Go Back
Baked Thin Chicken Breasts Grilled chicken with mixed vegetables on a white plate.

Garlic Butter Chicken Strips Fried

Crispy, golden-brown garlic butter chicken strips that deliver cozy comfort in every bite. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these tenders are packed with flavor and easy to make.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Strips
  • 1.5 pounds chicken tenders boneless, skinless
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Garlic Butter Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels
  • Mixing bowls
  • Shallow dish

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. If needed, cut larger tenders in half for even cooking.
  2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
  4. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Carefully place breaded chicken strips in the hot oil, without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
  6. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with additional salt if desired.
  7. To make the garlic butter sauce, melt butter in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  8. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the chicken strips or serve it as a dipping sauce.

Notes

Try different cooking methods like air frying or baking for a healthier version. Pair with ranch, honey mustard, or garlic aioli for extra flavor. Freeze leftovers in a single layer and reheat in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.