Baked to Perfection: Crispy Garlic Chicken Strips with Zesty Sweet Chilli Mayo
Are you craving wonderfully crispy chicken but want to avoid the mess and extra fat of deep-frying? Look no further! Our recipe for Crispy Garlic Chicken Strips delivers all the satisfying crunch and flavor you desire, but with a lighter, baked approach. Each tender piece of chicken is infused with savory garlic, coated in a golden Panko crust, and baked to perfection. The secret to their incredible crispiness lies in a simple trick: mixing a touch of olive oil into the egg wash, ensuring a beautifully browned and extra crunchy exterior.
This dish isn’t just a healthier alternative; it’s a flavor powerhouse. The succulent chicken, seasoned perfectly, finds its ultimate companion in our irresistible Sweet Chilli Mayo. This creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy dip elevates every bite, making these strips an absolute sensation for your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a delicious component for your next meal prep, these garlic chicken strips are guaranteed to impress.
The Magic of Baked Crispy Chicken: Healthier, Easier, and Just as Delicious
For many, crispy chicken often conjures images of deep fryers and greasy take-out boxes. However, this recipe breaks that stereotype by demonstrating how baking can achieve an equally satisfying crunch with significantly less fat. The key to our baked garlic chicken strips’ success lies in a few crucial steps that ensure a golden, crackling crust without compromising on flavor or succulence.
First, we infuse the chicken with a rich garlic flavor. Freshly crushed garlic, combined with a hint of sweet paprika and fresh parsley, creates an aromatic marinade that deeply penetrates the chicken strips. This ensures every bite is packed with savory goodness. The choice of chicken breast fillets, cut into uniform strips, allows for quick and even cooking, keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside.
Next comes the ingenious breading technique. Instead of a plain egg wash, we incorporate a tablespoon of olive oil. This small addition makes a huge difference! The oil helps the breading adhere better, creates a richer color, and contributes to the overall crispiness as the chicken bakes. It’s a simple trick that mimics the effect of frying without submerging the chicken in oil. Pairing this with Panko breadcrumbs is non-negotiable for that extra crunch. Panko, a Japanese-style breadcrumb, is renowned for its light, airy, and flaky texture, which crisps up far more effectively than regular breadcrumbs. We combine Panko with a touch of whole wheat breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor and even more golden crispness.
Effortless Preparation for Any Occasion
Beyond their delicious taste and healthier profile, these garlic chicken strips shine in their simplicity and speed. From start to finish, you’re looking at less than 10 minutes of prep time and only 15-20 minutes in the oven. This makes them an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome, satisfying meal on the table in a flash. Forget unhealthy takeout; this homemade version is superior in every way, offering fresh ingredients and superior flavor.
The process is incredibly straightforward:
- Whisk together the garlic-spiced egg mixture with a touch of olive oil.
- Toss your chicken strips in this mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
- Dredge each strip in the Panko and breadcrumb blend.
- Place them on a prepared baking tray.
- Bake until golden and wonderfully crispy.
- Serve immediately with the incredible Sweet Chilli Mayo!
It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bought frozen nuggets. These strips are a game-changer for homemade meals, delivering an unparalleled crispy, golden texture and a truly satisfying crunch that will have everyone reaching for more.
The Essential Companion: Sweet Chilli Mayo
While the chicken strips are undoubtedly the star, the Sweet Chilli Mayo is the perfect supporting act that brings the entire dish together. This creamy, vibrant dip offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy notes with a gentle kick of chili. Its smooth texture perfectly contrasts with the crispy chicken, creating a harmonious and addictive flavor experience. The mayo is incredibly easy to prepare – simply combine reduced-fat (or whole egg) mayonnaise with your favorite sweet chilli sauce. For an even healthier twist, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, adding a tangy creaminess that works beautifully.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken strips is highly recommended. The bright, acidic burst of lemon perfectly cuts through the richness of the chicken and the sweetness of the mayo, enhancing all the flavors and adding a wonderful freshness. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact.
Serving Suggestions and Customization Tips
These Crispy Garlic Chicken Strips with Sweet Chilli Mayo are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Serve them as a main course alongside a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a light and healthy dinner. They are also fantastic with crispy sweet potato wedges, a side of rice, or even tucked into warm pita bread with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of extra mayo for a satisfying sandwich.
For those who love to experiment, feel free to customize the spices in the egg wash. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add more heat, while onion powder or dried herbs like oregano can introduce different aromatic notes. Chicken thighs can also be used instead of breast fillets for a juicier, richer flavor, though cooking times might vary slightly. No matter how you serve them, prepare for a chorus of compliments!
This recipe truly redefines homemade crispy chicken. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients and smart techniques can create a dish that is both incredibly delicious and remarkably healthy. So, ditch the deep fryer and embrace the oven-baked magic. Your taste buds, and your waistline, will thank you. Enjoy every crispy, garlicky bite!
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Crispy Garlic Chicken Strips with Sweet Chilli Mayo
Ingredients
Chicken Strips:
- 1 x-large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic crushed (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley , finely chopped
- 1 pinch Sea salt
- 1 lbs skinless chicken breast fillets or thighs if your prefer, cut into strips
- 3/4 cup panko crumbs
- 1/4 cup multigrain/whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Sweet Chilli Mayo:
- 3 tablespoons reduced-fat/light whole egg mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier version
- 3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
- 1/2 medium lemon squeezed of juice (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven 200℃ | 390℉. Lightly grease a baking tray with cooking oil; wipe over with paper towel and set aside. You may need 2 trays.
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Whisk eggs, oil, garlic, paprika and salt in a medium sized bowl. Add in chicken and mix to coat well until chicken strips are fully covered.
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Pour panko, breadcrumbs and Parmesan onto a separate plate, and dip chicken pieces one at a time into breadcrumbs. Coat well and place onto baking tray. Repeat with all chicken strips.
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Lightly spray the chicken strips evenly with cooking oil spray.
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Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and cooked through.
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While the chicken strips are cooking, prepare the mayo by combining the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) and sweet chilli sauce together in bowl. Mix well and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
