Turn a favorite snack into a savory meal with these Crispy Kettle Chip Chicken Strips. This recipe transforms crunchy, flavorful kettle chips into a delicious coating for chicken strips, creating a dish that's sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. It's a straightforward recipe, but the end result is anything but ordinary. A crunchy exterior gives way to juicy, tender chicken that's packed full of flavor.
All ingredients for this recipe are easily found in any supermarket. If mesquite BBQ kettle chips are unavailable, any other flavor of kettle chips can be used. However, the smoky and slightly spicy flavor of mesquite BBQ chips adds a unique twist to the recipe. Also, the 'All Over It' sauce from Kroger® is a versatile condiment that complements the chicken strips well, but feel free to substitute it with your favorite dipping sauce.
Crispy Kettle Chip Chicken Strips Ingredients
All-purpose flour: Used as the primary dry coating for the chicken strips, this ingredient helps the egg and chip crumbs adhere to the chicken.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat to the dish.
Garlic powder: Imparts a savory, aromatic flavor to the chicken.
Onion powder: Enhances the savory taste of the dish.
Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor to the chicken strips.
Eggs: Used in the coating process, eggs help the chip crumbs to stick to the chicken.
Kettle chips: Crushed into crumbs, they form a deliciously crunchy coating for the chicken.
Chicken breast tenders: The main ingredient, tender and lean pieces of chicken.
All over it sauce: A savory sauce for dipping the chicken strips.
One reader, Ginni Mccall says:
These crispy kettle chip chicken strips are a game-changer! The crunchy coating is so flavorful, and the chicken stays juicy. The mesquite BBQ flavor adds a delicious twist. It's a hit with my family, and it's become a regular on our dinner menu. Highly recommend trying this recipe!
Mastering the Techniques for Crispy Kettle Chip Chicken Strips
How to crush kettle chips: Place the kettle chips in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces. This will create a crispy coating for the chicken strips.
How to coat the chicken tenders: After dredging the chicken tenders in the flour mixture, dip them into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated. Then, transfer the chicken tenders to the crushed chips and press the chips onto the chicken to create an even coating.
How to bake the chicken tenders: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
How To Make Crispy Kettle Chip Chicken Strips
Enjoy crispy and tender bites of these kettle-chip coated chicken strips, made tastier with hearty seasonings, then baked to juiciness for a filling meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupall-purpose flour
- 1tbspkosher salt
- ½tspblack pepper
- 1tspgarlic powder
- 1tsponion powder
- 1tspsmoked paprika
- 3large eggs
- 1bagKroger® Brand Kettle Chips: Mesquite BBQ
- 1lbKroger® Brand Chicken Breast Tenders
- 1Kroger® brand All Over It Sauce,for serving, or other preferred sauce from Kroger
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large zip-top bag, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
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Beat the eggs in a shallow baking dish.
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Crush the Kroger® Brand Kettle Chips: Mesquite BBQ in the bag with a rolling pin. Then transfer to a shallow baking dish.
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Place the Kroger Brand® Chicken Breast Tenders in the bag with the flour mixture and shake until well coated.
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Using tongs, transfer the chicken tenders to the egg mixture and coat well. Using tongs, transfer the chicken tenders to the crushed chips and turn to coat.
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Place the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
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Serve the chicken tenders with the Kroger® All Over It Sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 472.75kcal
- Fat: 21.83g
- Saturated Fat: 4.94g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.76g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.68g
- Carbohydrates: 42.72g
- Fiber: 2.54g
- Sugar: 0.76g
- Protein: 24.95g
- Cholesterol: 185.99mg
- Sodium: 566.67mg
- Calcium: 53.07mg
- Potassium: 360.94mg
- Iron: 3.59mg
- Vitamin A: 74.26µg
- Vitamin C: 1.06mg
Expert Tip for Achieving Extra Crispy Chicken Strips
To ensure your chicken tenders have a uniform and crispy coating, make sure to crush your kettle chips into fine pieces. Larger chunks may not adhere well to the chicken, resulting in an uneven crust. Using a rolling pin or a food processor can help achieve the right consistency. Also, pressing the chips onto the chicken after dipping in the egg mixture will help them stick better, giving you that perfect, crispy exterior.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Chicken Strip Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the flour mixture and crush the kettle chips in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Batch cooking: Consider making a larger quantity of chicken strips and freezing the extras for future quick and easy meals.
Organized workspace: Set up a designated workspace with all ingredients and tools within reach to minimize time spent searching for items.
Multitasking: While the chicken strips are baking, use the time to prepare a side dish or clean up the kitchen to save time later.
Efficient coating: Use a double-coating method for the chicken strips to ensure a crispy exterior without the need for multiple batches.
Substitute Ingredients For Crispy Kettle Chip Chicken Strips Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: This substitution is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies. It will provide a similar texture and binding properties to the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt in this recipe, providing a similar level of saltiness and flavor enhancement.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, offering a milder and slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic can be used as a substitute for garlic powder, providing a more intense and fresh garlic flavor to the dish.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can be used as a substitute for onion powder, adding a more pronounced onion flavor and texture to the dish.
smoked paprika - Substitute with regular paprika: Regular paprika can be used as a substitute for smoked paprika, providing a similar color and mild pepper flavor without the smokiness.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a substitute for large eggs, making the recipe suitable for those following a vegan or egg-free diet.
kroger® brand kettle chips: mesquite bbq - Substitute with plain kettle chips: Plain kettle chips can be used as a substitute for mesquite BBQ flavored chips, providing a neutral base for the coating with a crispy texture.
kroger® brand chicken breast tenders - Substitute with tofu strips: Tofu strips can be used as a substitute for chicken breast tenders, offering a plant-based alternative with a similar texture for coating and frying.
kroger® brand all over it sauce - Substitute with homemade honey mustard sauce: A homemade honey mustard sauce can be used as a substitute for the all over it sauce, providing a sweet and tangy flavor to accompany the chicken strips.
Presenting Your Kettle Chip Crusted Chicken Strips
Elevate the plating: When presenting the crispy kettle chip chicken strips, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean lines and minimalistic plating to showcase the dish's textures and colors.
Incorporate color contrast: Introduce vibrant elements to the plate to create a visually striking contrast. Consider adding a pop of color with a garnish of fresh microgreens or a drizzle of bright sauce to enhance the overall visual appeal.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the crispy kettle chip chicken strips to stand out. By strategically leaving areas of the plate empty, you can draw attention to the dish and create a sense of balance in the presentation.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Arrange the chicken strips with care, ensuring that they are positioned thoughtfully to create an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
Incorporate texture: Introduce elements that add textural contrast to the dish. Consider incorporating a side of pickled vegetables or a small salad with varying textures to complement the crispy chicken strips.
Highlight the sauce: Showcase the accompanying all over it sauce in a visually appealing manner. Drizzle the sauce strategically on the plate to add artistic flair and enhance the overall presentation.
Consider the plate shape and size: Select a plate that complements the dish and allows the chicken strips to be the focal point. The plate's shape and size should enhance the overall presentation without overwhelming the dish.
Emphasize balance and harmony: Strive for a balanced presentation by considering the visual weight of each element on the plate. Aim for harmony in the arrangement, ensuring that the presentation feels cohesive and well-composed.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Crispy Chicken Strips
- Oven: Used for baking and roasting food items.
- Parchment paper: Used to line baking sheets and pans to prevent food from sticking.
- Zip-top bag: Used for mixing and coating ingredients by shaking.
- Rolling pin: Used to crush the kettle chips for coating the chicken tenders.
- Shallow baking dish: Used for coating the chicken tenders with beaten eggs.
- Baking sheet: Used for baking the chicken tenders in the oven.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Chicken Strips
- Allow the chicken strips to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled chicken strips in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To maintain the crispiness of the kettle chip coating, you can reheat the chicken strips in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooled chicken strips by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours).
- Once frozen, transfer the chicken strips to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Frozen chicken strips can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen chicken strips, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the frozen strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Note: Reheating the chicken strips in the oven is the best method to maintain their crispiness, as microwaving may result in a soggy coating.
The Best Way to Reheat Leftover Chicken Strips
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the leftover chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure the strips are not overlapping to ensure even reheating. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the strips are heated through and the coating is crispy again. This method is best for maintaining the crispiness of the kettle chip coating.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the chicken strips. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the strips are heated through and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time for even reheating.
For a quick and easy method, you can use the microwave. Place the chicken strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, checking the strips after each interval. Continue microwaving until the strips are heated through. Note that this method may result in a slightly softer coating compared to the oven or air fryer methods.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover chicken strips, try reheating them in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the strips to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and crispy. You can also add some minced garlic or your favorite herbs to the skillet for additional flavor.
A Surprising Fact About Kettle Chip Crusted Chicken Strips
The crispy kettle chip chicken strips recipe is a delicious and innovative way to enjoy chicken tenders. These crunchy strips are coated with flavorful mesquite BBQ kettle chips, adding a unique twist to a classic dish. It's a perfect recipe for those who love a crispy texture and a burst of smoky flavor in their chicken strips. Plus, the all over it sauce from Kroger® complements the dish with its tangy and savory taste. This recipe is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal, and it's sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Budget-Friendly: Making Crispy Chicken Strips at Home
The crispy kettle chip chicken strips recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as chicken breast tenders and kettle chips, are reasonably priced and commonly available. However, the use of additional seasonings and sauces may slightly increase the overall cost. Considering the simplicity and popularity of this dish, it's a practical choice for a family meal. On a scale of 1-10, the overall verdict for this recipe is 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option for a satisfying meal.
Is This Crispy Chicken Strip Recipe Healthy or Not?
This recipe for crispy kettle chip chicken strips, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side. The main culprits are the deep-fried kettle chips, which are high in saturated fats and sodium. The all-purpose flour and eggs also add to the calorie count without providing much nutritional value. However, the use of chicken breast tenders is a plus, as they are a lean source of protein.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase the fiber content and reduce the carbs
- Instead of deep-fried kettle chips, use crushed nuts or seeds for a crunchy coating that's rich in healthy fats and protein
- Bake the chicken strips on a wire rack to allow excess fat to drip away
- Use a low-sugar, low-sodium BBQ sauce or make your own using natural ingredients like tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and spices
- Serve the chicken strips with a side of fresh veggies or a salad to balance out the meal and add more nutrients
By making these simple tweaks, you can enjoy the same crispy, flavorful chicken strips with a healthier twist. Remember, moderation is key, and even with healthier ingredients, it's important to watch your portion sizes and pair this dish with plenty of vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
The Editor's Take on These Crispy Kettle Chip Chicken Strips
The combination of the crispy kettle chip coating and the flavorful seasoning creates a unique and delicious twist on classic chicken strips. The use of the mesquite BBQ kettle chips adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish, while the all over it sauce provides a tangy and zesty kick. The cooking method ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and satisfying dish that is sure to be a hit with anyone looking for a fun and tasty twist on traditional chicken strips.
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Why trust this Crispy Kettle Chip Chicken Strips Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful crunch with the use of kettle chips as the coating, adding a unique and irresistible texture to the chicken strips. The combination of mesquite BBQ flavor and the tenderness of chicken breast creates a mouthwatering experience. Additionally, the use of all-purpose flour and a blend of spices ensures a perfect balance of flavors. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to deliver a dish that will surely impress your taste buds.
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