Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips
There’s a unique thrill in biting into a crispy, spicy, and flavorful dish like Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips. I remember the first time I made these; the spicy kick of the Sriracha paired with the crunch of the almonds transformed a simple weeknight dinner into a lively feast. It was a weekday, and I was craving something satisfying but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The idea of chicken strips coated in a fiery almond crust just felt right. From that moment on, these strips became a staple in my house, loved by family and friends alike. Every time I serve them, I see smiles all around the table, and that’s what cooking is all about, isn’t it? You create not just meals but memories.
Recipe Snapshot
20 mins
5 mins
15 mins
Medium
270 kcal
30 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
12 g
Chef’s Knife, Whisk, Wooden Spoon, Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Food Processor
What You’ll Enjoy About This Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips
Deliciously Unique Flavor
What sets these Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips apart is the delightful fusion of flavors. The crunch of the almonds combined with the spicy Sriracha creates a flavor explosion that you won’t soon forget. It’s a perfect blend of heat and texture!
Easy to Make
If you’re someone who enjoys cooking but might not have a lot of time, this recipe is perfect. It takes less than thirty minutes to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. You can have a gourmet-tasting meal without the fuss!
Healthy Twist
Using almonds as the coating adds a nutritious spin to the traditional fried chicken strips. They provide healthy fats and protein, making this dish a healthier alternative to regular chicken strips.
Kid-Friendly
Kids adore finger foods, and these strips are no exception! Plus, the crispy coating makes them fun to eat. You can set up a dipping station with your favorite sauces, and watch your little ones dive in.
Versatile Serving Options
These Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips are versatile, too! You can serve them as an appetizer for gatherings, pair them with a salad for a light lunch, or enjoy them as a satisfying dinner with your loved ones.
Great for Meal Prep
If you’re into meal prepping, these strips are a fantastic option. You can make a large batch, store them, and have them ready to go for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips Ingredients
The heart of the Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips lies in its carefully selected ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor and crunch. The star ingredient, Sriracha Almonds, brings a spicy kick, while flour and garlic powder enhance the texture and depth of flavor. Together, they create a delightful dish that’s sure to impress!
- Sriracha Almonds – 2/3 cup: These almonds are not only crunchy but also bring a spicy flair that elevates the chicken strips.
- Flour – 1/4 cup: This helps in creating a nice crust that adheres to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder – 1/2 tsp: A touch of garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt – 1/4 tsp: Essential for seasoning the chicken strips.
- Freshly Ground Pepper – 1/2 tsp: Adds a bit of warmth and depth to the dish.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – 2 tsp: This helps to bind the coating and keep it moist.
- Egg Whites – 4 large: These will help the almond coating stick to the chicken.
- Chicken Breasts – 1.5, cut into strips: The main protein source, ensuring your meal is satisfying.
Cooking Instructions for Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips
Ready to get cooking? Making these Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips is as fun as it is delicious! Follow these easy steps to prepare a crispy, spicy dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. This is crucial for achieving that perfectly golden texture on your chicken strips.
- Next, line a baking sheet with foil. This makes for easier cleanup later! Set a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and give it a light coat of cooking spray.
- Grab your Sriracha almonds and place them in a food processor. Pulse until the almonds are finely chopped. You want them small enough to cling to the chicken, but not so small they turn into a paste.
- Pour the finely chopped almonds into a shallow bowl, and add the flour, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Toss everything together with a fork until well combined.
- Now, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil, using a fork to stir as you drizzle. This helps to create a cohesive mixture.
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk the egg whites until they are frothy. This will help the almond mixture stick to the chicken.
- Take your chicken strips and coat them in the egg whites, then transfer them to the almond mixture. Make sure to turn them to coat evenly.
- Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared rack. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray, then turn them over and spray the other side.
- Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken strips are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- Once done, let the strips cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!
Things Worth Knowing
- Ensure that the almonds are finely chopped, as this helps them adhere better to the chicken.
- For extra crunch, consider double coating your chicken by dipping it again in the egg and then the almond mixture.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time, as ovens may vary. You want the chicken to be golden but not burnt.
- If you want to experiment, try adding different spices or herbs to the almond mixture for varied flavors.
Recipe Notes about Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips
Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips turn out perfectly every time.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked coated chicken strips. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Pairing: These strips pair wonderfully with a fresh side salad or some spicy dipping sauces.
- Garnishing: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color.
- Experimentation: Feel free to mix in some crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat!
Perfect Matches for Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips
- Fresh Salads: Serve these chicken strips on a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a crunchy and refreshing meal.
- Dip Sauces: Offer a selection of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy mayo to complement the flavors.
- Family Dinners: Perfect for a family dinner, these strips can be served alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Game Day Snacks: These make fantastic finger foods for game day gatherings; serve them on a platter for everyone to enjoy.
- Lunch Boxes: Leftovers can be packed in lunch boxes for a delicious meal at school or work.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips are not just a meal; they’re an experience bursting with flavor and crunch. Trust me, when you try these, you’ll be hooked! So why not make them for dinner tonight? I promise you won’t regret it!
Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. This is crucial for achieving that perfectly golden texture on your chicken strips.
- Next, line a baking sheet with foil. This makes for easier cleanup later! Set a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and give it a light coat of cooking spray.
- Grab your Sriracha almonds and place them in a food processor. Pulse until the almonds are finely chopped. You want them small enough to cling to the chicken, but not so small they turn into a paste.
- Pour the finely chopped almonds into a shallow bowl, and add the flour, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Toss everything together with a fork until well combined.
- Now, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil, using a fork to stir as you drizzle. This helps to create a cohesive mixture.
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk the egg whites until they are frothy. This will help the almond mixture stick to the chicken.
- Take your chicken strips and coat them in the egg whites, then transfer them to the almond mixture. Make sure to turn them to coat evenly.
- Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared rack. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray, then turn them over and spray the other side.
- Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken strips are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- Once done, let the strips cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked coated chicken strips. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Pairing: These strips pair wonderfully with a fresh side salad or some spicy dipping sauces.
- Garnishing: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color.
- Experimentation: Feel free to mix in some crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat!
