Introduction to Garlic Butter Chicken Strips with Ranch Dressing
Hey there, busy moms and professionals! If you’re like me, dinner can sometimes feel like a race against the clock. That’s why I’m excited to share my special recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Strips with Ranch Dressing. This dish is not only quick to whip up, but it also bursts with flavor that will have your family asking for seconds. Imagine juicy chicken strips coated in rich garlic butter, paired perfectly with creamy ranch dressing. It’s a fabulous solution for a hectic day or a delightful dish to impress your loved ones. Ready to jump in?
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Strips with Ranch Dressing
This recipe is a lifesaver for hectic nights! You can whip up Garlic Butter Chicken Strips in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for those busy days when you want dinner on the table fast. Not only is it easy, but the combination of garlic, butter, and ranch dressing creates a taste that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, these chicken strips will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Strips with Ranch Dressing
Let’s gather the tasty components for our Garlic Butter Chicken Strips! Here’s a lovely assortment of ingredients you’ll need:
- Chicken Breast: The star of the dish, chicken breast delivers juicy and tender strips that are perfect for frying.
- All-purpose flour: This helps create a crispy coating on the chicken, adding texture and flavor.
- Garlic powder: Essential for that beautiful garlicky taste we all adore in this dish.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that pairs perfectly with the garlic.
- Paprika: This gives a smoky flavor and a lovely pop of color to your chicken strips.
- Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings that elevate all the flavors in your dish.
- Unsalted butter: Rich and indulgent, it creates a delicious coating for the chicken while cooking.
- Fresh garlic: Minced, this will intensify the garlic flavor and make the dish so aromatic.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of this vibrant herb adds freshness and a touch of color on top.
- Ranch dressing: Our perfect dipping companion! Creamy and tangy, it’s the icing on the cake for these chicken strips.
You can find the exact quantities you need at the bottom of this article for easy printing. Feel free to get creative! Switch out the chicken for boneless thighs if you prefer, or try using almond flour for a gluten-free option to suit your dietary needs. Get ready to turn simple ingredients into a scrumptious meal!
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Strips with Ranch Dressing
Ready to bring this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Strips with Ranch Dressing to life? Let’s dive into the steps! Follow along, and I’ll share helpful tips to make the process even smoother.
Prepare the Coating
Start by gathering a medium bowl. In that bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is evenly blended. This mixture is what will give our chicken that irresistible flavor and crunch. Don’t be afraid to taste a little—like a chef’s privilege! It should be savory with a hint of spice.
Dredge the Chicken
Now comes the fun part! Take your chicken strips and coat them one by one in your flour mixture. Ensure that each piece is well covered. I like to shake off the excess flour to avoid clumps. This little step is crucial for achieving that golden-brown finish later on. You want your chicken to be juicy but not overly breaded.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt gently. Once it’s bubbly, toss in the minced garlic, stirring it for about a minute to release all those enticing aromas. Then, carefully add the coated chicken strips to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and reach 165°F internally. Patience is key here; resist the urge to flip them too soon!
Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken strips are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. This will drain off any extra butter. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Strips hot alongside ranch dressing for dipping. I can already imagine you and your family relishing those flavors together!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your chicken strips are uniform in size for even cooking.
- For crunchier strips, let the dredged chicken rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
- Monitor the heat to avoid burning the garlic.
- Feel free to customize the spices in the coating for your taste!
Equipment Needed
- Skillet: A large frying pan works well; cast iron is great for heat retention.
- Medium bowl: Any mixing bowl will do; just ensure it’s big enough for the flour mixture.
- Tongs or fork: Useful for flipping the chicken without making a mess.
- Paper towels: Handy for draining excess butter from the cooked chicken.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for an extra kick.
- Herb Lovers: Mix in dried oregano, thyme, or basil with the flour for a fragrant twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a keto-friendly dish.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu strips, following the same instructions for a plant-based meal.
- Cheesy Touch: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken strips right before serving for a cheesy finish.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken Strips with Ranch Dressing
- Pair these chicken strips with crispy sweet potato fries for a delightful contrast.
- Serve with a mixed greens salad drizzled with vinaigrette for a refreshing touch.
- A side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds a healthy crunch.
- For drinks, a light lemonade or sparkling water complements the meal perfectly.
FAQs about Garlic Butter Chicken Strips with Ranch Dressing
As you prepare to savor those delightful Garlic Butter Chicken Strips with Ranch Dressing, you might have a few questions. Here are some of the most common inquiries I receive, along with helpful answers.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure to thaw the chicken completely before you begin. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking, which we want to avoid.
Can I bake the chicken strips instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Adjust the cooking time since they won’t be frying in the buttery goodness.
What can I use instead of ranch dressing for dipping?
If ranch isn’t your thing, that’s okay! Try blue cheese dressing, honey mustard, or even a zesty yogurt dip. All will add flair to those chicken strips.
How should I store leftovers?
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, as it will keep the chicken crispy.
Can I make garlic butter chicken strips ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken strips and coat them in advance. Just store them covered in the fridge. Cook them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy a quick meal!
Final Thoughts
Cooking these Garlic Butter Chicken Strips with Ranch Dressing has been such a joy in my kitchen. Not only do they hit the spot after a long day, but they also bring smiles to my family’s faces. Each bite is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, making every meal feel special. This dish is a reminder that with just a few ingredients and a little love, we can create memorable moments around the dinner table. So, gather your loved ones, enjoy the deliciousness, and share stories over this delightful meal. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Strips with Ranch Dressing Delight!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for garlic butter chicken strips served with a creamy ranch dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken Breast, cut into strips
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 0.25 cup Unsalted butter
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 0.5 cup Ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the coated chicken strips to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess butter. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley for added flavor.
- Serve the garlic butter chicken strips hot with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Fresh parsley can be omitted if not available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
