As a fan of recreating fast-food classics at home, I couldn’t resist the challenge of perfecting a copycat recipe for these delicious Taco Bell Chicken Strips.
Table of Contents
How to make Taco Bell Chicken Strips
Taco Bell Chicken Strips are crispy, breaded pieces of white-meat chicken served as a protein option or standalone item at Taco Bell.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Strips:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)
For the Marinade:
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for spice)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crunchy Coating:
- 1 cup seasoned tortilla chips (finely crushed)
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs or panko crumbs
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 large eggs (for dredging)
- Vegetable oil (or cooking oil of your choice)
Instructions
Follow these steps, and you’ll achieve Taco Bell perfection in no time:
1. Prep the Chicken: If you’re using chicken breasts, cut them into long strips (about 1 inch wide). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick better.
2. Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
3. Prepare the Coating: Place crushed tortilla chips and breadcrumbs in a shallow dish or plate. Add paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt, then mix everything together evenly. In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs.
4. Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken strips from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Dip each chicken strip into the whisked eggs, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Roll the chicken strips in the tortilla chip and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to get a thick, even coating.
5. Fry the Chicken: Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to submerge the chicken strips (about 2–3 inches deep). Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the strips in small batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Place cooked chicken strips on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the crispy chicken strips hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, nacho cheese, or spicy chipotle sauce. You can also use them to build tacos, wraps, or salads—just like Taco Bell!
Tips for Success
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Letting the chicken sit in the buttermilk marinade for at least 30 minutes ensures juicy, flavorful Taco Bell Chicken Strips.
- Crush the Tortilla Chips Finely: A food processor works wonders, but you can also place tortilla chips in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until fine. Larger pieces might fall off during frying, so aim for a sand-like texture.
- Test the Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil’s temperature while frying. Too hot, and the coating will burn; too cold, and the strips will absorb too much oil. Aim for 350°F.
- Bake Instead of Frying (Healthier Option): If you want to cut down on oil, bake the Taco Bell Chicken Strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the coated chicken strips in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Lightly spray with cooking oil for an extra crispy finish.
What to serve with
Taco Bell chicken strips are packed with bold, zesty flavors and a crunchy bite, making them a star on any plate. But the perfect meal deserves equally delicious sides, sauces, and drinks to complement the dish.
- Nacho Cheese Sauce: A warm, creamy cheese sauce is a Taco Bell classic. You can buy it pre-made or make it at home with melted cheddar cheese, milk, and a little seasoning.
- Creamy Chipotle Sauce: This smoky, spicy sauce pairs beautifully with the zesty chicken. Mix mayonnaise, chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, garlic powder, and lime juice for an easy homemade version.
- Avocado Ranch Dressing: Cool and creamy, this sauce balances out the spicy flavors. Blend together avocado, ranch dressing, and a splash of lime juice to get the perfect dip.
- Classic Salsa: Fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños is always a winner and works as a dip or topping.
- Hot Sauce or Taco Bell’s Spicy Diablo Sauce: For heat lovers, serve with hot sauce or a homemade spicy taco sauce like Diablo! Make your own by blending chipotle peppers, vinegar, garlic, and chili powder.
Ingredients Substitutes
Recreating the iconic Taco Bell-inspired chicken strips at home is all about blending the right flavors and textures, but sometimes you might need to work with what’s available in your kitchen.
1. Chicken
The star of the dish is, of course, chicken—but there are some alternatives if you’re looking for something different.
- Substitute for Chicken Tenders: If you don’t have chicken tenders on hand, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut them into similar-sized strips to ensure even cooking.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Alternative: Opt for plant-based “chicken strips” or breaded tofu. Firm tofu works well—be sure to press it for extra crunch. Another option is seitan, jackfruit, or cauliflower florets for a vegan twist.
2. Buttermilk (Marinade Base)
Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and gives it a tangy flavor, but there are easy substitutes if you don’t have any.
- Plain Yogurt or Greek Yogurt (1 Cup): Thin it with a splash of water or milk to mimic the consistency of buttermilk.
- Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar (1 Cup Milk + 1 Tbsp Acid): Mix regular milk with lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to “curdle.” This creates a similar tangy base.
- Coconut Milk with Lime Juice: For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened coconut milk mixed with lime juice for a creamy marinade base.
3. Tortilla Chips (Crunchy Coating)
Finely crushed tortilla chips are key for that Taco Bell-like crunch, but here are some great substitutes:
- Crackers: Saltines, Ritz, or any savory cracker can be crushed and used for a similar crunch, though the flavor will vary slightly.
- Cornflakes or Cereal Flakes: Crushed cornflakes create a super crispy texture, perfect for replicating the crunch.
- Plain Panko Breadcrumbs: While less flavorful than tortilla chips, panko breadcrumbs are extra crispy and work wonderfully.
- Pretzels: Crushed pretzels add a salty crunch and an interesting texture.
- Chips (Other Varieties): Potato chips, nacho cheese-flavored chips, or even baked chips can substitute tortilla chips to add a fun twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortilla chips, quinoa flakes, or almond flour crumbs for a gluten-friendly coating.
4. Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs help fill out the coating. If you don’t have regular breadcrumbs, here are substitutes:
- Homemade Breadcrumbs: Toast or dry out slices of bread, then blend or crush them to make your own breadcrumbs.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These work just as well and add an extra light and crispy texture.
- Almond Flour or Ground Nuts: If you’re gluten-free or looking for a low-carb option, use almond flour, ground almonds, or other ground nuts. They’ll also add a nutty flavor.
- Mashed Tortilla Chips (Double Down): Skip the breadcrumbs entirely and just use more crushed tortilla chips—or any of the substitutes listed above!
5. Egg (Dredging Binder)
Eggs are used to help the crispy coating stick to the chicken. If you’re out of eggs or need an alternative, try one of these binding replacements:
- Buttermilk or Yogurt: Use extra buttermilk or yogurt to help hold the coating in place.
- Milk (Regular or Plant-Based): Dip the chicken in any plain milk alternative like almond, soy, or oat milk if you don’t have eggs.
- Flour and Water Mixture: Combine equal parts all-purpose flour and water to form a paste-like mixture. It acts like glue for the coating.
- Vegan Egg Substitutes: Use commercial egg replacers, a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water), or aquafaba (chickpea water).
Final Thoughts
Taco Bell chicken strips are versatile and can be paired with so many sides, dips, and extras to create the ultimate meal.
More Taco Bell Recipes:
[penci_recipe]
