Soy-Free Crispy Chicken Sticks

Bite into irresistible golden perfection with these Soy-Free Crispy Chicken Sticks, a family-friendly favorite that's crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside! Made with tender, marinated chicken strips that soak in a zesty buttermilk and lemon juice mixture for maximum flavor, these sticks are coated in a delicious blend of panko breadcrumbs, spices, and a light dusting of flour for extra crispiness. Unlike traditional recipes, this dish skips soy-based ingredients, making it a go-to for those with dietary restrictions. Perfectly pan-fried in olive oil until golden brown, these chicken sticks are ready in just 40 minutes and pair beautifully with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh squeeze of lemon. Whether you're planning a game-day snack, kid-approved dinner, or casual party appetizer, these chicken sticks deliver flavor, crunch, and satisfaction in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 0.5 cup olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Cut them into thin strips, approximately 1 inch wide.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and lemon juice, stirring to create a slightly thickened mixture.

Step 3

Add the chicken strips to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. If you're short on time, a 30-minute soak will still work.

Step 4

In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 5

In another bowl, crack the egg and beat it lightly.

Step 6

Prepare breadcrumbs in an additional shallow dish.

Step 7

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off.

Step 8

Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour mixture, then in the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is completely covered at each step.

Step 9

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 10

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken strips in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 11

Transfer cooked chicken sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 12

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a simple lemon wedge.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1129.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2933.7

Total Fat 149.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12.8g
Cholesterol 608.4mg	0%
Sodium 3860.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 206.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.1g	0%
Total Sugars 16.9g
Protein 180.0g	0%

Vitamin D 179.4IU	0%
Calcium 436.3mg	0%
Iron 14.2mg	0%
Potassium 1933.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.5%

Protein: 24.9%

Carbs: 28.6%