Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Strips with Spicy Buffalo Ranch

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the delightful crunch and flavorful experience of Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Strips with Spicy Buffalo Ranch. This recipe takes classic chicken strips to the next level, marrying tender chicken marinated in buttermilk with a crispy coating that provides the perfect crunch. The addition of spicy buffalo ranch elevates the dish, making it not only a crowd-pleaser but also an irresistible snack or meal option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, planning a family dinner, or simply craving something delicious, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Strips with Spicy Buffalo Ranch. Here are just a few:

• Flavorful Marinade: The buttermilk marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices in the coating.
• Perfectly Crispy Texture: Using panko breadcrumbs ensures an extra crunchy exterior, making each bite satisfying and delicious.
• Customizable Heat: The spicy buffalo ranch sauce allows you to adjust the heat level to your liking. Whether you prefer mild or extra spicy, it’s easy to tailor this dish to fit your palate.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward enough for beginner cooks, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and gourmet dining.
• Great for Meal Prep: These chicken strips can be made in batches and stored, making them an excellent option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Trying out the Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Strips with Spicy Buffalo Ranch recipe will not only satisfy your cravings but also bring some fun into your kitchen routine. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait any longer:

• Healthier Alternative: Instead of reaching for processed snacks, you can enjoy homemade chicken strips that are fried to perfection. You control the ingredients and can even bake them if you prefer a healthier option.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these chicken strips. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, dinner plates, or as a snack while watching movies.
• Serve with Variety: These chicken strips can be served alongside a variety of sides such as fries, salads, or veggies. They also make a great topping for salads if you’re looking to add protein!
• Leftovers Enjoyment: Any leftover chicken strips stay crispy when reheated in the oven, making them just as enjoyable the next day.
• Impress Your Guests: Serving homemade crispy chicken strips with a zesty dipping sauce is sure to impress any guest, making it a great dish for entertaining.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Strips with Spicy Buffalo Ranch:

• For the Chicken Strips:
• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying
• For the Spicy Buffalo Ranch:
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Necessary Utensils

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the following utensils:

• Large mixing bowl for marinating
• Shallow dish for breading
• Wire rack for resting coated chicken
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Meat thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
• Paper towels for draining excess oil

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these steps to create your Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Strips with Spicy Buffalo Ranch:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This step is crucial as it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices. This will create a flavorful and crunchy coating.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken strips from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly. Place the coated strips on a wire rack and let them rest for 10-15 minutes to set the coating. This helps the breading adhere better during frying.
4. Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Carefully add the chicken strips in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the strips and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Spicy Buffalo Ranch: In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well until smooth. Adjust hot sauce to taste for desired spiciness. This sauce is a perfect balance of creamy and spicy, enhancing the chicken’s flavors.
6. Serve: Serve the crispy buttermilk chicken strips hot with the spicy buffalo ranch on the side for dipping. Enjoy the combination of flavors and textures!

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Strips with Spicy Buffalo Ranch is an irresistible dish that combines tender chicken, a crunchy coating, and a zesty dipping sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below and let us know how you enjoyed this dish! If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out our other delicious offerings, like Spicy Cajun Chicken Strips with Ranch Dressing and Honey Garlic Chicken Strips with Lemon Herb Dip for more tasty adventures!

For more delicious inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!

Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Strips with Spicy Buffalo Ranch

These crispy buttermilk chicken strips are perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, served with a kickin' spicy buffalo ranch dipping sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large Bowl
• Skillet
• Wire Rack
• Shallow Dish
• Paper towels

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Strips

• 1 pound Chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
• Oil for frying Enough for frying

For the Spicy Buffalo Ranch

• 1/2 cup Ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup Hot sauce Adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices.
• Remove chicken strips from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly. Place the coated strips on a wire rack and let them rest for 10-15 minutes to set the coating.
• In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Carefully add the chicken strips in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the strips and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well until smooth. Adjust hot sauce to taste for desired spiciness.
• Serve the crispy buttermilk chicken strips hot with the spicy buffalo ranch on the side for dipping.

Notes

For extra crunch, consider double-dipping the chicken strips in the buttermilk and flour mixture.

Keyword Buffalo Ranch, chicken strips, fried chicken