15 Creative and Delicious Meals to Make with Chicken Strips

Chicken strips are a pantry staple loved by kids and adults alike Their convenience makes them an easy protein to keep stocked in the freezer for busy weeknights. But it’s easy to fall into the routine of just pairing chicken strips with the same old sides again and again With a bit of creativity though, humble chicken strips can transform into the star of exciting new dishes.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 mouthwatering meals you can create using chicken strips. From globally inspired recipes to classic comfort foods, there are endless possibilities for reinventing this versatile ingredient. With flavorful sauces, fresh vegetables, and creative twists, chicken strips make for quick, hearty dinners the whole family will love.

Globally Inspired Meals

The portability of chicken strips makes them the perfect addition to dishes from around the world. Here are some delicious global creations:

Chicken Strip Tacos

Chicken tacos are a crowd-pleasing favorite and using chicken strips makes whipping them up easy. Just warm corn or flour tortillas and fill with the chicken strips shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and your choice of toppings like guacamole or Mexican crema. Add a squeeze of lime and enjoy these flavorful tacos.

Asian Chicken Bowls

Transform chicken strips into a tasty Asian bowl. Cook up quinoa or brown rice and sauté vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and red bell peppers. Add the chicken strips and toss everything in an umami soy sauce dressing. Garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, and sesame seeds for added crunch.

Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a cinch to make with chicken strips. Layer them between tortillas with cheese like pepper jack or cheddar. Cook the quesadillas in a skillet until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese melts. Serve with salsa, guacamole or sour cream for a quick Mexican-inspired meal.

Comfort Food Favorites

Chicken strips feel like comfort food, so why not use them to put a new spin on classic dishes? Try these yummy options:

Chicken Strip Salad

This protein-packed salad will satisfy any comfort food craving. Build a base of leafy greens and add cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, croutons, and of course, chicken strips. The possibilities are endless when it comes to dressings – try ranch, blue cheese, Caesar, or balsamic vinaigrette.

Chicken Strip Sandwiches

Nothing beats a crispy chicken sandwich. Toast buns and layer them with chicken strips, lettuce, tomato, and condiments like mayo, mustard, or barbecue sauce. For an extra decadent sandwich, add crispy bacon. Serve with a side of fries or tater tots for the ultimate comfort meal.

Chicken Strip Casserole

Casseroles are simple and satisfying. Make one with chicken strips, egg noodles, mixed frozen vegetables, and cheese. Combine everything with a creamy sauce made from milk, broth, and flour. Bake until bubbling and crispy for a hearty one-dish meal.

Creative Ways to Use Chicken Strips

Once you start brainstorming, the possibilities for chicken strips are endless. Here are some fun, outside-the-box ways to use them:

Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Spice up chicken strips with zesty buffalo sauce. Wrap them in soft tortillas with crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, and creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing. The cool lettuce balances the heat for a fun new wrap.

Chicken Strip Stir Fry

Slice chicken strips and toss them into a veggie stir fry. They’ll soak up all the salty, savory flavors of the soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Serve over rice for a simple weeknight dinner.

Chicken Strip Flatbread Pizza

Ditch takeout and make pizza at home using chicken strips as an instant topping. Arrange them over naan or a flatbread crust and add toppings like bell peppers, red onion, olives, and mozzarella cheese.

Sauces and Sides to Serve with Chicken Strips

The sauces and sides you pair with chicken strips can really make the meal. Here are some delicious options:

Sauces

• Ranch
• Barbecue
• Buffalo
• Honey mustard
• Sweet chili
• Teriyaki
• Peanut sauce

Sides

• French fries
• Rice
• Mac and cheese
• Roasted potatoes
• Coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• Dinner rolls

Don’t limit yourself to just one sauce or side either – mix and match to create fun flavor combinations. Offering two or three sauces for dipping is an easy way to jazz up a chicken strip dinner.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Strips

To get the best results when using chicken strips, keep these tips in mind:

• For crispy strips, bake or air fry rather than frying. Coat with breadcrumbs or panko first.

• When baking, use a wire rack lined sheet pan so the strips get crispy all over.

• Flip halfway through cooking for even browning.

• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.

• For saucy dishes, undercook the strips slightly since they’ll cook more when simmered in sauce.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.

Endless Possibilities for Chicken Strip Meals

As you can see, humble chicken strips can be so much more than just a quick kid-friendly snack. With a little creativity, they can be transformed into restaurant-quality meals that will impress your whole family.

So next time you’ve got a pack of chicken strips on hand, resist the urge to just whip up the same old thing. Try one of these fun, globally inspired dishes instead to turn a weeknight dinner into an exciting culinary adventure. Those simple chicken strips are filled with potential – now put them to delicious use in your kitchen!