Description
- These Cajun-Spiced Chicken Strips are juicy, crispy, and loaded with bold, zesty flavor! Perfect for game day, dinner, or dipping, these oven-baked or pan-fried chicken strips bring a spicy Southern kick to your table. Serve them with your favorite sauces or over salad for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
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For the chicken strips:
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1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
For the breading:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup cornmeal (optional, for extra crunch)
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1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added spice)
For frying or baking:
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Vegetable oil (if frying)
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Cooking spray (if baking)
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Instructions
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Marinate the chicken:
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In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken strips and stir to coat.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) for extra tenderness and flavor.
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Prepare the breading:
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In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
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Coat the chicken:
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Remove chicken strips from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off.
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Dredge each strip in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Set aside on a tray.
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Cook the chicken strips:
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To fry: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the strips in batches for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
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To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray. Place chicken strips on the tray and spray the tops with more cooking spray. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
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Serve:
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Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
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Notes
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Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought is convenient, but you can make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper.
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Make It Healthier: Skip the frying and bake instead. You’ll still get a deliciously crispy finish with less oil.
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Great for Freezing: Breaded, uncooked chicken strips can be frozen. Just thaw and bake or fry when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4–5 strips)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg