Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, this Easy Whataburger Chicken Strip Recipe lets you recreate the fast-food favorite at home. Perfect for dipping, sandwiches, or a quick weeknight meal everyone will love.
These chicken strips are incredibly tasty and healthier to the traditional deep-fried version.
Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and packed with that iconic Whataburger flavor, they’re perfect for a quick dinner, game day snack, or when you’re craving comfort food.
Let’s bring the taste of Whataburger into your kitchen with all the convenience and less of the guilt!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Crispy and Juicy Every Time – Perfectly golden on the outside, tender on the inside.
- Fast & Easy to Make – Homemade flavor without complicated steps or long prep.
- Kid-Approved – A crowd-pleaser that’s great for lunch, dinner, or snacks.
- Perfect for Dipping – Pairs beautifully with your favorite sauces.
- Recreates a Fast-Food Favorite – All the flavor of Whataburger chicken strips at home.
Whataburger Chicken Strip Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or breast strips) – Fresh chicken cut into strips for crispy, juicy coating.
- All-purpose flour – Creates a light, even coating for chicken strips.
- Eggs – Helps the coating stick and adds moisture.
- Breadcrumbs, preferably panko for extra crunch – Provides a crispy, golden texture for each chicken strip.
- Paprika – Adds color and mild smoky flavor to coating.
- Garlic powder – Enhances savory flavor with subtle garlic notes.
- Onion powder – Adds mild sweetness and depth to seasoning mix.
- Salt – Brings out natural chicken flavor and balances seasoning.
- Black pepper – Adds mild heat and depth to the coating.
How To Make Easy Whataburger Chicken Strips
Step One: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into strips. In a shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour with your seasoning blend – garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step Two: In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. This mixture will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
Step Three: Place the Panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. You now have a three-step breading station: flour mixture, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.
Step Four: Dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally, coat them well with the Panko breadcrumbs. Ensure each strip is thoroughly coated at each stage for the best results.
Step Five: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), for 3-5 minutes.
Step Six: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken strips in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook in batches.
Step Seven: Spray the top of the chicken strips lightly with cooking spray. This helps them get golden brown. Set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step Eight: Serve your Air Fryer Whataburger Chicken Strips hot with dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch.
Easy Whataburger Chicken Strip Recipe Tips
- Quality of Chicken: Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts.
- Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Dry Before Coating: Pat the chicken dry before coating. Removing excess moisture helps the flour and breadcrumbs adhere better and creates a crisper coating.
- Season Every Layer: Season the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.
- Crispy Coating: Use Panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches to prevent overcrowding in the air fryer.
- Flip Halfway Through: Turn the chicken strips halfway through cooking. This promotes even browning and crisping on both sides.
- Correct Temperature: Preheat the air fryer to the right temperature before adding the chicken. A hot air fryer ensures a quick sear and locks in juices.
- Use Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the breaded chicken strips with cooking spray before air frying. This helps achieve a golden color and enhances crispiness.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken strips rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to be redistributed, making the chicken more tender.
- Dipping Sauces: Experiment with different dipping sauces. Whataburger Chicken Strips are versatile and can be paired with various sauces like honey mustard, BBQ, ranch, or even a spicy buffalo sauce.
Faq’s Whataburger Chicken Strips Recipe
What Are Whataburger Chicken Strips Made Of? Whataburger Chicken Strips are made from whole white meat chicken breasts. They are hand-breaded with a seasoned flour mixture, which gives them a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.
How Are Whataburger Chicken Strips Cooked? In Whataburger restaurants, the chicken strips are deep-fried until golden brown. However, for a healthier alternative, you can make them in an air fryer, as it requires significantly less oil.
What Dipping Sauces Does Whataburger Offer for Chicken Strips? Whataburger typically offers a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, and creamy pepper sauce. The choice of sauce can significantly enhance the flavor experience.
Can Whataburger Chicken Strips Be Made Gluten-Free? In the restaurant, they are not gluten-free due to the breading. However, you can make a gluten-free version at home using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Are Whataburger Chicken Strips Spicy? The standard Whataburger Chicken Strips are not particularly spicy but flavorful. For those who prefer spice, additional spicy seasonings can be added or paired with a spicy dipping sauce.
Can I Make Whataburger Chicken Strips in an Oven? Yes, you can bake them in an oven if you don’t have an air fryer. The texture might differ slightly from the deep-fried version, but still delicious.
How Can I Store and Reheat Leftover Whataburger Chicken Strips? Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make them soggy.
What Makes Whataburger Chicken Strips Different from Others? They are known for their size, flavor, and the fact that they are hand-breaded. Many fans of Whataburger also appreciate the specific seasoning blend used in their coating.
Are Whataburger Chicken Strips Suitable for a High-Protein Diet? Yes, as they are made primarily of chicken breast, they are a good source of protein, making them suitable for those on a high-protein diet.
Can I Include Whataburger Chicken Strips in a Meal? Absolutely! They can be included in a larger meal, complemented with sides like fries or salads, or enjoyed in a wrap or sandwich.
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Easy Whataburger Chicken Strip Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders , or chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk, or buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, preferably panko for extra crunch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by cutting the 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders into strips.
- In a shallow dish, mix the 1 cup all-purpose flour with your seasoning blend – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- In another shallow dish, beat the 2 large eggs and mix them with 1 cup milk.
- Place the 1 cup breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. You now have a three-step breading station: flour mixture, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally coat them well with the Panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each strip is thoroughly coated at each stage for the best results.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), for 3-5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken strips in a single layer in the basket.
- Spray the top of the chicken strips lightly with cooking spray. This helps them get golden brown. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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