids like soy sauce or buttermilk. Place the chicken strips in a bowl or resealable bag, and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Tip: Don’t forget to pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels before coating them with breading to ensure a crispy texture.
Coat the Chicken
Before deep frying, it is important to coat the chicken strips in a breading mixture to create a crispy exterior. You can use various types of breading, such as flour, breadcrumbs, panko, or a combination of these. Season the breading mixture with your favorite spices and herbs for added flavor.
Tip: To achieve an extra crispy coating, you can double-coat the chicken strips by dipping them in beaten egg and then rolling them in the breading mixture for a second time.
Make sure to shake off any excess breading before frying to prevent it from falling off and burning in the oil.
Deep Fry the Chicken
Finally, it’s time to deep fry the chicken strips. Preheat your deep fryer to 375°F (190°C) and carefully place a few strips into the oil at a time. Cook the chicken strips until they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This usually takes about 6-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the strips.
Keep an eye on the chicken strips while frying to prevent them from becoming overly browned or burnt.
Once the chicken strips are cooked to perfection, remove them from the deep fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving so that they retain their crispy texture.
Now that you know how to prepare chicken strips for deep frying, you can enjoy this tasty snack anytime. Serve them as a standalone dish or with your favorite dipping sauces for a truly satisfying experience!
Selecting and Trimming the Chicken Strips
When preparing chicken strips in a deep fryer, it is important to start with high-quality chicken. Look for chicken breast strips that are fresh and free from any visible signs of spoilage such as discoloration or an unpleasant odor.
Next, take the time to trim any excess fat or tendons from the chicken strips. This will help to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and reduces the risk of greasy chicken strips. Using a sharp knife, carefully remove any unwanted fat or connective tissue from the chicken strips.
If you prefer, you can also marinate the chicken strips before cooking them in the deep fryer. This can add extra flavor and help to tenderize the meat. Some popular marinade options for chicken strips include lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce, and various herbs and spices.
Marinating the Chicken Strips
Before deep frying the chicken strips, it’s a good idea to marinate them. Marinating the chicken not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the chicken moist and tender.
Here is a simple marinade recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken strips in a ziplock bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is evenly coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
- When you’re ready to cook the chicken strips, remove them from the marinade and discard the marinade.
Note: It’s important to discard the marinade as it may contain raw chicken juices, which can cause foodborne illnesses if consumed.
By marinating the chicken strips, you’ll infuse them with delicious flavors and ensure a juicy and succulent end result. Enjoy!
Coating the Chicken Strips with Breadcrumbs
Coating chicken strips with breadcrumbs is a delicious way to add a crispy, flavorful outer layer to your chicken. Whether you’re frying or baking your chicken strips, the breadcrumb coating will help give them a golden, crunchy texture.
Ingredients:
- Chicken strips
- Egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water)
- Breadcrumbs
- Salt, pepper, and other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
- Preheat your deep fryer or oven as needed according to the recipe you are following.
- In a shallow dish, season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the chicken strip in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere and ensure even coverage.
- Place the coated chicken strips on a plate or wire rack while you prepare the remaining strips.
- If you are frying the chicken strips, carefully place them into the preheated deep fryer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- If you are baking the chicken strips, place them on a greased baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken strips from the fryer or oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Coating chicken strips with breadcrumbs adds a satisfying texture and flavor to your meal. Enjoy your deliciously crispy chicken strips!