chick fil a chicken strips recipe

The Best chick fil a chicken strips recipe

I’ve been making Chick-fil-A-style chicken strips at home for years now, and I’ll tell you why—it’s not just a quick meal, it’s a game-changer. My kids, especially my two boys who are picky eaters, have come around to loving them because they’re crispy, tender, and just as tasty as the real deal. No one ever knows they’re homemade, which means I get to save money without sacrificing flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that works for everything—weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or even a simple lunch when I’m running late. The thing I love most is how easy it is to customize it. You can serve them with a side of homemade sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or just a simple baked potato, and it still feels special.

Health-wise, this recipe is a solid middle ground. The chicken is baked or air-fried, which keeps it leaner than fried versions, and the seasoning is simple but flavorful—no mystery powders or heavy sauces. I’ve adjusted the recipe over the years to make sure there’s still some texture and moisture without overcooking. My kids don’t even notice the difference, and honestly? Neither do I. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but isn’t, so it’s great for family dinners where everyone’s eating together. Plus, it’s so quick to prep that I can have them on the table in under an hour, which is a huge plus when I’m juggling kids and life. I’ve even made them for school lunches—my daughter’s friends always ask where she gets them, and it’s a conversation starter that’s actually a win.

Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Strips (Homemade Recipe)

4.9 from 1491 votes

A crispy, golden-brown version of Chick-fil-A’s famous chicken strips, perfect for a quick and delicious meal. These strips are coated in a light batter and baked to perfection.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup cold milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)

For the Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2 In a food processor, pulse chicken strips until finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl and toss with olive oil.
3. 3 In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
4. 4 In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, and hot sauce (if using).
5. 5 Dip each chicken strip into the batter, coating evenly. Place strips on the prepared baking sheet.
6. 6 Bake for 15 minutes, then flip strips and bake for another 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
7. 7 While strips bake, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for the sauce.
8. 8 Allow strips to cool for 5 minutes, then serve with the sauce on the side.

🔧Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack
• Parchment paper
• Food processor (optional for cutting chicken evenly)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14💛Saturated Fat: 2.5❤️Cholesterol: 75🧂Sodium: 550🌾Total Carbs: 25🥦Dietary Fiber: 1🍬Sugars: 4🥩Protein: 28

📝Notes

For extra crispiness, double-bake the strips for 5 minutes after the initial 20 minutes.,Substitute milk with almond milk for a lighter option.,Ensure chicken strips are evenly coated for consistent texture.,Store cooked strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This Chick-fil-A chicken strips recipe is always a solid choice for quick, crowd-pleasing meals, especially when you need something easy to serve at family gatherings. They cook up fast without a ton of fuss, so you can focus on other prep or just relax while everyone enjoys the crispy, flavorful strips. Plus, they’re great for meal prep—just reheat and serve, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute potlucks.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Strips ( )

What is the secret ingredient in Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Strips recipe?

The exact proprietary blend of spices is kept secret, but Chick-fil-A’s recipe typically includes a mix of seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and a special blend of herbs and spices that give the strips their signature flavor. The dough often contains a small amount of cornstarch or flour for texture, and the strips are breaded with a crispy, golden coating.

How are Chick-fil-A Chicken Strips made differently from store-bought versions?

Chick-fil-A’s strips are made using a unique process that includes a double-frying method—first in hot oil to cook through, then in a second frying to achieve extra crispiness. The dough is carefully layered, and the strips are cut from a single, continuous sheet of batter for even thickness. Store-bought versions often use pre-made dough or a single-fry technique, resulting in a less consistent texture.

Can I make homemade Chick-fil-A-style Chicken Strips at home?

Yes! While replicating the exact taste is challenging due to proprietary ingredients, you can make a close approximation by using a mix of buttermilk, flour, and a homemade spice blend. The key is frying them twice (or baking with extra crispiness) and ensuring the batter is thick enough for a golden crust. Many recipes online provide step-by-step guides for success.

Why do Chick-fil-A Chicken Strips taste so different from other fried chicken?

The difference comes from Chick-fil-A’s unique seasoning blend, double-frying process, and buttermilk-based batter. The buttermilk tenderizes the meat, while the spices (like a touch of cayenne or a smoky depth) create a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, the strips are cut from a single, pre-formed piece of chicken (usually a breast or thigh) rather than being made from ground meat, giving them a cleaner, more consistent taste.

Are Chick-fil-A Chicken Strips gluten-free?

No, Chick-fil-A’s traditional Chicken Strips are not gluten-free because they are made with wheat flour in the batter and breading. However, they offer a gluten-free option called “Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken Strips,” which uses a gluten-free flour blend. Always check for updates on their menu, as recipes can change.