chicken strips recipe oven

The Best chicken strips recipe oven

Oh, there’s nothing quite like crispy, golden chicken strips for a meal that feels both simple and special. I’ve been making them for years—ever since my kids were little and they’d beg for them after school or on game day. They’re the kind of thing that doesn’t take forever to prepare, yet they still taste like a restaurant dish. My family loves them because they’re easy to eat, always come out perfectly crispy, and they’re just so satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering, these strips are a go-to. Plus, they’re not too heavy, so they’re a good balance if you’re watching what you eat a little more than usual. The way they crisp up in the oven instead of frying them means less oil, but still, that perfect crunch—it’s a win all around.

I also really like that these strips are versatile. You can season them however you like—maybe a little garlic powder and paprika for a classic taste, or something a little different like lemon pepper or Italian herbs if you’re feeling adventurous. My kids especially love them when they’re coated in a light breading and baked until they’re crispy, but I’ve also made them with a lighter dusting of flour and a sprinkle of spices just to keep things simple. It’s a recipe that feels like a treat but isn’t too much work, and honestly, it’s one of those things that makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my family without overcomplicating it. Plus, the health benefits are pretty solid—lean protein, not a ton of extra sodium if you’re not adding too much salt, and it’s a great way to get kids eating more chicken if they’re not big fans of whole pieces. It’s one of those recipes that’s just easy to love.

Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Strips with Garlic Tomato Sauce

4.7 from 695 votes

Tender chicken strips coated in a light flour mixture and baked to golden perfection, served with a savory garlic tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.

🖨️ Print Recipe📌 Pin Recipe❤️ Add to Collection

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken Strips

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Garlic Tomato Sauce

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. 2 In a shallow bowl, beat the egg. In another bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3 Place chicken strips in the egg mixture, letting excess egg drip off. Then, coat each strip in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. 4 Arrange chicken strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them.
5. 5 Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
6. 6 While chicken bakes, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in tomato sauce, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
7. 7 Serve the crispy chicken strips with the garlic tomato sauce on top or alongside.

🔧Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Parchment paper

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14💛Saturated Fat: 3❤️Cholesterol: 95🧂Sodium: 750🌾Total Carbs: 35🥦Dietary Fiber: 3🍬Sugars: 6🥩Protein: 35

📝Notes

[object Object]

This oven-baked chicken strips recipe is always a solid choice for quick, crowd-pleasing meals because they’re simple to prepare and taste great whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual get-together. The crispy texture and juicy meat make them a reliable side or main dish for any occasion, and since they cook fast, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Plus, they’re easy to scale up or down, so you can adjust the serving size without stress.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Strips with Garlic Tomato Sauce

What is the best way to ensure crispy chicken strips when baking them in the oven?

To achieve perfectly crispy chicken strips, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and pat the strips dry with paper towels before seasoning. Lightly coat them in 1–2 tbsp of oil (like vegetable or avocado oil) and season generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices (e.g., paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning). Bake on a lined baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, flipping halfway through cooking (about 12–15 minutes for medium-thickness strips).

—

Can I use frozen chicken strips for this recipe, and if so, how do I adjust the cooking time?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken strips! Thaw them in the fridge overnight if possible, or microwave for 1–2 minutes (with a damp paper towel on top to prevent drying). Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until no longer pink inside and crispy on the outside. Avoid overcrowding the pan—use two baking sheets if needed.

—

What are some great seasoning combinations for homemade oven-baked chicken strips?

Here are a few crowd-pleasing seasoning blends: – Classic Parmesan-Herb: 1 tbsp grated Parmesan, 1 tsp dried parsley, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper. – Spicy Buffalo: 1 tbsp hot sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cayenne, ½ tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of brown sugar. – Tropical Coconut: 1 tbsp shredded coconut (toasted), ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp ginger, ¼ tsp chili flakes, and a squeeze of lime juice. – BBQ Glazed: 2 tbsp BBQ sauce (or homemade glaze), 1 tsp smoked paprika, and a drizzle of honey after baking.

—

How do I prevent chicken strips from sticking to the baking sheet?

To avoid sticking, use a light coating of oil (or nonstick spray) on the baking sheet. Line the sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for extra ease. If the strips start sticking, gently tap the pan or flip them—don’t force them. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely to avoid burning).

—

Can I make ahead of time and reheat the chicken strips?

Yes! Store cooked chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until heated through and crispy. For a quicker option, reheat in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, or microwave on high for 1–2 minutes (adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying).