On my busiest nights, I reach for simple, satisfying meals, and this one truly delivers! Are you tired of bland chicken or costly takeout that never quite hits the spot? Imagine serving up restaurant-quality, incredibly crispy chicken strips right from your own kitchen. This guide is for busy home cooks and families craving a beloved classic without the hassle or mystery ingredients. We’ll cover everything from the best cuts of chicken to achieving that perfect crunch, making mealtime a win every time. With our simple steps, you’ll recreate the magic of the KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style, guaranteed to impress.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredient Breakdown (with Measurements, Purpose)
Crafting the perfect KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style starts with understanding each ingredient’s role. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
Core Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins: 2 lbs (900g), cut into even 1-inch strips for quick, uniform cooking.
- Buttermilk: 2 cups (480ml), the secret to tenderizing the chicken and helping the coating adhere.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (240g), forms the base of our crispy coating.
- Secret Spice Blend: This is the key to that iconic flavor!
- Paprika: 1 tbsp (8g)
- Garlic Powder: 1 tbsp (8g)
- Onion Powder: 1 tbsp (8g)
- Cayenne Pepper: 1 tsp (2g), for a touch of heat (adjust to your taste).
- Black Pepper: 1 tsp (2g)
- Dried Thyme: 1 tsp (2g)
- Dried Oregano: 1 tsp (2g)
- Frying Oil: 4-6 cups (1-1.5 liters) vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, ideal for high-heat frying.
Optional Add-ins & Smart Swaps
- Hot Sauce: A dash in the buttermilk for an extra kick of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Flour: A 1:1 swap can be used for dietary needs.
- Air Fryer Option: Lightly spray strips with oil for a healthier, less messy alternative to deep frying.
Notes on Quality & Seasonality
- Fresh Chicken: Always opt for fresh, good quality chicken for the best texture and flavor. I find this makes a noticeable difference in the final result.
- Quality Oil: Use fresh oil for clean-tasting fried chicken strips.
- Pantry Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for maximum aroma and taste – old spices lose their punch!
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Ready to bring the irresistible flavor of KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style to your family table? Follow these steps closely for the best results:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken strips thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl with the buttermilk, ensuring all strips are fully submerged. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator, for maximum tenderness.
- Create the Coating: In a large, shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour and all the spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, thyme, oregano). For extra crispiness, prepare two separate dishes: one with the seasoned flour, another with just buttermilk, and double dredge (dip in buttermilk, then flour, then buttermilk again, then flour).
- Coat the Strips: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each strip thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even, thick coating. This firm coating is essential for achieving that signature crunch of your KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style. Shake off any excess flour gently.
- Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour enough oil to reach about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a cooking thermometer to maintain this consistent temperature for perfectly golden brown KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place a few coated chicken strips into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding can drop the oil temperature and lead to soggy chicken. Fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C), ensuring you get truly authentic KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style results. They should be audibly sizzling, turning a beautiful golden-amber color.
- Drain & Serve: Remove fried strips with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil. These crispy KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style are best enjoyed fresh.
Troubleshooting Tips: If coating falls off, ensure chicken is patted very dry and flour is pressed firmly. If chicken is soggy, your oil temperature might be too low. I always find using a good thermometer helps immensely to avoid common frying pitfalls. If it’s too dark too fast, your oil is likely too hot.
When and How to Use It (Occasions, Storage)
Our homemade KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style isn’t just for a special occasion; it’s incredibly versatile for everyday family meals and gatherings.
Situations:
- Weeknight Dinners: A quick and easy win for busy evenings when you need something everyone will love.
- Game Day Snacks: Perfect for sharing during sporting events, these disappear fast!
- Kids’ Parties: Always a crowd-pleaser for little ones, guaranteed to be a hit.
- School Lunches: Pack cold for a special treat that’s way better than cafeteria food.
Serving Ideas & Pairings:
- Classic Dipping Sauces: Serve with honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or a zesty spicy comeback sauce.
- Sides: Pair beautifully with crispy French fries, creamy coleslaw, comforting mac and cheese, or a fresh green salad for balance.
Storage & Reheating Guidance:
- Fridge: Store leftover KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked strips flat on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. This is my go-to for quick future meals.
- Reheating: For best crispness, reheat in a preheated oven (375°F / 190°C) or air fryer until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.
How It Supports Making Delicious Takeout at Home
This recipe brings the joy of your favorite fried chicken experience right to your kitchen, offering several benefits over traditional takeout.
- Cost-Effective Alternative: Enjoy restaurant-quality fried chicken without the hefty price tag, saving money while satisfying those cravings for KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style.
- Quality Control: You choose the freshest ingredients and control the oil quality, ensuring a healthier and more delicious meal for your family.
- Customizable Flavor: Easily adjust the spice blend to suit your family’s preferences, making it as mild or as bold as you like.
- Family Bonding: Get everyone involved in the simple steps of marinating and coating, turning meal prep into a fun activity for all.
Tips, Adjustments, and Cautions — expanded with KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style
Here are some of my favorite tips to elevate your homemade chicken strips and ensure they’re always perfect.
Technique Upgrades:
- Double Frying: For the ultimate crispiness, fry once for 3 minutes, remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then fry again for 1-2 minutes until deeply golden. This really locks in the crunch.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the marinated chicken come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before frying for more even cooking.
Seasoning Adjustments:
- Spicier Kick: Increase cayenne pepper or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a bolder flavor.
- Herbaceous Notes: Experiment with a touch more dried sage or rosemary to deepen the aromatic profile.
Texture Control:
- Oil Temperature is Key: Maintain 350-375°F (175-190°C) for crispy, perfectly cooked KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style. Too low, they’re greasy; too high, they burn outside and are raw inside—I always keep my thermometer handy.
Allergy or Dietary Notes:
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for those with sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute buttermilk with a mix of dairy-free milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Safety: Always ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Handle raw chicken safely to prevent cross-contamination.
FAQs
What’s the secret to crispy KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style?
The buttermilk tenderizes and helps the flour coating stick, while maintaining the correct oil temperature (350°F / 175°C – 375°F / 190°C) during frying is crucial for that signature crunch.
Can I bake or air fry these buttermilk chicken strips?
Yes! For a healthier option, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, lightly sprayed with oil.
How long should I marinate the chicken in buttermilk?
At least 30 minutes is good, but for maximum tenderness and flavor, marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours, or even overnight, in the refrigerator.
What oil is best for frying these chicken strips?
Oils with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are ideal for frying crispy KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style.
Can I prepare the coating ahead of time?
You can mix the dry spice blend and flour ahead of time and store it in an airtight container, but it’s best to coat the chicken just before frying for optimal crispness.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Ensure your chicken is patted very dry before marinating, press the flour coating firmly onto the strips, and don’t overcrowd the frying pot.
Are these KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style spicy?
The recipe includes a touch of cayenne pepper for flavor. You can increase or decrease it to match your family’s preferred spice level.
Can I make a large batch for meal prep?
Absolutely! These KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style freeze well and can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for quick meals throughout the week.
Conclusion
Say goodbye to bland chicken and hello to the incredible taste of homemade KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style. This recipe will quickly become a cherished family favorite, bringing that sought-after restaurant flavor right to your dinner table with ease. Pin this recipe now and get ready to impress your family with a truly unforgettable meal!
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KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Buttermilk Style
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Recreate restaurant-quality KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Buttermilk Style at home! Tender, buttermilk-marinated chicken fried to golden, crispy perfection.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins: 2 lbs (900g), cut into even 1-inch strips for quick, uniform cooking.
- Buttermilk: 2 cups (480ml), the secret to tenderizing the chicken and helping the coating adhere.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (240g), forms the base of our crispy coating.
- Secret Spice Blend:
- Paprika: 1 tbsp (8g)
- Garlic Powder: 1 tbsp (8g)
- Onion Powder: 1 tbsp (8g)
- Cayenne Pepper: 1 tsp (2g), for a touch of heat (adjust to your taste).
- Black Pepper: 1 tsp (2g)
- Dried Thyme: 1 tsp (2g)
- Dried Oregano: 1 tsp (2g)
- Frying Oil: 4-6 cups (1-1.5 liters) vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, ideal for high-heat frying.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken strips thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl with the buttermilk, ensuring all strips are fully submerged. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator, for maximum tenderness.
- Create the Coating: In a large, shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour and all the spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, thyme, oregano). For extra crispiness, prepare two separate dishes: one with the seasoned flour, another with just buttermilk, and double dredge (dip in buttermilk, then flour, then buttermilk again, then flour).
- Coat the Strips: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each strip thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even, thick coating. This firm coating is essential for achieving that signature crunch of your KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style. Shake off any excess flour gently.
- Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour enough oil to reach about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a cooking thermometer to maintain this consistent temperature for perfectly golden brown KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place a few coated chicken strips into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding can drop the oil temperature and lead to soggy chicken. Fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C), ensuring you get truly authentic KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style results. They should be audibly sizzling, turning a beautiful golden-amber color.
- Drain & Serve: Remove fried strips with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil. These crispy KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style are best enjoyed fresh.
Notes
Tips for Success:
- Optional Hot Sauce: Add a dash to the buttermilk for an extra kick of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be swapped for all-purpose flour for dietary needs.
- Air Fryer Alternative: For a healthier, less messy option, lightly spray coated strips with oil and air fry according to appliance instructions until golden and cooked through.
- Chicken Quality: Always opt for fresh, good quality chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- Oil Quality: Use fresh oil for clean-tasting fried chicken strips.
- Pantry Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for maximum aroma and taste – old spices lose their punch!
Troubleshooting:
- If coating falls off, ensure chicken is patted very dry and flour is pressed firmly.
- If chicken is soggy, your oil temperature might be too low. Use a good thermometer to maintain consistent temperature.
- If chicken gets too dark too fast, your oil is likely too hot.
Nutrition Note: Nutritional data is an estimate based on common ingredient values and a typical serving size. Actual values may vary.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Buttermilk Style
