Chicken Strips from Hooters feature tender, juicy chicken breast pieces hand-breaded and fried to a golden crisp, served with a side of tangy dipping sauce, delivering a satisfying mix of crunchy exterior and succulent interior flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Wire rack (for draining)
- Baking sheet (for holding cooked strips)
- Meat thermometer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Plate (for serving)
- Small bowl (for dipping sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 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)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (for dipping sauce)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (for dipping sauce)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (for dipping sauce)
When preparing Chicken Strips from Hooters, ensure the chicken breasts are cut into uniform strips for even cooking and proper breading adhesion. The buttermilk and egg mixture helps tenderize the chicken while allowing the seasoned breadcrumbs to form a crisp golden crust. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. Vegetable oil must be heated to 350degF (175degC) to achieve the perfect crunchy texture without greasiness. Your homemade Chicken Strips from Hooters copycat menu will capture the signature balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior, accompanied by a tangy, flavorful dipping sauce.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Cut chicken breasts into strips on a cutting board using a knife.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs.
- In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Place breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
- Dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, coating well.
- Dip floured chicken into buttermilk-egg mixture.
- Coat chicken strip in breadcrumbs, pressing gently.
- Place coated strips on a baking sheet.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken strips in batches for 4-6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Use tongs to remove strips and drain on a wire rack.
- Check internal temperature (165°F/74°C) with a meat thermometer.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce for dipping sauce.
- Serve chicken strips on a plate with dipping sauce in a small bowl.
Substitution
Chicken Strips from Hooters copycat recipes can be customized by substituting seasoned panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture or using Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk to tenderize the chicken. Your cooking oil choice may impact the final flavor; peanut or canola oil works well if vegetable oil is unavailable. If a deep fryer is not accessible, oven-baking the breaded strips on a wire rack set over a baking sheet at 425degF (220degC) ensures a crispy finish with less oil. To guarantee safety and juiciness, use a meat thermometer to check the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC). For dipping sauces, you can adjust the heat level by varying the hot sauce amount or trying alternative bases like ranch or honey mustard.
Tips
Make sure to dry chicken strips with paper towels before coating to help the breading stick better. Always preheat the oil to 350degF (175degC) before frying to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. Avoid overcrowding the fryer, as this lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy chicken strips. Use a meat thermometer to confirm your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption.
Nutritions
Chicken Strips from Hooters provide a protein-rich meal thanks to tender chicken breast pieces, which supply essential amino acids vital for muscle maintenance and repair. The hand-breading involves seasoned flour and breadcrumbs, contributing to carbohydrate content and added calories primarily from frying in vegetable oil at 350degF (175degC). Your dipping sauce combines mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce, increasing fats, sugars, and sodium levels, which should be consumed in moderation. Monitoring portion sizes and pairing with nutrient-dense sides can help balance your intake effectively.
Storage
Store cooked chicken strips in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Your chicken strips will stay safe to eat for up to four days when properly stored at or below 40degF (4degC). For longer storage, freeze the strips on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag, allowing up to two months of preservation without significant loss of quality.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap buttermilk for plain yogurt or milk mixed with lemon juice to add a slight tang and tenderize the chicken differently. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed cornflakes to maintain crispiness. Try baking the strips at 400degF (200degC) on a wire rack for 20 minutes instead of frying to reduce oil content while keeping them crispy. Experimenting with different dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch can complement the spicy flavor of your strips.
Allergies
Chicken Strips from Hooters may pose allergy risks primarily due to common allergens such as eggs, found in the batter, and wheat in the all-purpose flour and seasoned breadcrumbs. The mayonnaise-based dipping sauce contains eggs as well, which could trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, particularly eggs or gluten, it's best to avoid these chicken strips or seek alternative preparations.
Why this recipe?
People love the Chicken Strips menu from Hooters restaurant for its crispy golden-brown exterior and juicy, tender chicken inside, delivering a satisfying texture and rich flavor combination. The signature seasoning and perfectly balanced spice profile enhance every bite, making it a popular choice for those craving flavorful comfort food. Trying to make the copycat recipe at home allows you to customize the seasoning to your taste while enjoying the same delicious experience without going out. Your homemade version can replicate Hooters' iconic taste while offering freshness and control over ingredients.