The Chicken Strip Melt from Perkins features tender, crispy chicken strips layered with melted cheddar cheese and smoky bacon, served on a toasted hoagie roll, delivering a savory and satisfying handheld meal.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Oven or toaster oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Grill or flat-top griddle
- Spatula
- Cheese slicer or shredder
- Serving tray or plate
Ingredients
- Chicken breast tenders
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Vegetable oil
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon
- Hoagie rolls
- Butter
To achieve the perfect crispy texture for the Chicken Strip Melt, use fresh chicken breast tenders and ensure the panko breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Season the flour mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to enhance the savory flavor profile. Using cheddar cheese that melts well is essential for that signature gooey, smoky taste when paired with bacon. Toast the hoagie rolls with butter for a warm, slightly crunchy base that holds the ingredients without becoming soggy. Your homemade Chicken Strip Melt from Perkins copycat menu will be deliciously satisfying and restaurant-quality with these ingredient tips.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dredge chicken tenders in flour, dip in egg, then coat with seasoned panko.
- Fry chicken tenders until golden and fully cooked; drain on a baking sheet.
- Cook bacon on a grill or flat-top griddle until crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Slice or shred cheddar cheese.
- Split hoagie rolls and butter the cut sides.
- Toast buttered hoagie rolls in an oven, toaster oven, or on the griddle until golden.
- Assemble: layer chicken tenders, cheddar cheese, and bacon onto hoagie rolls.
- Place assembled sandwiches onto a baking sheet and melt cheese in oven or toaster oven as needed.
- Serve hot on a tray or plate.
Substitution
The Chicken Strip Melt from Perkins copycat menu features tender, crispy chicken strips layered with melted cheddar cheese and smoky bacon, all served on a toasted hoagie roll. If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can work as a substitute to maintain the crispy texture. When frying the chicken strips, ensure the oil temperature stays around 350degF to achieve a golden, crispy coating without burning. If a deep fryer is unavailable, pan-frying in a heavy skillet with enough oil can yield similar results using your tongs for turning. You can toast the hoagie rolls either in an oven or on a grill to enhance their flavor and crunch before assembling your sandwich.
Tips
Maintain the deep fryer temperature consistently at 350degF (175degC) to ensure chicken strips cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture. When breading chicken, fully coat each tender in flour, egg, and seasoned panko for optimal crunch and flavor. Butter the hoagie rolls evenly and toast them until golden to prevent sogginess and add a rich taste. Use tongs when frying and assembling your sandwich to handle ingredients safely and keep your hands clean.
Nutritions
The Chicken Strip Melt provides a balanced source of protein from tender chicken breast tenders and crispy bacon, essential for muscle repair and energy. Cheddar cheese contributes calcium and vitamin D for bone health, while the breaded coating adds carbohydrates for sustained energy release. The sandwich also contains fats from butter and oil, supplying essential fatty acids and enhancing flavor. Your meal delivers a satisfying combination of macronutrients, making it a hearty handheld option.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Strip Melts in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate the sandwiches for up to 3 days, and reheat in an oven or toaster oven to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melted evenly. You can also wrap your sandwich in foil before reheating to retain moisture without sacrificing texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a spicier twist or use mozzarella for a milder, gooey melt. Instead of deep frying, bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400degF (200degC) for a healthier alternative while maintaining crispiness. Consider using sourdough or ciabatta rolls instead of hoagie rolls to add a different texture and flavor profile to your sandwich. For seasoning variety, add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for enhanced smoky heat.
Allergies
The Chicken Strip Melt contains common allergens such as eggs, wheat (all-purpose flour and hoagie rolls), and dairy (cheddar cheese and butter). Bacon may present a concern for those with pork allergies or dietary restrictions. You should inform the restaurant of any allergies to ensure your meal is safe.
Why this recipe?
Perkins' Chicken Strip Melt menu is popular for its crispy, golden chicken strips paired with melted cheese and toasted bread, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The sandwich offers a satisfying combination of tender chicken and savory ingredients that appeal to a wide range of taste preferences. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the ingredients and tweak the seasoning to suit your personal cravings. Your homemade Chicken Strip Melt can replicate the restaurant experience while offering freshness and control over ingredients.