If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get dinner on the table, chicken strips are a great option. They’re versatile, kid-friendly, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover chicken. However, if you’ve never cut chicken strips before, it can be a little daunting. That’s why we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll show you how to cut chicken strips like a pro. We’ll also provide some tips on how to cook them perfectly. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, read on to learn everything you need to know about cutting chicken strips.
To cut chicken strips, you’ll need a sharp knife and a cutting board. First, remove the skin from the chicken breasts, if desired. Then, place the chicken breasts on the cutting board and slice them in half lengthwise. Next, slice the chicken breasts into 1-inch strips. Finally, cut the strips into bite-sized pieces.
Once you’ve cut the chicken strips, you can cook them in a variety of ways. You can fry them, bake them, or grill them. If you’re frying them, heat 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips to the oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. If you’re baking them, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken strips on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. If you’re grilling them, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips to the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Choosing the Right Chicken Parts
Selecting the most suitable chicken parts is crucial for achieving tender and flavorful chicken strips. While you can use different cuts, each part offers unique characteristics:
Breast
Characteristics: Tender, lean, and mild in flavor.
Uses: Ideal for classic chicken strips that are evenly golden and crispy.
Cut: Remove the skin and any excess fat. Cut the breasts lengthwise into strips of desired thickness (typically 1-2 inches wide).
Thighs
Characteristics: Juicy, flavorful, and slightly darker in color than breasts.
Uses: Perfect for flavorful and succulent chicken strips that remain moist.
Cut: Remove the skin and bone. Cut the thighs lengthwise, parallel to the bone, then slice into strips of desired thickness.
Legs (Drumsticks)
Characteristics: Meatier and more flavorful than breasts and thighs.
Uses: Best suited for larger and thicker chicken strips with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Cut: Remove the skin and cut the legs at the joint to separate the drumstick. Then, slice the drumstick into strips of desired thickness.
Wings
Characteristics: Smaller and more flavorful than other parts.
Uses: Ideal for crispy chicken strips with a distinctive shape.
Cut: Remove the tips and cut the wings into two or three sections, depending on the desired size.
| Chicken Part | Flavor | Juiciness |
|---|---|---|
| Breast | Mild | Lean |
| Thighs | Flavorful | Juicy |
| Legs | Meaty | Juicy |
| Wings | Flavorful | Smaller |
Trimming and Removing Fat
To ensure that your chicken strips are trimmed to perfection and free of excess fat, follow these detailed steps:
Step 1: Remove Excess Skin
If there is loose skin on the chicken breasts, use a sharp knife to carefully remove it. Excess skin can shrink and become tough when cooked, resulting in an unpleasant texture. Trimming it will improve the overall appearance and flavor of the chicken strips.
Step 2: Remove Visible Fat
Locate any visible fat deposits on the chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, gently cut away as much fat as possible without removing any of the meat. Trimming the fat will help reduce the overall fat content of the chicken strips and result in a leaner and healthier meal.
| Fat Location | Removal Method |
|---|---|
| Exterior of Breast | Use a knife to carefully slice off visible fat. |
| Interior of Breast | Use a knife to cut out large pockets of fat between the breasts. |
Step 3: Check for Remaining Fat
Once you have removed the visible fat, it’s important to check for any remaining pockets of fat that may be hidden beneath the surface. Place your fingers between the chicken breasts and feel for any lumps or bumps. If you find any, use a knife to carefully cut them away.
Slicing the Chicken into Strips
1. Prepare the chicken: Remove the chicken from the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking to the knife and will help to create even strips.
2. Cut the chicken into strips: Hold the chicken breast in one hand and use a sharp knife to cut it into strips. The strips should be about 1/2-inch thick and 1-2 inches long. You can cut the strips in any direction, but it is important to cut them evenly so that they cook evenly.
| Strip Size | Best Uses |
|---|---|
| 1/2-inch x 1-inch | Stir-fries, salads, sandwiches, and wraps |
| 1/2-inch x 2-inch | Skewers, tacos, and kebabs |
| 1/4-inch x 3-inch | Crispy chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, and popcorn chicken |
3. Tips for slicing chicken strips:
• Use a sharp knife to ensure clean, even cuts. A dull knife will tear the chicken and make it difficult to cut into strips.
• Cut the chicken against the grain. This will help to make the chicken more tender and easier to chew.
• If you are cutting a large amount of chicken, you can use a mandoline slicer to help speed up the process.
• Be careful not to overcook the chicken strips. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
Using a Sharp Knife
1. Remove any visible fat or gristle from the chicken breast.
2. Place the chicken breast on a cutting board, skin side down.
3. Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal cut along one long side of the breast, starting at the narrow end and working towards the thick end.
4. Continue making parallel cuts along the breast, about 1/2 inch apart, until you reach the other side.
5. Rotate the breast 90 degrees and repeat steps 3-4 along the other side.
6. You should now have a stack of thin chicken strips. To create even thinner strips, you can slice the strips in half lengthwise.
| Chicken Breast Size | Approximate Number of Strips |
|---|---|
| Small (4-6 oz) | 4-6 |
| Medium (6-8 oz) | 6-8 |
| Large (8-10 oz) | 8-10 |
Cutting to Consistency
To ensure that your chicken strips cook evenly and have a consistent texture, it is crucial to cut them to a uniform thickness and shape. Follow these tips for optimal results:
1. Trim the Chicken: Remove any excess fat or skin from the chicken breast before cutting.
2. Cut Against the Grain: Hold the chicken breast perpendicular to the grain and make thin slices against the fibers. This will result in tender and juicy strips.
3. Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will make clean cuts and prevent the chicken from tearing.
4. Create Even Slices: Cut the chicken breasts into strips of approximately the same length and thickness. This will ensure even cooking.
5. Measuring for Thickness: To ensure consistency, use a ruler or measuring tape to gauge the thickness of your chicken strips. Aim for a thickness of around 1.5-2 centimeters (0.5-0.8 inches).
6. Check for Uniformity: Once cut, lay the chicken strips flat on a cutting board and check for any inconsistencies in size or shape. Adjust as necessary.
7. Marinate: After cutting, marinate the chicken strips in your desired marinade or seasoning to enhance flavor.
8. Drying: Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels before cooking. This will help prevent splatter and promote even browning.
9. Thickness Guide: Use the following table as a guideline for the recommended thickness of chicken strips for different cooking methods:
| Cooking Method | Recommended Thickness |
|---|---|
| Sautéing | 0.5-1 cm (0.2-0.4 inches) |
| Grilling | 1-1.5 cm (0.4-0.6 inches) |
| Baking | 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches) |
| Deep Frying | 0.5-1 cm (0.2-0.4 inches) |
How To Cut Chicken Strips
To cut chicken strips, start by removing the skin from the chicken breasts. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the breasts into 1-inch thick strips. Season the strips with salt and pepper, and then coat them in your favorite breading. Finally, fry the strips in hot oil until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Here are some tips for cutting chicken strips:
- Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts.
- Cut the strips against the grain of the meat to make them more tender.
- Season the strips liberally with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Coat the strips in your favorite breading before frying to give them a crispy exterior.
- Fry the strips in hot oil until they are golden brown and cooked through to ensure they are safe to eat.
