Name: Cajun-Spiced Chicken Strips
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornmeal; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Cajun-Spiced Chicken Strips are a delectably flavorful dish that brings the essence of Louisiana cuisine right into your home. This recipe showcases tender chicken strips marinated in buttermilk and laced with vibrant Cajun spices, promising a burst of flavor in every bite. The crispy exterior, thanks to a delightful blend of flour and cornmeal, contrasts beautifully with the juicy, spiced chicken inside. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen. Whether you’re craving something quick for dinner or preparing for game night, this steamy snack is a real crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the biggest draws of Cajun-Spiced Chicken Strips is how easy they are to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dish that your entire family will adore. It shines during busy weeknights by offering a quick cooking time, allowing you to serve up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the flavors are so vibrant that even the pickiest of eaters will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients for Cajun-Spiced Chicken Strips

To create your scrumptious Cajun-Spiced Chicken Strips, you will need the following ingredients:

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into luscious strips)
2 tbsp olive oil (for flavor and moisture)
1 cup buttermilk (for a tender marinade)
1 cup all-purpose flour (for that crispy crust)
½ cup cornmeal (to enhance the crunch)
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (for that signature spice)
½ tsp paprika (for color and warmth)
½ tsp garlic powder (for depth)
½ tsp onion powder (for sweetness)
½ tsp salt (to elevate flavors)
¼ tsp black pepper (for a touch of heat)
Vegetable oil (for frying, ensuring a perfect golden brown)

Step-by-Step Directions

Marinate the chicken: Start by placing your chicken strips in a bowl and covering them with buttermilk and one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Toss it all together until each strip is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and allows the spices to seep into the meat.
Prepare the breading: While your chicken is marinating, take a shallow bowl and mix together the flour, cornmeal, the remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This concoction will be your secret weapon for that crunchy exterior!
Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, letting the excess buttermilk drip off. Dip each strip into your flour mixture, ensuring it gets a thorough coating. Once coated, set the strips aside on a plate, ready to fry!
Fry the strips: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a small drop of batter sizzles upon contact. Carefully add the chicken strips in batches, frying them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn a heavenly golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Drain and serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken strips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess oil. Serve them hot, paired with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful finish!

Tips & Tricks

For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch more Cajun seasoning to the breading mix for heightened flavor.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can air-fry the chicken strips instead of deep-frying them. Just lightly spray the basket with oil and cook at 400°F (204°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
To keep your chicken extra crispy, it’s essential to maintain the oil temperature during frying. Monitor the heat closely as you work in batches.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Cajun-Spiced Chicken Strips are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with various sides. Serve them alongside classic Southern favorites like coleslaw or cornbread, or opt for a fresh garden salad for a lighter meal. They’re also fantastic in a sandwich or wrap, alongside some fresh veggies and a zesty sauce. Pair them with a homemade remoulade or even a spicy aioli for those who love a zesty dip!

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Cajun-Spiced Chicken Strips delivers approximately 300 calories. It’s a satisfying option when you’re craving fried food but want to keep things balanced. The protein content from the chicken will fuel your day, while the spices add an extra burst of antioxidants.

Storing Tips & Variations for Cajun-Spiced Chicken Strips

If you happen to have leftovers (though they probably won’t last long!), store the chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven until warmed through for that fresh, crispy texture. You can also freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken strips for up to a month. When ready to eat, just fry them straight from the freezer; no need to thaw!

Conclusion for Cajun-Spiced Chicken Strips

These Cajun-Spiced Chicken Strips are not just a dish; they are an adventure in flavor that you can bring to your kitchen anytime. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious, you can’t go wrong with this recipe for dinner or a laid-back snack. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start cooking today for a taste of the bayou that will leave you and your loved ones wanting more.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add even more flavor to the dish.
How can I make the strips spicier?
Add more Cajun seasoning or a bit of cayenne pepper to the breading for an extra kick.
Are there vegetarian alternatives?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or eggplant slices, follow the same marination and frying steps.
Can I bake these chicken strips instead of frying?
Yes, you can! Coat the strips and bake them at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for an even cook.
What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken strips?
You can use ranch, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or a spicy chipotle mayo for dipping!

Cajun-Spiced Chicken Strips

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Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Deliciously flavorful chicken strips marinated in buttermilk and Cajun spices, offering a crispy texture and juicy inside.

Instructions

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, cover chicken strips with buttermilk and one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the breading: In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the chicken: Remove chicken strips from marinade and dip into flour mixture to coat. Set aside on a plate.
Fry the strips: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips in batches, frying for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain and serve: Transfer cooked strips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.