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Crispy Cajun Chicken Strips are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, offering a spicy kick that elevates traditional chicken strips to a whole new level. This recipe captures the essence of Cajun cuisine, characterized by its bold spices and vibrant ingredients. The satisfying crunch of the coating paired with the tender, juicy chicken inside makes these strips irresistible, whether served as an appetizer, a party snack, or a main dish for a family dinner. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and the cultural significance of Cajun cooking, ensuring that you have all the knowledge needed to create this mouthwatering dish.

Crispy Cajun Chicken Strips

Discover a burst of flavor with Crispy Cajun Chicken Strips! This recipe combines tender chicken marinated in a zesty buttermilk seasoning blend with a crunchy coating for an unforgettable taste. Rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Cajun cuisine, these strips are perfect for any occasion—appetizers, snacks, or a family dinner. Learn about the origins of Cajun cooking and master the steps to create this delicious dish that everyone will love. Enjoy a taste of Louisiana at home!

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus extra for seasoning)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into finger-sized strips. In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken strips, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for a deeper flavor).

    Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. This will be your dry mixture for breading.

      Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or a frying pan, pour in enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken strips (about 2 inches deep). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

        Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.

          Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the breaded chicken strips to the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan (you may need to do this in batches). Fry for about 4-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

            Season and Serve: Immediately sprinkle some additional Cajun seasoning over the hot chicken strips for extra flavor. Serve the crispy chicken strips with your choice of dipping sauces, like ranch dressing or hot sauce.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr 20 min (including marination) | 4 servings