Name: Garlic Chicken Strips with Sweet Chilli Mayo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic (crushed (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)); 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped); 1 pinch sea salt; 1 lb skinless chicken breast fillets ((or thighs if you prefer), cut into strips); 3/4 cup panko crumbs; 1/4 cup multigrain/whole wheat breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan cheese; 3 tablespoons reduced-fat/light whole egg mayonnaise ((or Greek yogurt for a healthier version)); 3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce; 1/2 medium lemon (squeezed of juice (optional))

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will impress your family or guests, look no further than these Garlic Chicken Strips with Sweet Chilli Mayo. These crispy chicken strips are flavored with aromatic garlic and sweet paprika, then coated in a crunchy breadcrumb mixture to create a satisfying crunch. Paired with a delectable sweet chilli mayo, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner, game night, or a party appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is not only mouthwatering but also simple to prepare. The combination of the juicy chicken and the creamy, spicy dipping sauce is irresistible. What’s more, it’s easily customizable! You can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste and even swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. This dish is sure to become a household favorite!

Gather These Ingredients

To make your Garlic Chicken Strips with Sweet Chilli Mayo, you will need the following ingredients:

1 large egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 pinch sea salt
1 lb skinless chicken breast fillets (or thighs if you prefer), cut into strips
3/4 cup panko crumbs
1/4 cup multigrain/whole wheat breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons reduced-fat/light whole egg mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier version)
3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
1/2 medium lemon, squeezed of juice (optional)

Appliances & Accessories

Before you start, make sure you have the following appliances and accessories handy:

Oven: For baking the chicken strips to perfection.
Baking sheet: To place the chicken strips while they bake.
Mixing bowls: For combining the ingredients and marinating the chicken.
Whisk: To beat the egg and mix the mayo with sweet chilli sauce.
Knife and cutting board: For cutting the chicken into strips.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accuracy with ingredients.

Step-by-Step: Garlic Chicken Strips with Sweet Chilli Mayo

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, take your skinless chicken breast fillets or thighs and cut them into strips, about 1 inch wide.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the large egg, olive oil, crushed garlic (or garlic powder), sweet paprika, chopped parsley, and a pinch of sea salt. Add the chicken strips to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating

In another bowl, combine the panko crumbs, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to ensure the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Take each marinated chicken strip and dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken Strips

Once all the chicken strips are coated, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Prepare the Sweet Chilli Mayo

While the chicken is baking, mix the light mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) with sweet chilli sauce in a small bowl. For an added zing, you can squeeze in a bit of lemon juice if desired, mixing until smooth and well combined.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken strips are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm alongside the sweet chilli mayo for dipping, and watch them disappear!

Variations by Season

This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit different seasons and tastes:

Spring: Add fresh herbs like dill or basil for a refreshing twist.
Summer: Serve with a side of homemade coleslaw for a picnic-friendly meal.
Autumn: Incorporate a spice blend with cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm flavor profile.
Winter: Pair with roasted vegetables for a hearty, comforting dish.

What Not to Do

To ensure your Garlic Chicken Strips with Sweet Chilli Mayo turn out perfectly, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

Do not skip marinating the chicken. This step is crucial for flavor.
Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can cause the chicken to steam rather than crisp up.
Do not rush cooking time; make sure the chicken is fully cooked through to avoid any health risks.
Don’t skip the fresh herbs; they make a significant difference in flavor.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:

You can refrigerate the chicken strips in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked, coated chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Reheat cooked strips in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

Ask the Chef

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will add more flavor to your strips. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.

Can I make these chicken strips gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the panko and whole wheat breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

What can I serve with these chicken strips?

These chicken strips pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, including salads, roasted vegetables, or even a simple rice dish. You can also serve them as a stand-alone appetizer with the sweet chilli mayo.

How can I make the sweet chilli mayo spicier?

If you like heat, consider adding a dash of sriracha or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the sweet chilli mayo for an extra kick!

Before You Go

Thank you for joining me in the kitchen today! I hope you enjoy making and devouring these Garlic Chicken Strips with Sweet Chilli Mayo as much as I do. They are perfect for family dinners, game nights, or just a delicious snack. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!