These Homemade Spicy Chicken Strips are everything you crave from your favorite fast food chain — crunchy on the outside, juicy inside, and packed with flavor — but made with clean, real ingredients you can feel good about.

Whether you bake or air fry them, they’re just the right amount of spicy with a hint of smokiness and a whole lot of crispy goodness. Perfect for dunking, wrapping, or tossing on top of a salad when you want something bold and protein-packed.

Because Healthy Fast Food at Home should still taste like a treat — just without the deep fryer.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders or sliced chicken breasts

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp chili powder

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Olive oil spray or avocado oil (for baking/air frying)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven or air fryer
   Preheat oven to 425°F or air fryer to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly grease or spray.

2. Set up the breading station
   In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine almond flour, spices, salt, and pepper.

3. Bread the chicken
   Dip chicken strips into the egg mixture, then coat in the spicy flour blend. Press to make sure it sticks.

4. Cook until golden

   • Bake: Place strips on baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway.

   • Air fry: Arrange in a single layer, spray with oil, and cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway.

5. Serve hot
   Great with a side of yogurt ranch, hot sauce, or stuffed in a wrap with slaw.

Sarah’s Tips:

• Extra spicy? Add more cayenne or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the coating.

• Not a fan of heat? Reduce cayenne or replace with extra paprika for a smoky flavor.

• Gluten-free? Almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers work beautifully.

• Meal prep tip: Bread the strips and freeze raw — bake straight from frozen, just add 5 more minutes.

Flavorful Conclusion:

These Homemade Spicy Chicken Strips are crispy, juicy, and deliver just the right kick. Whether you're feeding your spice-loving crew or just want to add a little fire to your dinner routine, this recipe brings all the flavor of fast food — without the fryer or guilt.

Nutrition (per serving, serves 4):

• Calories: 305

• Protein: 29g

• Carbs: 6g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 1g