Copycat KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Recipe

Are you a fan of KFCs crispy chicken strips? Well, now you can make them at home with this copycat recipe! These chicken strips are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, just like the real thing. Plus, they’re super easy to make.

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KFC Crispy Chicken Strips Copycat Recipe

KFC Strips are whole pieces of chicken that are part of the chicken breast. It is breaded using the Kentucky Fried Chicken special blend. These are amazing chicken tenders with all the flavors of fried chicken without the bone.

They’re so good the dog will be begging to have a taste! But he’ll have to stick to the best natural dog food so you can chow down on this KFC copycat recipe yourself. It’s perfect for sharing with friends, rustling up for BBQs, or just devouring on your own. 

What if I Don’t Have Buttermilk

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own. Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This will give you the same acidic effect as buttermilk and help to tenderize the chicken.

You can also use plain yogurt as a substitute for buttermilk.

How to Keep KFC Chicken Tenders Crispy and Hot

Once the chicken is fried, you want to make sure to to keep it hot. Since you are frying and don’t want to crowd the basket.

Once the chicken is crispy and cooked, place it on a cookie or baking sheet. Place it in a 250 degree oven while the rest of the chicken is cooking.

The low temperatures help to keep the chicken juicy and prevents it from getting dried out. Do not cover the chicken. You want the steam to escape so that the chicken stays crispy.

Dipping Sauces for Chicken Tenders

There are a variety of dipping sauces that go great with chicken strips.

KFC has their own signature sauce that you can purchase at the grocery store. Or you can try one of these homemade sauces:

• Honey Mustard Sauce
• BBQ Sauce or try Dark Cherry Homemade BBQ Sauce
• Ranch Dressing
• Buffalo Sauce
• Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce
• Dil Pickle Honey Mustard Recipe– Now I know this one makes you go WHAT, but you NEED to try it.
• Comeback Sauce – Copycat Recipe
• Cheese Sauce
• Roasted Garlic Dip

Tips for Making the Best Crispy Chicken Strips

Be sure to use skinless, boneless chicken breasts for this recipe. Otherwise, your chicken strips will be tough and chewy.

Cut the chicken into strips that are all the same size. This will ensure that they cook evenly.

If you want extra crispy chicken strips, double-dip them in the flour mixture. This will give you a thick coating of breading that will turn out nice and crunchy.

Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken strips. Otherwise, the oil will be too cool and the chicken won’t cook properly.

Serve the chicken strips with your favorite dipping sauce. Honey mustard, ranch, and BBQ sauce all go great with these copycat KFC chicken strips. Enjoy!

What to serve with your KFC Chicken Strips?

• Potato wedges
• Mashed potatoes with gravy
• Coleslaw
• Macaroni and cheese
• Biscuits or Dinner rolls
• Green beans with bacon or Parmesan Green Beans
• Fruit salad
• Corn on the cob

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Can these be made in the air fryer instead

You can make this in the Air Fryer instead. It is a great way to save on fat and calories and avoid the mess of frying. Now I love m air fryer and I use it all the time, but sometimes you just need the deep fried flavor.

To make these in the Air Fryer, simply preheat your Air Fryer to 400 degrees. Spray the basket with cooking spray. Then dip each chicken strip in the flour mixture and place it in the basket.

Be sure not to overcrowd the Air Fryer. You may need to do this in batches. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken strips should be golden brown and cooked through. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

What’s the difference between chicken strips and tenders?

The main difference between chicken strips and tenders is the but of the meat. Chicken tenders are a specific part of the chicken and chicken strips are chicken breast that is cut into strip. Another difference is that chicken strips are usually larger and have a more uniform shape. Chicken tenders are smaller and have a more irregular shape. Both chicken strips and tenders can be breaded and fried, but chicken strips are more commonly used in recipes.

Are these spicy chicken strips?

While there is a bit of hot sauce in the ingredients, the chicken is not spicy. You can make them spicy by adding more hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture. My daughter hates all things spicy, and she loves these chicken fingers.

How long should you fry chicken tenders for?

Fry the chicken tenders for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees F. Make sure they chicken is done on the inside by using a meat thermometer. Chicken needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

How much time will you need to make KFC Crispy Chicken Tenders?

It takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to make this recipe. That include the marinade time for the chicken in the buttermilk.

How to store KFC Chicken Strips

This KFC Chicken Strips copycat recipe can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. Be sure to place them in an airtight container or bag. Wait until the chicken has cooled completely before placing it in the container. It will cause condensation and that will make the chicken soggy.

Can you reheat chicken strips?

Yes, you can reheat chicken strips. Place the chicken strips on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. Another option is to place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

What equipment will you need to make KFC Crispy Chicken Tenders?

• Large Bowls
• Deep Fryer or a Deep Pot
• Paper Towels
• Whisk
• Knife

What ingredients will you need to make KFC Crispy Chicken Tenders Secret Recipe?

Get the full list of ingredients, with measurements, and step-by-step instructions at the bottom of the post in the printable recipe card.

• Chicken Breasts
• All purpose Flour
• Water
• Buttermilk
• Hot Sauce
• Garlic Powder
• Paprika
• Black Pepper
• Salt
• Baking Powder
• Canola Oil (for frying)

How to make crispy KFC chicken strips

Gather the secret ingredients

Mix the buttermilks and hot sauce in a bowl and marinate the chicken for an hour.

In another bowl, add half a cup of water and in another bowl add the flour and the seasoning herbs to make the dredge.

When the chicken is done marinating and ready to cook, dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture and then dip it in the water. Dredge it again in the flour mixture.

Once the oil is heated to 350 degrees according to a candy or frying thermometer, place the chicken inside gently. Do not place the chicken in the oil until it hot enough.

Fry the chicken for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown, and fully cooked to 165 degrees according to a meat thermometer. .