Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips
Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? These Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips are not only a flavorful twist on a classic dish but also bring a satisfying crunch that will have your taste buds dancing. The combination of Blue Diamond Sriracha Almonds adds a delightful heat and nutty flavor to your chicken, making these strips a hit with the whole family. Plus, they are quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a favorite in our household for several reasons. First, it showcases the bold flavors of Sriracha in a way that isn’t overwhelming. The almond crust gives a wonderful texture, while the chicken remains juicy and tender. Second, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken strips, making it easy to indulge without the guilt. Finally, it’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces and sides. I promise that once you try these Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips, you’ll want to make them again and again!
What’s in the Bowl
To create these delicious Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2/3 cup Blue Diamond Sriracha Almonds
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 large egg whites
- 1.5 chicken breasts, cut into strips or chicken tenders
Toolbox for This Recipe
Before we start cooking, gather these tools to make the process smooth:
- Food processor or blender – for crushing the almonds
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
- Baking sheet – to bake the chicken strips
- Parchment paper – for easy cleanup
- Whisk – for beating the egg whites
Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips Cooking Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken strips will cook evenly and become deliciously crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Almond Crust
In a food processor or blender, pulse the Blue Diamond Sriracha Almonds until they are finely ground but still have a bit of texture. Set aside in a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper. This mixture will help create a flavorful base for your chicken.
Step 4: Beat the Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they are frothy. This will help the almond crust adhere to the chicken strips.
Step 5: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into strips or use pre-cut chicken tenders. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken
First, dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg whites, allowing the excess to drip off before rolling it in the crushed Sriracha almonds. Make sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the top of the chicken strips for added crispiness.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the chicken strips from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, sweet chili sauce, or a spicy Sriracha mayo for an extra kick!
Ingredient Flex Options
Want to customize your Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips? Here are some flexible options:
- Use different nut varieties: If you prefer a different flavor, try using Blue Diamond Honey Roasted Almonds or even cashews for a unique twist.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- Spice it up: Add extra spices to the flour mixture, such as paprika, cayenne, or even a pinch of chili powder for a bolder flavor.
- Chicken alternative: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.
Author’s Commentary
Creating these Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips was a delightful experience! The Sriracha Almonds not only provide a spicy kick but also a satisfying crunch that elevates the dish. My family absolutely loved these strips, and I could see them becoming a regular feature on our dinner table. They are perfect for meal prep, too—just store them in the fridge, and they make for a quick and tasty lunch or snack throughout the week!
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
Once you’ve enjoyed your Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips, here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them:
- Storing: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This will help maintain their crispiness. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheating option!
Questions People Ask
Can I use regular almonds instead of Sriracha almonds?
Yes, you can, but the flavor will be less spicy. Consider adding some Sriracha sauce or another seasoning to the almonds for heat.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for the chicken to be safe to eat.
Can I make these chicken strips ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken strips and coat them ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken strips?
Some great options include ranch dressing, honey mustard, Sriracha mayo, or sweet chili sauce for a bit of sweetness!
Keep Cooking
If you enjoyed making Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips, you might want to try these delicious recipes:
- Sally’s Baking Addiction: Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Pinch of Yum: Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
- Minimalist Baker: Almond-Crusted Tofu
Time to Try It
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into these Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips. They are the perfect combination of spicy, crunchy, and tender, making them an irresistible dish that you will want to share with your friends and family. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking! You won’t be disappointed with this flavorful twist on chicken strips that are sure to impress. Happy cooking!
Sriracha Almond Crusted Chicken Strips
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking.
- Step 2: Prepare the Almond Crust - In a food processor or blender, pulse the Blue Diamond Sriracha Almonds until finely ground but still textured. Set aside.
- Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients - Combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Step 4: Beat the Egg Whites - Whisk the egg whites until frothy in a separate bowl.
- Step 5: Prepare the Chicken - Cut chicken into strips and pat them dry to remove moisture.
- Step 6: Coat the Chicken - Dip chicken in flour, then egg whites, and finally roll in crushed almonds.
- Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet - Place coated strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Step 8: Bake - Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 9: Serve and Enjoy - Let cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
- Try using different nut varieties for a unique flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
