Southern Fried Chicken Strips

These crispy Southern Fried Chicken Strips are easy to make and perfectly seasoned.

Sometimes I defrost something with a specific meal in mind, and then the weather completely makes me crave something else.   We had a nice sunny warm stretch of weather here in New Hampshire over the weekend.   It was easy to ignore my menu plan of a heavy, creamy chicken and pasta dish for some crispy, golden brown fried chicken.

What You'll Need

• 2 pounds chicken tenderloins

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder (or Penzey’s Roasted Garlic for extra flavor)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Oil for deep-fat frying

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Instructions

1. Prep the chicken: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. In a separate shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika.

2. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin in the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat.

3. Heat the oil: In an electric skillet or deep pan, heat oil to 375°F. Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.

4. Fry the chicken: Cook 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and no longer pink inside.

5. Drain and season: Remove chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt while still hot.

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Tips & Tricks

• Make it spicy: Swap paprika for cayenne or smoked paprika for a flavor twist.

• Serving suggestions: Serve with honey mustard, ranch, or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.

• Make-ahead option: Fried chicken can be reheated in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

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I don’t fry often, so it’s always a win when it turns out perfectly. Tenderloins cook quickly, and the crunchy coating stays put when cut. The seasoning was just right for my guys, though I’d swap paprika for cayenne next time for a little heat.

Tried these Southern Fried Chicken Strips? Let me know how they turned out! Leave a comment and your star rating on the recipe card below.

Southern Fried Chicken Strips

Author: Jolene's Recipe Journal

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
• Oil for deep-fat frying
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk egg and buttermilk. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, pepper and paprika. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then flour mixture.
2. In an electric skillet, heat oil to 375°. Fry chicken, a few pieces at a time, for 2-3 minutes on each side or until no longer pink. Place on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt.

Notes

Source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/southern-fried-chicken-strips

Recommended Products

OXO Salt Grinder

KitchenAid Frying/Candy Thermometer

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Fried chicken, chicken strips, Southern

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American