Homemade McDonald’s Chicken Strips Recipe

To make McDonald’s Chicken Strips Recipe at home, marinate chicken breast strips in buttermilk, coat them in seasoned flour (with a bit of cornstarch for crunch), then fry or air fry until golden. They come out juicy inside and crispy outside, just like the classic Chicken Selects or the newer McCrispy strips.

Recipe at a Glance

I’ll be honest: I tested this recipe three times before I got it right. My first batch? Way too soggy. But after tweaking the dredge and adjusting the frying oil temp, these strips turned out spot on. Here’s the cheat sheet before we dive in.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Serves: 4 (about 12 strips)

Ingredients (Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Strips Recipe)

Here’s what you’ll need. I’ll list them the way McDonald’s does in spirit, simple, pantry-friendly.

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt thinned with milk)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked works great)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)

Optional: a pinch of cayenne if you like heat.

Quick Equipment & Timings

• Deep skillet or Dutch oven for frying
• Tongs for handling strips
• Wire rack (don’t skip, this keeps them crispy!)
• Air fryer option: 390°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway

Step-by-Step: How to Make McDonald’s Chicken Strips

1. Marinate in Buttermilk

Cut your chicken into even strips. Toss them into a bowl with buttermilk, cover, and let them rest for at least 30 minutes (overnight if you’ve got time). This tenderizes the meat and mimics McDonald’s juiciness.

2. Coat in Seasoned Flour

Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and spices in a shallow bowl. Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge each strip, pressing the flour mixture in firmly. For extra crunch, dip back in buttermilk, then dredge a second time.

3. Fry, Bake, or Air Fry

• Fry: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry in small batches 3–4 minutes per side.
• Air Fryer: Spray strips lightly with oil, cook at 390°F for 12–14 minutes.
• Oven: Bake at 425°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Tip: Don’t crowd the pan or basket. That’s when coatings slip off. I learned the hard way.

4. Sauce It Up

McDonald’s usually serves these with honey mustard or creamy chili sauce. I love whipping up a quick dip: mayo + honey + mustard + a pinch of garlic powder.

Nutrition & Ingredients Breakdown

Are McDonald’s chicken strips real chicken?
Yes, they’re made from 100% white meat breast fillet, not processed meat. That’s why they feel different from nuggets.

Calories (per homemade strip):

• 170–190 calories
• 11g protein
• 8g fat
• 13g carbs (depending on coating thickness)

A McDonald’s 3-piece Chicken Select order used to clock in at about 400–420 calories with sauce. So homemade is in the same ballpark, but you control the oil and salt.

How Strips Differ from McNuggets, Selects & McCrispy

I’ve been asked this so many times, so let’s clear it up:

• Chicken Strips / Selects: Whole white breast meat, long pieces, seasoned coating.
• McNuggets: Minced chicken, formed into shapes, lighter batter.
• McCrispy: A sandwich version with a larger seasoned breast fillet.

Personally? Nuggets are comfort food. Strips feel more “grown-up” and filling.

Variations & Troubleshooting

Here’s where my kitchen fails might save you a headache:

• Gluten-Free: Swap flour with rice flour + cornstarch. Crispy but lighter.
• Spicy Strips: Add cayenne or chili powder to the dredge.
• Air Fryer Hack: Spray oil generously. Otherwise, they look dry and pale.
• Why did my breading fall off? You probably crowded the pan or didn’t press the flour firmly enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is McDonald’s chicken real chicken?
Yes, McDonald’s says their nuggets and strips are 100% white meat with no artificial preservatives (since 2016).

What are McDonald’s chicken nuggets made of?
They use ground white meat chicken, plus a light batter and breading, vegetable oil, and spices.

What’s the difference between Selects and Crispy Tenders?
Selects were the early 2000s version. Crispy Tenders were introduced in 2017, with slightly different seasoning, but both had that signature crunch.

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes. They’re less oily but still tasty.

What sauce goes best with chicken strips?
Classic honey mustard is the winner. Sweet chili and creamy ranch are close seconds.

Conclusion

Making McDonald’s chicken strips at home is easier than I expected. Honestly, after testing this recipe a few times, I realized the secret is buttermilk + cornstarch + double dredge. Once you’ve nailed that, you can fry, bake, or air fry, whatever fits your mood.

And here’s the kicker: homemade tastes just as good, maybe better. You’re in charge of the seasoning, the crunch, and how healthy (or indulgent) you want it to be.

So next time a nugget craving hits? Try these golden strips instead. I guarantee they’ll disappear faster than a 10-piece nugget box at a kids’ party.