When it comes to satisfying meals, few things hit the spot quite like crispy chicken strips. But when you take them up a notch with a golden Parmesan-garlic crust and serve them with a smooth, spicy chili sauce, you’ve got a dish that’s both indulgent and elevated. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips with Creamy Chili Sauce are crunchy, juicy, and packed with flavor—perfect as a game-day snack, weeknight dinner, or crowd-pleasing appetizer.
In this article, we’ll walk through how to make these irresistible chicken strips, detail their calorie count and prep time, and share pro tips for presentation and variations to suit your taste.
Why These Chicken Strips Stand Out
This recipe goes beyond your average breaded chicken:
- Crispy and Flavorful Crust: The combination of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese creates a crunchy, cheesy coating that locks in moisture and adds a savory punch.
- Bold Garlic Kick: Garlic powder and minced garlic add aromatic depth, making each bite rich and satisfying.
- Signature Sauce: The creamy chili dipping sauce is the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and cool—ideal for cutting through the richness of the crispy coating.
- Oven or Air Fryer Friendly: These strips can be baked or air-fried for a lighter twist without sacrificing crunch.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 2 eggs, beaten
For the Creamy Chili Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Pinch of salt
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the chicken tenders with buttermilk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 15–20 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
2. Prepare the Breading Station
In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and parsley.
3. Bread the Chicken
Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dip each piece in the beaten egg, then dredge in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly.
4. Bake or Air Fry
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Air Fryer Method: Set air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Cook chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and fully cooked.
5. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili garlic sauce, honey, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust spice to taste.
6. Serve
Arrange chicken strips on a platter with a small bowl of dipping sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan, if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values for 1/4 of the recipe:
- Calories: 430
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
Note: Calorie content can be reduced by using low-fat mayo or sour cream and by air frying instead of baking.
Presentation Tips
- Platter Style: Arrange strips in a spiral or fan shape with the sauce bowl in the center.
- Drizzle it Up: Drizzle a little of the sauce directly over the chicken and top with more fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy finish.
- Serve with Sides: Pair with a light salad, roasted veggies, or a simple slaw for a balanced meal.
These chicken strips are perfect for casual dinners, meal prep, or party trays.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicier Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade or breading mix.
- Herb Lovers: Mix in dried Italian herbs or rosemary with the breadcrumbs for an herby crunch.
- Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dipping sauce for a tangy, protein-packed twist.
- Keto-Friendly: Substitute crushed pork rinds or almond flour for panko to reduce carbs.
The recipe is easy to tweak to your preferences, and it’s just as good the next day—especially cold or reheated in the air fryer.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips with Creamy Chili Sauce are more than just a fun twist on chicken tenders—they’re a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing, comfort-food masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a game night, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something satisfying and bold, these chicken strips deliver every time.
With the right balance of crispy coating, juicy chicken, and a cool spicy dip, they’re sure to be a regular in your recipe rotation. Best of all, they’re easy to make and incredibly versatile.
So go ahead—grab that Parmesan, fire up your oven or air fryer, and get ready to fall in love with chicken strips all over again.