This crispy golden Italian Chicken Strips recipe is made with parmesan cheese and Italian breadcrumbs and ready in 30 minutes. Breaking apart the seasoned crust reveals hot, juicy meat inside that begs for a dip in warm marinara. I make these whenever my family craves a comforting pub staple.
Try More Chicken Recipes:
- Italian Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe
- Italian Chicken with Blistered Tomatoes
- Italian Chicken Francaise Recipe
Why You Will Love This Crispy Italian Chicken Strips:
- Bold Italian Flavor: The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and dried herbs (like oregano and basil) creates a savory, umami-rich crust that far surpasses plain breading.
- Superior Crunch: By using Italian-style breadcrumbs (or Panko) mixed with grated cheese, you get a shatteringly crisp exterior that holds up even after dipping.
- Juicy & Tender: The quick cooking time ensures the white meat stays moist and tender on the inside while the outside golden-browns perfectly.
- Weeknight Friendly: They are incredibly fast to prep and cook—usually going from fridge to table in under 30 minutes.
- Kid & Crowd Approved: They are a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food that appeals to both picky eaters and adults looking for a flavor upgrade.
- Versatile Serving: These work perfectly as a main dish with marinara dipping sauce, sliced over a Caesar salad, or tucked into a toasted sub roll.
- Meal Prep Ready: You can bread them in advance and keep them in the freezer for an easy “grab and bake” dinner on busy nights.
Italian Chicken Strips Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
How To Make Italian Chicken Strips
- Prepare The Station: Set up three shallow bowls with flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan, garlic powder, and salt in the third.
- Coat The Chicken: Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour, dip into the eggs, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat The Oil: Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Fry The Strips: Cook the breaded chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 F.
- Drain And Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Press the breadcrumbs: Pushing the chicken firmly into the crumb mixture ensures a thick crust that will not fall off in the pan.
- Check oil temperature: Drop a single breadcrumb into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, your skillet is ready for frying.
- Cut even pieces: Slicing your chicken breasts into uniform strips guarantees they all finish cooking at the exact same time.
What To Serve With Chicken Strips?
For classic comfort, pair your chicken strips with crispy French fries or creamy coleslaw to balance the crunch. If you’re leaning into the Italian vibe, a side of garlic parmesan pasta or a fresh Caesar salad works wonders. For something lighter, roasted broccoli or sweet potato wedges add great texture. Don’t forget dipping sauces—honey mustard, tangy barbecue, or a spicy marinara are essentials that elevate the meal from a simple snack to a complete, crowd-pleasing dinner.
How To Store Leftovers Chicken Strips?
For quick access over the next four days, seal your chicken strips in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. If you want to save them for the long haul, wrap the strips tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag, which preserves their quality for up to three months while preventing freezer burn.
How To Reheat Leftovers Chicken Strips?
To bring back that signature crunch, toss your leftovers into an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes until they are heated through and sizzling. Alternatively, you can use a conventional oven preheated to 400°F (200°C); just place the strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 10 to 12 minutes so the hot air can circulate and crisp up the bottom as well as the top.
FAQs
- Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes, place the breaded strips on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400 F for 15 to 20 minutes. Spray the tops with cooking oil for better browning.
- Why did my breading fall off? Breading usually slides off if the chicken was too wet before dipping in flour. Pat the strips completely dry with a paper towel first.
- Can I use chicken thighs? Boneless skinless chicken thighs work well but require a few extra minutes of cooking time. They yield a slightly juicier result than breasts.
- Can I freeze breaded chicken strips? Yes, freeze the raw breaded strips in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen, adding extra time.
More Chicken Recipes:
- Italian Chicken Panini Recipe
- Crispy Pan-Fried Italian Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Italian Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Crispy Italian Chicken Strips Nutrition Fact
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
- Protein: 32 g
Italian Chicken Strips
Course: Italian Chicken Recipes, Dinner, Lunch, SidesCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes15
minutes380
kcal30
minutesCrispy, golden Italian Chicken Strips are loaded with fresh parmesan cheese and Italian breadcrumbs, ready in 30 minutes. This easy weeknight dinner delivers huge comfort food flavor and pairs beautifully with warm marinara dipping sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup olive oil
Directions
- 1. Prepare The Station: Set up three shallow bowls with flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan, garlic powder, and salt in the third.
- 2. Coat The Chicken: Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour, dip into the eggs, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture.
- 3. Heat The Oil: Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- 4. Fry The Strips: Cook the breaded chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 F.
- 5. Drain And Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before serving.
