Introduction

There’s something inherently magical about fried chicken. The crispy, golden crust and tender, juicy meat inside are enough to make anyone’s mouth water. But when you add a cheesy, gooey center that stretches out as you bite into it? Well, that’s when things get next-level. This Cheesy Fried Chicken Strips recipe takes the classic comfort food and turns it into a showstopper. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, feeding a hungry family, or treating yourself to a personal indulgence, these cheesy fried chicken strips are guaranteed to impress.

In this step-by-step guide, I’m going to take you through every single part of making these cheesy fried chicken strips, from the seasonings to the secret to perfect breading, the right frying technique, and of course, how to stuff these beauties with cheese. You’ll also find plenty of tips and tricks for success, variations to try, and everything you need to know about serving and storing these mouthwatering chicken strips. So let’s get started!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This isn’t just any fried chicken. We’ve got several components that make these cheesy fried chicken strips stand out from the crowd:

  • Crispy exterior: Thanks to a panko breadcrumb coating, the chicken strips come out extra crunchy. The breadcrumbs hold their texture even after frying, giving you that satisfying crunch with each bite.
  • Melted cheese filling: The real magic lies in the gooey cheese inside. We’re talking mozzarella and cheddar cheese that melts to perfection, creating a delightful cheese pull when you break the chicken open.
  • Seasoned to perfection: The seasoning blend in the flour not only adds flavor to the chicken, but it ensures every bite has a kick of flavor.

By the end of this guide, you’ll not only have a recipe for making these cheesy fried chicken strips but also the knowledge and skills to customize them and serve them in a way that’s sure to win over anyone at your table. So let’s dive in!

Ingredients List:

For the Chicken Strips:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 8 chicken tenders)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Optional: Hot sauce for extra spice

For Dipping:

  • Ranch dressing
  • Blue cheese dressing
  • Hot sauce (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need:

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. Having the right tools makes cooking so much easier, and helps you get the best results.

  • Frying Pan or Deep Fryer: A large frying pan will work for frying the chicken, but if you have a deep fryer, even better. The goal is to have enough oil to submerge the chicken for even cooking.
  • Tongs or Slotted Spoon: These are perfect for flipping the chicken in the hot oil and removing it when it’s done.
  • Baking Sheet: To melt the cheese in the chicken after it’s fried.
  • Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping the chicken.
  • Mixing Bowls: For the flour dredging, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.
  • Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the fried chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken. For this recipe, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you could also opt for chicken tenders if you prefer smaller portions. If you’re using chicken breasts, you’ll need to cut them into strips. You can do this by slicing them horizontally into thin pieces. The strips should be about 1-2 inches wide, but don’t worry about being super precise.

Now, if you want even more flavor, you can tenderize the chicken by gently pounding it with a meat mallet. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and ensure a juicy, tender bite. After cutting, place the chicken strips on a plate or tray and set them aside.

Step 2: Season the Flour

The first step in breading the chicken is to prepare your dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. These spices add tons of flavor to the chicken. The smoked paprika gives the chicken a subtle smoky flavor, while the garlic and onion powder add savory depth. Whisk everything together until it’s evenly mixed.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Now that your dry ingredients are ready, it’s time to dredge the chicken in the flour mixture. This is the first layer of coating, which will help the egg wash stick to the chicken and give the breadcrumbs something to adhere to. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Take each chicken strip and dip it into the seasoned flour mixture.
  2. Gently press the chicken into the flour, making sure it’s coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour and set the coated chicken aside on a clean plate.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Wash and Breadcrumbs

In two separate shallow bowls, set up the dredging station:

  • Egg Wash: In the first bowl, whisk the eggs until they are smooth and lightly beaten. This is what will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
  • Breadcrumb Coating: In the second bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are perfect for this recipe because they give the chicken that extra-crunchy exterior that you’re looking for.

Step 5: Bread the Chicken

Now, let’s bread the chicken:

  1. After the chicken has been coated with the seasoned flour, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  2. Then, press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure the breadcrumbs stick evenly. The more breadcrumbs you press onto the chicken, the crunchier the final result will be.
  3. Repeat with all the chicken strips until they are all breaded. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Now it’s time to fry the chicken and bring it to life! Heat the vegetable oil in your frying pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough that when you drop a breadcrumb into the oil, it sizzles immediately. To test the oil, drop in a small piece of breaded chicken, and if it starts bubbling, you’re ready to go.

Carefully lower the chicken strips into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 7: Stuff with Cheese

This is where the magic happens. While the chicken strips are still hot from frying, make a small slit in the center of each piece (be careful not to cut all the way through). Stuff the chicken with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. About 2 tablespoons of cheese per strip should do the trick. The cheese should melt into the chicken, creating that perfect gooey center.

Once all the chicken is stuffed, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to fully melt the cheese inside. Keep an eye on them to make sure the cheese doesn’t spill out too much.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is perfectly melted inside the chicken, it’s time to serve! These cheesy fried chicken strips are best enjoyed while they’re still hot and fresh. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or even hot sauce for an extra kick. These strips are perfect for a dinner, party, or snack.

Tips for Success:

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re frying multiple batches, don’t overcrowd the pan. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
  • Check the oil temperature: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is key to achieving crispy chicken. If the oil is too hot, the breadcrumbs will burn, and if it’s too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil.
  • Use high-quality cheese: The cheese is the star of the show in this recipe, so be sure to use good-quality mozzarella and cheddar. Fresh mozzarella works great for that gooey cheese pull.

Recipe Variations:

While this cheesy fried chicken recipe is delicious as-is, feel free to mix it up with the following variations:

  • Spicy Chicken: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra spicy kick.
  • Herb-Coated Chicken: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture to give the chicken an aromatic flavor.
  • Cheese Varieties: While mozzarella and cheddar are great options, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
  • Air Fryer Version: For a lower-fat version, you can air fry these cheesy chicken strips instead of deep frying them. Simply spray them with a little cooking spray and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving):

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 45g
  • Carbs: 20g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Conclusion:

This cheesy fried chicken recipe is the epitome of comfort food. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for a family meal, a weekend treat, or for a crowd, these cheesy fried chicken strips are guaranteed to be a hit. With the tips and variations provided, you’ll be able to customize the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences, while still enjoying the same irresistible cheesy goodness.

This version includes detailed instructions, variations, tips, and a thorough breakdown of the recipe’s process and components. Let me know if you need further adjustments!