Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
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No matter what time of year it is, chicken strips and tenders are ALWAYS in season. Ask my children; they will wholeheartedly agree with that statement. This recipe is so flavorful, we are in the mood for it often. The best part about this recipe is that the “breading” is bread-free! This is where the almond and flaxseed come into play. I personally like this crusting better because of the flavor it adds, and I also try to moderate my carb intake due to my family history.
This recipe uses premade brown sugar bourbon and butter garlic seasoning. If you do not possess this seasoning, it is widely available in multiple brands. I don’t keep any liquor in my home, not even for cooking. At three and a half years sober, I will keep it that way. This is why I have created a recipe that calls for premade seasoning. As for the butter garlic seasoning, you can easily replace it with regular butter and garlic powder. This seasoning also works on cauliflower, if you prefer to replace your potato serving with cauliflower.
The potato seasoning pack is actually great on almost all veggies, and you can also create a stir-fry with these seasonings. As a parenting hack I like to make a big batch of chicken strips and fries, then freeze them! When it’s time to eat them, all I need to do is reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer. Just remember, you are reheating and not cooking the food. When I reheat mine, I do it little by little, while checking on it throughout the process.
Did you know that you don’t have to limit yourself to chicken strips in order to follow this recipe? Shake things up and make it fun! You can also make chicken patties, homemade nuggets, and chicken fingers. If you are allergic to nuts, or don’t like them, add the chicken seasoning pack to breadcrumbs or flour and/or cornstarch. Cornstarch will make your breading pop with more color and crispy texture.
You can also make naked chicken strips. If you don’t like any breading nor crusting, you can simply coat the chicken with seasoning ONLY. This is called a dry rub and is very common. Dry rubs are great on any cut of meat, especially when you plan to slow cook it in a crock pot or smoker. No matter how you choose to do it, I guarantee it’ll be just as good, if not better than, MINE.
Brown Sugar Bourbon Chicken Strips
Ingredients
- Fresh chicken, cut to the shape you like
- Garlic – granulated or powdered
- Ground mustard
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Parsley flakes
- Kosher salt
- Brown sugar bourbon seasoning – any brand
- Binder of choice – I used egg whites
There’s no specific amount to use. Use an even amount of each seasoning and season to taste.
Instructions
Grind up your almonds and flaxseeds via blender, food processor, or by crushing them with a heavy tool, such as a meat cleaver.
Combine all your dry seasonings to the almonds and seeds, then blend thoroughly.
Dip each chicken piece into your binder (egg wash or whatever you use) and coat with your almond crusting.
For baking, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Cook your chicken strips for 20-30 minutes. Timing will vary depending on your oven.
If you are air frying your chicken, cook at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.
That’s it. Your chicken strips are ready and loaded with flavor.
Butter Garlic Oven Baked Fries
Ingredients
- Potatoes – any kind
- Cooking oil of choice
- Ground mustard
- Garlic – granulated or powdered
- Black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Garlic butter seasoning – any brand
Again, there is no set amount. Season to taste.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Cut the potatoes into your favorite shape. I chose the shoelace cut.
In a medium to large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes with the rest of your ingredients.
Next, evenly disperse your coated potatoes onto a baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes. You can cook them longer if you like them crispier.
That’s it; your fries are ready to pair with your chicken.
About This Recipe
There’s no lengthy origin to dive into with this one. Chicken is delicious, affordable, and easy to come by. I am always looking for ways to make almond crusting fun. I also needed more recipes to try with my homemade barbecue sauce. I have found this recipe to be versatile as well. Try cutting up the chicken strips into a salad, or incorporating it into a hot chicken sub.
The fries are also versatile. You don’t need to make chicken strips in order to enjoy them. Make these fries for any occasion, including burgers, ribs, chicken patties, and steak! Eat them alone as a fry basket. You can also top them with cheese and/or chili. Garnish with bacon pieces, scallions, and so much more.
Don’t have fresh potatoes, but still stocked with frozen fries mor tater tots? Coat your frozen fries mor tots the same way you would with fresh potatoes. Continue to cook them as instructed on the bag. If you don’t have any fresh or frozen potatoes, remember, this seasoning goes great with almost any veggie. Cauliflower, carrots, and squash make a great runner up.
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