Cajun Fried Chicken Strips
**Cajun Fries Chicken Strips Recipe: A Stay-at-Home Chef's Guide**
Welcome to another exciting recipe from your trusted stay-at-home chef! Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of Cajun fries chicken strips. This simple yet utterly addictive dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Let’s get started and make some mouthwatering fried chicken tenders that are sure to impress!
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### **Ingredients You’ll Need:**
- A cup of panko bread crumbs
- Two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- One cup of buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to cover the bottom of your pan with about half an inch of oil)
- Chicken tenders (as many as you like)
- Paper towels for draining
- Your favorite dipping sauce for serving
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### **What is Buttermilk and How to Make It:**
Buttermilk, often used in Southern cooking, is the liquid leftover after churning butter. If you don’t have access to buttermilk, no worries! You can easily make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and voilà—you’ve got a quick buttermilk substitute.
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### **Step-by-Step Instructions:**
#### **1. Prepare the Batter**
Start by setting up your dipping station. In one bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs and two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. The Cajun seasoning adds that signature smoky, spicy flavor, so make sure to give it a good stir to evenly distribute the spices.
Next to this, place your cup of buttermilk. This will serve as the perfect binding agent for the batter.
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#### **2. Coating the Chicken Tenders**
Take one chicken tender and dip it fully into the buttermilk. Then, switch hands (or use a spoon) to coat it generously in the panko-Cajun seasoning mixture. You’ll immediately notice how fragrant the seasoned breadcrumbs smell—truly a tantalizing aroma!
Repeat this process until all your chicken tenders are coated. Place each breaded tender on a plate as you go.
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#### **3. Heating the Oil**
While you’re preparing the batter, heat up enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of your frying pan with about half an inch of oil. Set the stove to medium-high heat and let it reach 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures that the chicken strips will fry evenly without burning.
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#### **4. Frying the Chicken Strips**
Once the oil is hot, gently place the breaded chicken tenders into the pan. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan—this can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven frying. If needed, cook the tenders in batches.
Fry the strips for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and are golden brown on the outside. Use a spatula to flip them halfway through cooking.
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#### **5. Drain and Serve**
Once cooked, transfer the chicken strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them up while they’re hot and crispy, paired with your favorite dipping sauce—whether it’s ranch, ketchup, or spicy mayo, these Cajun fries chicken strips are bound to be a hit!
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### **Final Touches:**
That’s all there is to it! This recipe yields tender, flavorful, and perfectly fried chicken tenders that are both satisfying and easy to make. Don’t forget to check out the video description for the full written recipe and explore more restaurant-quality dishes on our channel.
Thank you for cooking with us, and we’ll see you in the next video! Happy frying!