Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Strips Recipe

Taco Bell’s Crispy Chicken Strips are a perfectly seasoned crunch and tender bite of chicken, paired with the bold flavours of Mexican spices, creating an experience we crave! But what if I told you that you don’t have to hit the drive-thru to enjoy them?

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How to make Taco Bell Chicken Strips

Taco Bell Chicken Strips are pieces of seasoned, breaded chicken breast that are fried until crispy on the outside and tender inside. They’re Taco Bell’s take on classic chicken tenders, usually served as a standalone menu item or as part of limited-time meals or boxes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Strips:

2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, and cut into thick strips)
1 cup buttermilk (for marinating the chicken)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Crunchy Coating:

1 cup tortilla chips, finely crushed (this is the secret to that crunch—choose your favorite flavor!)
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten (to help the coating stick)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Place the chicken strips into the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Crunchy Coating

In a food processor or with a rolling pin, crush your tortilla chips into small, breadcrumb-like pieces.
In a shallow dish, combine the crushed tortilla chips, flour, panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt. Mix until evenly distributed.
Place the beaten egg in a separate shallow bowl.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
Dip each strip into the beaten egg, then press it firmly into the crunchy coating mixture, ensuring every side is well covered.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Option 1: Deep Frying

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet to 375°F (190°C).
Carefully place the chicken strips into the hot oil, cooking for 3-5 minutes per strip or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the strips and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Option 2: Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the coated chicken strips on the baking sheet and lightly spray or drizzle with oil for browning.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Option 3: Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!).
Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

Tips for the Best Taco Bell Chicken Strips

Crush the tortilla chips finely: A food processor works best, but manually crushing them with a rolling pin works too. This step ensures an even coating and perfect crunch.
Marinate overnight: For extra juicy strips bursting with flavor, let the chicken sit in the buttermilk mixture overnight.
Don’t skip the panko breadcrumbs: They add an extra layer of crunch that’s essential to mimicking Taco Bell’s texture.
Use a thermometer: If deep frying, maintain the oil temperature at 375°F, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly without being greasy.
Serve with dipping sauces: Taco Bell’s signature Spicy Ranch or even a homemade blend using sour cream, mayo, hot sauce, and taco seasoning!

What to serve with

Taco Bell Chicken Strips are undoubtedly the star of the show, but pairing them with complementary sides and sauces can turn your meal into a full-fledged feast!

Spicy Ranch Sauce (Taco Bell Signature): Create this iconic sauce by mixing ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, and a splash of your favorite hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot). It’s creamy, zesty, and the perfect pairing for crispy chicken!
Cheesy Nacho Sauce: Melt ½ cup cheddar cheese with ¼ cup milk and a small dollop of butter over low heat. Add a pinch of paprika for that Taco Bell twist. Perfect for dipping!
Guacamole: Prepare fresh guac using 2 ripe avocados, mashed with lime juice, cilantro, diced onions, and a pinch of salt, for a creamy, refreshing dip.
Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Give the chicken strips a tangy kick by offering fresh salsa or pico de gallo. Combine chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños for the perfect salsa topper.

Ingredients Substitutes

Sometimes we don’t always have certain ingredients readily available—or maybe you’re looking to modify your Taco Bell Chicken Strips recipe for dietary preferences or lifestyle choices.

Chicken Substitutes

1. Chicken Alternatives

If you don’t have chicken on hand or want a vegetarian/vegan option, consider these alternatives to replace the chicken strips:

Firm Tofu Strips: Cut firm or extra-firm tofu into thick Taco Bell Chicken Strips or cubes. Press the tofu beforehand to drain excess liquid, ensuring it holds its shape and crisps up when fried or baked.
Cauliflower Florets: Cauliflower is a great plant-based option! Break it into bite-sized florets and follow the same battering and cooking process as the Taco Bell Chicken Strips.
Jackfruit: Jackfruit chunks mimic the texture of shredded chicken when cooked properly. Use canned jackfruit, rinse it, and toss it in the marinade for flavor before coating.
Seitan: This wheat protein is a fantastic option for replicating the chewiness of chicken. Slice it into thin strips and marinate it the same way as chicken.

2. Healthier Protein Alternatives

If you prefer leaner protein options:

Turkey Breast: Turkey breast strips cook similarly to chicken and can be marinated and coated in the same way. They are slightly leaner but still flavorful.
Fish Fillets: White fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock can be used as a healthier alternative that still crisps up nicely when coated and fried.

Buttermilk Substitutes for Marinating

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, but if you don’t have it, here are some alternatives:

Milk + Acid: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly; this acts as a homemade buttermilk substitute.
Yogurt or Greek Yogurt: Mix ½ cup plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt) with ½ cup water to create a thinner mixture that resembles buttermilk.
Coconut Milk + Lime Juice (for dairy-free substitution): Combine ½ cup coconut milk with 1 tablespoon lime juice for a creamy, tangy marinade.

Tortilla Chip Substitutes for the Coating

The tortilla chip coating is key to mimicking that Taco Bell crunch, but there are several similar substitutes if tortilla chips aren’t available:

Corn Flakes: Crush corn flakes into small pieces to achieve a similar crunchy texture. They’re light, crispy, and coat the chicken strips beautifully.
Potato Chips: Use plain, salted, or flavored potato chips for a crispy and unique alternative. Crush them into small crumbs before coating the chicken.
Crushed Pretzels: If you love a hearty and salty crunch, crushed pretzels make for an excellent coating substitute. Pair them with slightly spicy flavors for balance.
Bread Crumbs + Spices: Combine traditional bread crumbs, flour, and your desired spices (like paprika and chili powder) for a smooth coating. For extra crunch, use panko bread crumbs.
Gluten-Free Chips (for gluten-free diets): Gluten-free chips (such as those made with rice, quinoa, or corn) act as a great substitute. Keep them finely crushed for even coating.

Flour Substitutes

All-purpose flour helps bind the crunchy coating to the chicken. Here’s what you can use instead:

Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free blend, such as a rice flour or almond flour mixture, for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a fantastic option if flour isn’t available. It produces a super crispy, light texture when fried and binds the coating well.
Crushed Oats: Pulse rolled oats in the food processor briefly to make them finer. They won’t result in the smooth texture of flour but still work for coating.

Egg Substitutes for Binding

The beaten egg helps the coating stick, but several alternatives can accomplish the same job:

Milk or Buttermilk: If eggs aren’t available, dip the chicken directly into buttermilk or regular milk before coating it.
Plain Yogurt: Yogurt acts as a sticky adhesive for the coating. Thin it with water, if needed.
Aquafaba (Vegan Option): The liquid from canned chickpeas (aquafaba) acts as an excellent binder. Whisk it until frothy, then use it as a dip before coating.
Vegan Egg Replacer: There are commercial egg replacements available, such as Bob’s Red Mill or Ener-G Egg Replacer, which can work for this recipe.

Seasoning Substitutions

Taco Bell Chicken Strips rely on bold seasonings for their distinctive flavor. If you’re missing certain spices or want variations, try these substitutions:

Paprika Alternatives: Use smoked paprika for a deeper, richer flavor. If paprika isn’t available, swap it for chili powder or a mild hot sauce.
Garlic Powder Replacement: Substitute garlic powder with fresh garlic paste or minced garlic sautéed lightly in oil.
Chili Powder Adjustments: For more heat, use cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even chipotle powder. If less heat is preferred, substitute with paprika.
Ground Cumin Alternatives: Use coriander powder or taco seasoning for a similar earthiness.
Pre-Made Taco Seasoning Blend: If you don’t want to mix individual spices, use a store-bought taco seasoning to quickly recreate the Taco Bell flavor profile.

Oil Substitutes for Frying

If you’re frying the chicken strips, the right oil can make a big difference. Common alternatives include:

Canola Oil or Vegetable Oil: Neutral oils with a high smoke point are perfect substitutes for frying.
Peanut Oil: Ideal for frying due to its high smoke point and slightly nutty flavor.
Avocado Oil: A healthier, high-smoke-point oil that works well for frying or air frying.
Olive Oil (for baking): If you’re baking the chicken strips instead of frying, olive oil can be drizzled or sprayed on top to achieve a golden, crispy finish.

Final Thoughts

These homemade Taco Bell Chicken Strips are a game-changer when it comes to satisfying those fast-food cravings from the comfort of your home.

More Chicken Recipes:

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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