The Chicken Strip Basket from Dairy Queen features crispy, golden-brown chicken strips paired with crunchy French fries and a side of creamy dipping sauce, offering a satisfying combination of savory flavors and crispy textures.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Sheet pans
- Heat lamp or warming station
- Sauce cups
- Serving baskets or trays
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- Salt (for fries)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
To achieve the crispy, golden-brown texture of the Chicken Strip Basket, ensure your chicken breast is marinated in buttermilk before dredging it in a seasoned mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch combined with spices like garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Using a deep fryer heated to the correct temperature is crucial for perfectly cooked chicken strips and fries with a crunchy exterior. Fresh russet potatoes yield the best homemade fries when cut evenly and fried twice for optimal crispiness. Prepare a creamy dipping sauce by blending mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and pickle relish with smoked paprika and garlic powder for authentic flavor. Your Chicken Strip Basket copycat menu will deliver satisfying, savory flavors and crispy textures that mimic the Dairy Queen original.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Slice chicken breasts into strips.
- Marinate chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 1 hour (up to overnight) in the refrigerator.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Dredge marinated chicken strips in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken strips in batches for 4–6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain fried chicken strips on a sheet pan lined with paper towels under a heat lamp or warming station.
- Wash and cut russet potatoes into fries.
- Rinse cut fries in cold water, then dry thoroughly.
- Fry potatoes in batches at 325°F (165°C) for 3–4 minutes (blanching stage), then drain.
- Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry potatoes again for 2–3 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Drain fries and season immediately with salt.
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to make the dipping sauce.
- Portion fried chicken strips and fries into serving baskets or trays.
- Serve hot with prepared dipping sauce in sauce cups.
Substitution
The Chicken Strip Basket from Dairy Queen copycat recipe offers a crispy, flavorful alternative to the classic fast-food favorite. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle. Using a blend of all-purpose flour and cornstarch ensures extra crispiness, but you can adjust the ratio to suit your preference for texture. When frying, maintain the oil temperature between 350-375degF to achieve golden brown chicken strips without absorbing excess oil. Your dipping sauce can be varied by adding hot sauce or swapping out pickle relish for chopped pickles to match your taste.
Tips
Ensure the buttermilk marinade time for the chicken strips is at least one hour to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor. Maintain precise oil temperature--350degF (175degC) for chicken and 325degF (165degC) to 375degF (190degC) for fries--to achieve the perfect crispy texture without greasy results. Thoroughly dry the cut fries before frying to prevent oil splatter and ensure maximum crispiness. Your dipping sauce benefits from balanced seasoning with smoked paprika and relish, so taste and adjust before serving.
Nutritions
The Chicken Strip Basket from Dairy Queen provides a rich source of protein from the boneless, skinless chicken breast, essential for muscle repair and growth. The crispy fried chicken and golden French fries contribute significant carbohydrates and fats, offering quick energy but also higher calorie content which may impact your daily intake. The creamy dipping sauce contains fats from mayonnaise and added sugars from ketchup, adding flavor while increasing calorie density. You can enjoy this meal as an indulgent treat but should balance it with nutrient-rich options to maintain a healthy diet.
Storage
Store leftover chicken strips and fries in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Reheat chicken strips in an oven at 350degF (175degC) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture while keeping the fries crisp by reheating them on a baking sheet at 400degF (200degC) for 5-7 minutes. Keep your dipping sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator and consume it within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and safety.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for juicier strips that retain moisture during frying. Swapping cornstarch for rice flour in the coating mix creates an even crispier texture with a lighter bite. For a healthier twist, try baking the chicken strips at 425degF (220degC) for 20-25 minutes instead of deep-frying. Experiment with your dipping sauce by adding a teaspoon of hot sauce or chopped fresh herbs to enhance flavor complexity.
Allergies
The Chicken Strip Basket from Dairy Queen contains several common allergens including wheat in the all-purpose flour and cornstarch used for breading, as well as eggs in the mayonnaise-based dipping sauce. If you have allergies to gluten or eggs, consuming this dish may trigger a reaction. It's important to verify ingredient details with the restaurant and inform them of your allergy concerns before ordering.
Why this recipe?
The Chicken Strip Basket from Dairy Queen is favored for its crispy, golden-brown chicken strips paired with crispy fries and tangy dipping sauces, delivering a satisfying mix of flavors and textures. Its balanced portion size makes it an ideal choice for a quick, filling meal that caters to diverse taste preferences. You can replicate this popular dish at home to enjoy a cost-effective, customizable alternative that matches the quality and taste of the original. Mastering the copycat recipe allows you to tailor the seasoning and sides, enhancing your dining experience while saving money.