Chicken Goujons

Chicken Goujons are a delicious and easy-to-make dish, featuring tender strips of chicken breast coated in a crispy breadcrumb and seasoned to perfection. These golden, crunchy strips are perfect for serving as a main dish, snack, or appetizer. Whether served with a side of dipping sauce, fries, or a salad, chicken goujons are a hit for both adults and kids alike.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Goujons:

• Crispy & Delicious: The crispy coating provides a satisfying crunch, while the chicken inside stays tender and juicy.
• Simple & Quick: With just a few ingredients, these goujons are quick to make, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or parties.
• Customizable: The seasoning can easily be adjusted to suit your taste, and you can serve these with any dipping sauce you like— BBQ, ranch, honey mustard, or even sweet chili sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into thin strips (about 1-inch wide)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Start by cutting the chicken breasts into strips, about 1-inch wide. Try to keep them evenly sized to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Set up the Breading Station

• In one shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
• In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
• In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Bread the Chicken

• Dredge each chicken strip into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it is evenly coated.
• Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
• Then, roll the chicken strip in the panko mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.

4. Heat the Oil

• Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of bread dropped into the pan sizzles immediately.

5. Fry the Chicken Goujons

• Add the chicken strips to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
• Transfer the cooked goujons to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

6. Serve

• Serve the chicken goujons hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Chicken Goujons:

• Ensure the oil is hot enough: If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy. It should be around 350°F (175°C).
• Panko breadcrumbs: These give the goujons their signature crunch. Don’t substitute with regular breadcrumbs if you can avoid it.
• Baking option: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the goujons in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 20g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. They will be slightly juicier, but make sure to cut them into similar-sized strips for even cooking.

Q2: Can I make Chicken Goujons ahead of time?
A2: While they are best when served fresh and crispy, you can prepare the breaded chicken strips ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before frying.

Q3: Can I bake the chicken goujons instead of frying them?
A3: Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the goujons on a greased baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

Q4: Can I freeze Chicken Goujons?
A4: Yes, you can freeze breaded chicken goujons before frying. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, fry or bake from frozen.

Q5: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
A5: Panko breadcrumbs provide the best crunch for this dish, but if you don’t have them, regular breadcrumbs can work as well. Just be aware that the texture may not be as crispy.

Q6: What dipping sauces go well with Chicken Goujons?
A6: Chicken Goujons are versatile and pair well with many sauces, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, ketchup, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Q7: How can I make these chicken goujons spicier?
A7: To add some heat, you can incorporate cayenne pepper or chili powder into the breadcrumb mixture. Alternatively, serve them with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo or hot sauce.

Q8: Can I make Chicken Goujons gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

Q9: Can I use another type of oil for frying?
A9: Yes, you can use other oils like canola oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil. Just ensure the oil has a high smoking point for frying.

Q10: Can I use other seasonings to flavor the goujons?
A10: Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or try a bit of curry powder, chili flakes, or lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture for a unique twist.

Conclusion:

Chicken Goujons are an easy and delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you serve them as a quick weeknight dinner or as a party appetizer, their crunchy exterior and tender chicken interior are sure to satisfy. With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this recipe is both versatile and flavorful—an absolute crowd-pleaser.

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