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.

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.

Kfc Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe Buttermilk Style

Name: KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Buttermilk Style
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
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.

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