How to Make Chicken Strips Healthy and Delicious Without Fat
Chicken Strips - A Crunchy Classic That Deserves a Place in Your Home Kitchen
In today's world, where more and more people are trying to cook at home and seek tasty alternatives to fast food, homemade chicken strips are making their mark. Few dishes can reliably please both children and adults like chicken strips can—crispy, juicy, and full of flavor, just as we remember them from our favorite fast-food chains. But did you know that chicken strips are quite easy to prepare at home and can be made much healthier?
What Are Chicken Strips and Why Do We Love Them?
Chicken strips are thin slices of chicken meat, usually from the breast, coated in seasoned batter or breading and fried to a golden brown. Their irresistible combination of crispy coating and juicy meat makes them one of the most popular dishes across all age groups. They gained popularity mainly thanks to fast-food giants like KFC, but aside from the classic oil frying, you can prepare them more healthily—such as in the oven or air fryer.
When you mention "KFC chicken strips recipe," most of us think of the spicy taste and perfect texture of the meat that almost melts in your mouth. And that's exactly why more and more people are looking for ways to bring this classic from fast food into their own kitchen.
The Secret to Perfect Homemade Strips - The Batter Is Key
While the choice of meat is important (skinless and boneless chicken breasts are the ideal base), the real magic lies in the batter or coating. It's what decides whether the strips will be just ordinary "fried chicken" or a crispy delight with a strong character.
The simplest version is the triple coating: flour – egg – breadcrumbs. But if you want KFC-style strips, you need a slightly more refined approach. The base is a mixture of plain flour and spices (paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, dried herbs), in which the meat is first coated, then briefly dipped into buttermilk or egg, and returned to the flour. This double coating creates the typical "flaky" structure and crispiness that withstands even baking in the oven.
For vegan or gluten-free options, you can use rice flour and plant-based milk. A flavorful experiment is coating in crushed cornflakes, which add extra crunch.
Chicken Strips in the Oven - A Healthier Alternative Without Compromises
Not everyone wants to dive into frying in a liter of oil—whether for health reasons or to avoid kitchen odors. Fortunately, there is a great alternative: oven-baked chicken strips. The result is equally tasty pieces of meat that are not soaked in fat.
Baking is best done on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly sprayed with oil spray. Place the coated strips with sufficient spacing and bake at a temperature of 200–220 °C for about 20–25 minutes, turning them halfway through. Thanks to the higher temperature and the right batter, a beautifully golden surface is achieved without the need for frying.
One mother from Brno shared that oven-baked chicken strips have become a hit at every children's party. "Kids love them, and I feel good knowing I'm serving them something homemade without preservatives or unnecessary fat," she says with a smile.
Recipe for Homemade Chicken Strips - Simple Step-by-Step
Fancy a homemade version of your favorite fast-food meal? Here is a simple recipe for chicken strips that anyone can master.
Ingredients:
- 500 g chicken breasts
- 200 ml buttermilk (or 2 eggs)
- 200 g plain flour
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- a pinch of pepper
- optionally: chili, thyme, dried oregano
- oil for frying or spray for the baking sheet
Instructions:
- Cut the chicken into strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes in buttermilk with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Mix the flour with spices—you can get creative here and adjust the flavor to suit your preferences.
- Take each piece of meat from the marinade, coat in flour, briefly dip back into the marinade, and coat in flour again—double coating ensures an extra crispy effect.
- Fry until golden in hot oil, or bake in the oven at 200 °C for about 25 minutes.
Serve with homemade mayonnaise, garlic dip, or a light salad.
Tips and Tricks for an Even Tastier Result
- Let the meat marinate overnight if you have time—it will be juicier, and the flavors will meld better.
- For extra crispiness, you can add a bit of cornstarch or grated parmesan to the flour mixture.
- If you have an air fryer, you'll love the strips even more—minimal oil, maximum flavor.
- Use a thermometer: the ideal internal temperature of the meat is around 75 °C—this ensures the meat is cooked but not dried out.
Chicken Strips Different Ways - Inspiration from Various Parts of the World
While classic strips in the American style are popular worldwide, each culture offers its own version. In Japan, you'll find chicken katsu—breaded in panko breadcrumbs and served with rice and spicy sauce. In Korea, chicken strips are often served with honey-garlic glaze, while in the Middle East, you might encounter them coated in sesame seeds and za'atar spices.
Even in Czech cuisine, chicken strips have found their place. Whether as part of a lunch menu, a quick dinner, or party food—they're versatile and make a great companion for any occasion.
Why Make Chicken Strips at Home?
You might wonder: why bother at all and not just head straight to the fast-food joint? The answer is simple. Homemade chicken strips are not only tastier but also cheaper, healthier, and customizable. You can choose quality meat, control the amount of fat, use organic ingredients, and avoid artificial additives.
Additionally, it's a great opportunity to involve the whole family—kids can help with coating, partners can slice and season. And the result? A shared meal that tastes great and brings people together.
As the American chef Anthony Bourdain once said: "Food is about discovery, connection, and joy." And that's exactly what homemade chicken strips perfectly embody.
So what do you say—will you give them a chance in your home too?
