Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients for Tender Chicken Strips
Core Ingredients:
- 1 lb tender chicken strips (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Marinades:
- Garlic Butter Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)
- Lemon Herb Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Spicy Kick Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
Instructions for Cooking Juicy Chicken Pieces
1. Prep the Chicken
- Pat the tender chicken cuts dry with a paper towel.
- If marinating, mix your chosen marinade ingredients in a bowl or zip-top bag and coat the strips. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Choose Your Cooking Method
A. Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the tender pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
B. Pan-Searing
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken portions to the skillet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
C. Grilling
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Place the chicken pieces on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, brushing with additional marinade as they cook.
3. Serve and Garnish
- Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain their juices.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.