Name: Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. organic boneless chicken breasts (Cut into strips or bite-size pieces.); 1 whole egg; 1/4 tsp water; 1/3 cup almond flour; 1/3 cup ground flax meal; 4 tbsp white sesame seeds; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2-3 tbsp oil for frying (I like avocado oil for high heat cooking.)

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There’s nothing quite like the joy of sinking your teeth into Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips. Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and the family is gathering around the table, the aroma of something savory wafting through the air. You decide to whip up these delightful chicken strips, which not only satisfy those midweek cravings but also bring back memories of fun family dinners. The best part? They are incredibly easy to prepare and so delicious that everyone will be asking for seconds. Each bite offers a perfect crunch on the outside, with tender chicken on the inside. I love serving these with a zesty dipping sauce, and they are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips, they’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
20 g

Tools Used:
Whisk, Skillet, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips

Quick to Prepare

One of the things I love about Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips is how quickly they come together. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll find yourself in and out of the kitchen in no time. This makes them perfect for a weeknight meal when you don’t have hours to spend prepping. Just a little mixing, dipping, and frying, and you’re good to go!

Healthy Ingredients

This recipe uses wholesome ingredients that make you feel good about what you’re eating. The use of almond flour and ground flax meal not only adds a delightful crunch but also provides a nutritious twist compared to traditional breading. These ingredients are lower in carbs and high in fiber, so you can indulge without any guilt.

Versatile Dipping Options

What I love most is how customizable these chicken strips can be. Whether you prefer a tangy soy sauce dip or a spicy aioli, the world is your oyster when it comes to sauces. You can even serve them with fresh veggies or over a salad for a hearty meal that satisfies.

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re like me and love to meal prep, these chicken strips also work wonderfully! You can make a big batch and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick snacks or meals throughout the week. Just reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy, and you’ll always have a delicious option on hand.

Family Friendly

Finally, Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips are a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re fun to eat, flavorful, and perfect for dipping. No more struggling to get your kids to eat their dinner—these strips will have them asking for more!

What to Buy for Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips

The ingredients in Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips come together beautifully to create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Each component plays its role, from the chicken that serves as the hearty base to the sesame seeds that add that perfect finishing touch. By combining these ingredients thoughtfully, you’ll ensure every bite is bursting with taste!

1 lb. organic boneless chicken breasts: The star of the show, these tender pieces are the perfect canvas for all those delicious flavors. Cut into strips for easy frying.
1 egg: This acts as a binder, helping the dry ingredients stick to the chicken for that perfect crispy coating.
1/4 tsp water: Just a splash to loosen the egg mixture.
1/3 cup almond flour: A healthier alternative to traditional flour, giving the chicken a nice crunch without the carbs.
1/3 cup ground flax meal: Adds fiber and nutrition, enhancing the texture of the crust.
4 tablespoons white sesame seeds: These seeds give a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavoring the chicken.
1/2 teaspoon pepper: A pinch of spice to elevate the taste.
2-3 tablespoons oil for frying: I prefer avocado oil for its high smoke point and health benefits, making it ideal for frying.

How to Prepare Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—cooking! The process is straightforward and enjoyable, perfect for those who love to get hands-on in the kitchen. Follow these steps to make your Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips truly shine.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine almond flour, ground flax meal, white sesame seeds, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are thoroughly blended. The combination of these ingredients will create a flavorful coating that’s both crunchy and nutritious.
In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Ensure that the mixture is well combined, as this will help the dry coating stick to the chicken evenly.
Next, pat the chicken strips dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial as it helps the coating adhere better and ensures a crispier finish. Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor.
Now, dip each seasoned chicken strip into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off before moving to the next step.
After that, dredge the egg-coated chicken in the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Repeat this process until all the chicken strips are thoroughly coated.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes until it’s hot and shimmering. You want to ensure the oil is at the right temperature to achieve that golden-brown crust.
Once the oil is ready, carefully place the coated chicken strips in the skillet in batches. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and prevent crisping.
Fry the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of your strips. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensure that the chicken is cooked through but still juicy inside.
Once done, transfer the fried chicken strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy and not greasy.
Serve the chicken strips immediately with your choice of dipping sauce, or let them cool and pack them separately for meal prep. They taste great freshly made or even as leftovers!

Things Worth Knowing

Choosing the Right Oil: Using an oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil, is crucial for frying at high temperatures without burning.
Coating Tips: For an even crispier texture, let the coated chicken sit for a few minutes before frying. This helps the coating set better.
Batch Cooking: If you’re making a larger batch, keep cooked strips warm in a low oven while you finish frying the rest.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices in your dry mixture, like paprika or cayenne, for an extra kick!

Making Adjustments

Don’t hesitate to get creative when making Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips. Here are some tips to customize this recipe to your taste:

Storage: To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
Freezing: These chicken strips can be frozen before frying. Just bread them and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-lock bag for up to 3 months.
Pairing: Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal, or enjoy them as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
Spice Level: Adjust the seasoning in your coating to suit your family’s taste—add more pepper for a spicy kick or keep it mild!
Healthier Options: Try baking the chicken strips in the oven instead of frying for a lighter version. Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving Options for Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips

When it comes to serving Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips, the possibilities are endless! Here are some great ideas to make your meal complete:

With Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as sweet and sour sauce, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a range of flavors.
Salad Toppers: Slice the chicken strips and toss them on top of a fresh salad for a protein-packed meal.
On a Wrap: Place the strips in a whole grain wrap with fresh veggies and a drizzle of your favorite dressing for a quick lunch option.
Meal Prep: These chicken strips are perfect for meal prep, making easy lunches or snacks throughout the week. Just store them in portions!
Appetizer Option: Serve them as an appetizer during gatherings, paired with refreshing drinks, for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Kid-Friendly Party: Great for kids’ parties or playdates, serve them alongside fries and a selection of dips for an exciting meal!

FAQ

Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated chicken strips on the sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll achieve a crispy texture without frying!

There are many delicious dipping sauces that pair perfectly with Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips. Some favorites include sweet and sour sauce, honey mustard, and spicy sriracha mayo. You can also whip up a quick dipping sauce by mixing soy sauce with a bit of garlic and ginger. Get creative!

While this recipe specifically calls for almond flour and ground flax meal, you can experiment with other types of flour if you like. If you’re not concerned about gluten-free options, regular flour or breadcrumbs can work well too. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

To store leftovers, place your Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for up to three days. For the best reheating results, pop them in the oven to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy!

Conclusion

In summary, Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips are a fantastic addition to any meal. Their delightful crunch and rich flavor make them not just a dish but an experience. I encourage you to try them out for your next family dinner or gathering. They’re sure to impress everyone at the table while being quick and simple to prepare.