Copycat Whiskey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips

This is the perfect TGI Friday’s Copycat Whiskey-Glazed sesame Chicken Strips Recipe! It’s amazing! Serve over a bed or rice, or alongside a garden salad, this will please even the pickiest of eaters!

Copycat Whiskey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips are a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory whiskey glaze. Coated in sesame seeds and cooked to golden perfection, these chicken strips are the perfect balance of crunch and rich, smoky flavor.

The glaze, made with whiskey, brown sugar, and a touch of soy sauce, adds depth and sweetness to each bite. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these whiskey-glazed chicken strips are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• The whiskey glaze gives these chicken strips a unique, sweet, and smoky flavor that is irresistible.
• The sesame seeds add a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
• This recipe is easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy your favorite restaurant dish in the comfort of your kitchen.
• The combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors will have everyone coming back for more.
• These chicken strips are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to impressive party appetizers.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken Tenderloins: Or use whole boneless, skinless chicken breast that has been cut into tenderloins.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour, to make this iconic dish gluten-free
• Breadcrumbs: Use regular bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs
• Milk: You can also use almond, coconut, or oat milk.
• Eggs: Use large, room-temperature eggs
• Seasonings and Spices: Kosher Salt, Paprika, and Garlic Powder
• Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Sauce, see the recipe in the recipe card below.

How to Make Whiskey Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips

Step One: Brine The Chicken Brine the chicken by placing the tenderloins in a large bowl and covering it with water. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step Two: Prepare The Jack Daniel’s Whisky Sauce Mix the brown sugar, water, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and teriyaki sauce in another bowl. Whisk together and place over medium heat on the stove. While this boils, pulse the pineapple, garlic cloves, and onion chunks in a blender to small pieces. Remove the brown sugar mixture from the heat and add the onion and pineapple mixture. Add the lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and Jack Daniel’s Whiskey. Place over medium heat again and let the whiskey sauce cook for 50 minutes. The goal is to reduce it by half. Once the Jack Daniels Sauce is done, it will be thicker and darker. Let it sit for about 5 minutes off the heat.

Step Three: Prepare The Breading Stations While the sauce cooks and the chicken finishes bringing, make the bread for the tenderloins. Combine the flour, panko bread crumbs, and seasonings in a bowl. In a separate bowl, add the milk and eggs and whisk together. Remove the chicken from the fridge and drain from the water.

Step Four: Breading The Chicken Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F for 5-7 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, dip each chicken tenderloin in the egg and milk mixture, then into the panko mixture. As you coat the chicken tenderloins, place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step Five: Air Fry Sesame Chicken Strips Place the breaded chicken tenders into the air fryer basket in a single layer, and then spray them generously with nonstick cooking spray or brush olive oil on them. Set the cooking time for 12-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway during the cooking process.

Step Six: Coating The Cooked Chicken Place the chicken tenders in the sauce and coat both sides. Lift out of the sauce and plate to serve; sprinkle with sesame seeds and enjoy!

Jack Daniel’s Chicken Strips Recipe Tips

• Brine for Tenderness: Brining the chicken tenderloins in water for an hour helps keep them moist and tender when cooking. Don’t skip this step for the juiciest chicken!
• Coating for Extra Crunch: The combination of flour and panko breadcrumbs creates a crispy exterior that holds the sauce well. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken for maximum crunch.
• Adjust the Whiskey Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more brown sugar. For a bit more spice, increase the cayenne pepper. Adjust the sauce to your taste preferences!
• Cooking Time: Cooking the chicken strips in the air fryer at 370°F ensures they cook through while staying crisp. Be mindful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
• Let the Sauce Set: After cooking the whiskey sauce, let it sit off the heat for a few minutes before applying it to the chicken. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
• Serve Immediately: These chicken strips are best served while warm, as the crispy coating stays intact and the sauce remains sticky and delicious.

Storing

• Storing: Once your chicken strips have cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the breading crispy, store the sauce separately and coat the chicken just before serving.
• Freezing: To freeze the chicken strips, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 2-3 hours until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. For the sauce, store it in a separate container. You can freeze both for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken strips in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Heat the whiskey sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Once the chicken and sauce are heated, coat the strips and serve!

What To Serve With Sesame Jack Chicken Strips

Sesame Jack Chicken Strips pair perfectly with a variety of sides that complement their sweet and savory flavor. Serve them with a light and refreshing coleslaw for a crunchy contrast, or enjoy them alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots for a healthy touch. For a heartier meal, try them with steamed rice or crispy fries to balance the richness of the whiskey glaze. You can also add a dipping sauce, such as a tangy ranch or spicy sriracha mayo, to elevate the flavor experience.

Jack Daniel’s Chicken Strips Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins? Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins. Simply cut them into strips of similar size to ensure even cooking.

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the air fryer? Yes, you can bake the chicken strips in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Can I make the whiskey glaze ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the whiskey glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it before using.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for Jack Daniel’s Whiskey? If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the whiskey with apple juice or a combination of apple cider vinegar and water for a similar tangy flavor.

How spicy is the whiskey glaze? The whiskey glaze has a slight kick due to the cayenne pepper, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the cayenne to your taste if you prefer more or less heat.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken strips? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken strips. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

What can I serve with Jack Daniel’s Chicken Strips? These chicken strips are great with sides like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, rice, fries, or a fresh salad. For dipping, try ranch, BBQ sauce, or a spicy mayo.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER SCALLION PANCAKES
• AIR FRYER CRISPY SHRIMP
• KETO AIR FRYER PICKLES
• AIR FRYER NAKED CHICKEN TENDERS
• AIR FRYER ST. LOUIS-STYLE SPARE RIBS

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