Hot Chicken Crunch

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with Hot Chicken Crunch—an irresistible fusion of spice, texture, and bold flavor! This recipe takes tender, juicy chicken strips and elevates them with a three-layer coating of seasoned flour, tangy buttermilk, and ultra-crispy panko breadcrumbs. Infused with hot sauce and a dynamic blend of garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper, each bite delivers the perfect balance of heat and crunch. Perfectly fried to golden perfection, these chicken strips are ideal for serving as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a main dish with fries or a fresh salad, or even paired with your favorite dipping sauces. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe is your go-to for a spicy comfort food fix!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons Hot sauce
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 4 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, about 1 inch wide.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce together. Add the chicken strips and ensure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).

Step 3

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish.

Step 5

Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, then dip it back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere.

Step 6

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there is enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces.

Step 7

Fry the chicken strips in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Step 8

Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken, and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 9

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside a fresh salad or crispy fries.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2172.5 grams (2172.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10291

Total Fat 984.40g	1262%
Saturated Fat 147.00g	735%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 618mg	206%
Sodium 4897mg	213%
Total Carbohydrate 194.20g	71%
Dietary Fiber 8.60g	31%
Total Sugars 19.70g
Protein 251.40g	503%

Vitamin D 134IU	669%
Calcium 426mg	33%
Iron 17mg	96%
Potassium 2354mg	50%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 83.3%

Protein: 9.4%

Carbs: 7.3%