You will adore these Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips
These are the main reasons why you should make it at home:
- Incredibly crunchy exterior – The combination of crispy breadcrumbs and sesame seeds creates the most delicious golden, crunchy coating.
- Juicy meat – When cooked just right, the chicken strips stay wonderfully tender and juicy on the inside.
- Simple to make – No special cooking skills are needed, just a few everyday ingredients and some easy steps.
- An amazing family meal – Both kids and adults love these crispy chicken strips, making them a great choice for the whole family.
- Easy to customize – Switch up the seasonings, serve them with your favorite sides, or try different dipping sauces.
- Perfect for gatherings – These chicken strips make a fantastic finger food for parties, get-togethers, or casual family dinners.
Top 5 tips and tricks
Even though these crispy sesame chicken strips are easy to make, a few simple tricks will help you get that perfectly golden, crunchy coating while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside.
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized strips. One of the most important steps is cutting the chicken into strips of roughly the same thickness. This helps them cook evenly. If the strips are too thick, the coating might turn golden brown before the chicken is fully cooked inside. On the other hand, strips that are too thin can quickly dry out.
- Make sure the coating sticks to the chicken. For the best results, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before breading to remove any excess moisture. Coat each strip evenly, making sure the breadcrumbs and sesame seeds cover the entire surface. Pay extra attention to the edges and ends, as these are the spots where the coating tends to fall off first.
- Keep the oil at the right temperature. Oil temperature makes a big difference when it comes to getting that perfect crispy coating. We recommend heating the oil to around 170–175°C (340–350°F). If the oil isn't hot enough, the breadcrumbs will absorb too much oil, leaving the chicken greasy instead of crispy. If it's too hot, the sesame seeds and breadcrumbs can burn before the chicken is cooked through. Using a kitchen thermometer is the easiest way to get it right. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F).
- Don't overcrowd the pan. One of the most common mistakes when frying chicken is adding too many pieces at once. This causes the oil temperature to drop, making the coating less crispy and the chicken cook unevenly. Fry the chicken strips in smaller batches, leaving enough space between them so the hot oil can circulate freely.
- Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack. Once the chicken strips are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack. If you pile them on top of each other or place them directly on a plate, trapped steam can quickly make the coating soggy. A wire rack allows air to circulate, keeping the chicken nice and crispy. If you're making a larger batch, you can keep the cooked strips warm in a low-temperature oven while you finish frying the rest.
Storing and freezing
If you have any leftover crispy chicken strips, you can easily store them and reheat them the next day. However, we recommend enjoying them fresh, while the coating is still golden and crispy.
Storing in the fridge: Let the fried chicken strips cool slightly, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. Keep the dipping sauce in a separate container.
Freezing: You can also freeze the cooked chicken strips. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they don't touch. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. For the best quality, enjoy them within 2 months.
Reheating: We recommend reheating the chicken strips in the oven or air fryer to bring back their crispy coating. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and reheat for approximately 8–12 minutes, or until heated all the way through. The exact time will depend on the size of the strips and whether they've been thawed. For food safety, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
How to make Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips at home (video)
Check this short video to master the recipe at home.
Next, try these delicious fried goodies
- Chicken Parmesan and Spaghetti
- Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders
- Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
- Chicken Cordon Bleu
METHOD
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prepare the chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into strips about 1–2 cm (½–¾ inch) wide. Place them in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and toss well to combine.
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coat the chicken
Prepare three shallow bowls. Add the flour to the first bowl, beat the eggs in the second, and mix the breadcrumbs and sesame seeds in the third. Coat each chicken strip in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb and sesame mixture.
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fry the chicken
Heat the oil in a large frying pan to about 170–175°C (340–350°F). Working in batches, carefully add the chicken strips to the hot oil and fry for about 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F). Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken strips to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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prepare the sauce
In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles, capers, chives, and pickle juice. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well until everything is combined.
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serve
Arrange the crispy sesame chicken strips on a serving platter. Serve with the dipping sauce, a few lemon wedges, and a big bowl of fresh seasonal salad. Enjoy while the chicken is still warm and crispy.
