Homemade McDonald’s Chicken Strips Recipe

McDonald’s Chicken Strips — those deliciously tender, juicy pieces of chicken encased in a crispy, golden breading that somehow perfectly captures the essence of comfort food in each bite.

How to make McDonald’s Chicken Strips

McDonald’s Chicken Strips (sometimes called Chicken Selects in certain countries or at certain times) are breaded and deep-fried strips of white meat chicken breast. They’re typically seasoned with a blend of spices, giving them a crispy, flavorful coating.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Begin by slicing the chicken breasts into long, thin strips, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the batter sticks properly.
2. Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. Add the chicken strips to the mixture, ensuring they’re fully immersed. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This process will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with moisture.
3. Season the Coating: While the chicken is marinating, combine the flour, Panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.
4. Breading: Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb-flour mixture, pressing down gently to coat thoroughly. For extra crispiness, double-bread the strips by dipping them again in the buttermilk mixture and then back into the breadcrumbs.
5. Frying: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 375°F (190°C). Fry the chicken strips in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Use a digital thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Draining: Once cooked, transfer the chicken strips to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
7. Serving: Serve your homemade McDonald’s-style Chicken Strips hot with your choice of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or the new “Creamy” sauce for an authentic experience.

Tips:

• Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more tender it will become. If you have time, aim for 2 hours to overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
• Temperature Control: Keep the oil temperature consistent while frying to ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken from absorbing too much oil.
• Double Breading: For that extra crunch that mimics McDonald’s Chicken Strips, don’t skip the double breading step. It adds a layer of crispiness that’s truly worth the extra effort.
• Cooking in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying, as this can lower the oil’s temperature and result in soggy strips. Cooking in batches ensures each strip gets perfectly crispy.

What to serve with

McDonald’s Chicken Strips are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal to a whole new level.

Classic Sides:

• French Fries: A staple side that needs no introduction, crispy French fries are the perfect companion to chicken strips. For a healthier twist, consider baking the fries or using sweet potatoes.
• Coleslaw: This crunchy, creamy salad adds a refreshing contrast to the savory, crisp chicken strips. The tangy taste of coleslaw can also help balance the richness of the fried chicken.
• Corn on the Cob: Buttery and slightly sweet, corn on the cob offers a fun, hands-on side that both adults and kids will enjoy. Its natural sweetness complements the spices used in the chicken strips.

Dipping Sauces:

• Barbecue Sauce: With its smoky flavor profile, barbecue sauce pairs wonderfully with chicken strips, adding a touch of rustic, wholesome flavor.
• Honey Mustard: Combine honey and mustard for a sweet and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the crispy exterior of the chicken strips.
• Ranch Dressing: Beloved for its creamy texture and cool taste, ranch dressing is a great dip for softening the spice and enriching the flavor of the chicken strips.

Healthy Options:

• Garden Salad: Serve a simple garden salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar or a light vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing side that brings a wholesome balance to the meal.
• Vegetable Sticks: Carrots, celery, and cucumber sticks are easy to prepare and provide a crisp, refreshing side that can be dipped into the same sauces used for the chicken strips.

International Twist:

• Rice Pilaf: For a more filling meal, serve the chicken strips with a flavorful rice pilaf. The mild spices and fluffy rice provide a comforting base for the chicken strips.
• Pita Bread and Hummus: Adding a Mediterranean touch, serve your chicken strips with warm pita bread and a side of creamy hummus for dipping.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making homemade McDonald’s Chicken Strips allows you to tweak the recipe to suit dietary needs or preferences or simply to work with what you have in your pantry.

For the Chicken:

Chicken Breast Alternatives: If you’re looking to substitute the chicken breast, consider using chicken thighs for a juicier, slightly fattier option. Firm tofu, seitan, or a commercial plant-based chicken substitute can work well when prepared with similar seasonings for a vegetarian alternative.

For the Breading:

• Flour Alternatives: If you need a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with rice flour, coconut flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Each will provide a slightly different texture and flavor but will work to create a crispy coating.
• Breadcrumbs Alternatives: Panko breadcrumbs offer a lighter, crisper texture but if they aren’t available, you can use regular breadcrumbs or make your own by pulsing stale bread in a food processor. For a gluten-free version, consider crushed cornflakes, almond meal, or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Egg Alternatives: The egg helps to bind the flour and breadcrumbs to the chicken. For an egg-free version, you can use buttermilk or a mixture of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar (let sit for 5 minutes before using), which also tenderizes the chicken. Vegan options include unsweetened plant-based milk mixed with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water per egg, let sit until it gels).

For the Seasonings:

• Salt and Pepper: These basics are likely already in your pantry, but if you’re reducing sodium, use a salt substitute or simply lessen the amount used.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These add depth to the flavor. If unavailable, finely mince fresh garlic and onion as a substitute. As a ratio, 1 fresh garlic clove equals around 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Paprika: Provides a mild spice and color. If it’s not on hand, use chili powder for a bit of heat or a dash of cayenne pepper mixed with a bit more onion powder to balance it out.
• Additional Spices: Feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper or dried herbs like oregano or thyme to vary the flavor profile according to your preference or what you have available.

Frying Oil:

Oil Choices: While vegetable oil is commonly used for frying due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, alternatives like canola oil, peanut oil, or even coconut oil can be used. Each oil will impart a slight difference in flavor to the final product.

Final Thoughts

These side dishes and accompaniments provide varied options that cater to all tastes and can turn your homemade McDonald’s Chicken Strips into a memorable meal.

More Chicken Recipes:

• Homemade Jersey Mike Chicken Salad Recipe
• Copycat Wendy’s Cajun Crunch Chicken Recipe
• Crown Fried Chicken Recipe
• Pickle Glaze Chicken Sandwich Recipe
• Chicken Pot Pie Filling Recipe