Copycat Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Strips Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">600g chicken breast fillets, cut into strips</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">180ml dill pickle juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml milk</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">200g all-purpose flour</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp powdered sugar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp paprika</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp celery salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried basil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml vegetable oil, for baking</li> </ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheet</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Wire rack</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Shallow dishes for dredging</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Meat thermometer</li> </ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Place your chicken strips in a ziplock bag and pour in the pickle juice. Seal and massage gently to ensure all pieces are coated. Refrigerate for at least that 30 minutes, though 2-4 hours will yield the most authentic flavor. This pickle juice marinade is crucial as it tenderizes the meat while imparting that distinctive Chick-fil-A tang. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Preheat your oven to 220°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top and brush it generously with half of the vegetable oil. This setup allows hot air to circulate, creating crispier chicken. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined. In a second dish, combine the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, celery salt, and dried basil, mixing thoroughly. The powdered sugar is a secret ingredient that helps achieve that signature slight sweetness and golden browning. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Remove the chicken strips from the pickle juice and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is essential as excess moisture will prevent proper breading adhesion and crispiness. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Working with one strip at a time, dredge in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat again in the flour mixture. Press the coating gently to adhere well. This double-coating creates that distinctive textured exterior. Place the coated strips on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each piece. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Drizzle or brush the remaining oil over the tops of the coated chicken strips. This helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior that mimics frying but with less fat. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each strip and continue baking for another 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 74°C when tested with a meat thermometer. The high oven temperature creates a quick exterior sear that keeps juices locked inside. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Allow the strips to rest for 5 minutes before serving - this helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat and the coating to set properly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces. For the full Chick-fil-A experience, pair with their signature honey mustard or polynesian sauce. </li> </ol>