If you’re on the hunt for a crunchy, flavorful treat that’s both satisfying and easy to whip up, this Chicken Goujons Recipe is a total winner. Imagine tender strips of chicken coated in a golden, crispy crust infused with just the right blend of garlic, paprika, and pepper—each bite bursting with savory goodness. Whether you’re serving these as a family dinner, a party snack, or a quick weekday delight, this recipe offers that perfect balance of comfort and crunch that everyone loves. Get ready to turn simple ingredients into an irresistible plate of chicken goujons everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Goujons Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering incredible flavor and texture. From the crispy panko coating to the subtle seasoning, every element is essential to creating that unforgettable crunch and juicy interior.
- Chicken breasts: Fresh, boneless, and skinless for the juiciest strips.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the first layer of light coating to help the egg stick better.
- Eggs, beaten: Acts as the glue that binds the flour and breadcrumbs to the chicken.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Key to the signature crispy texture with their airy, coarse crumbs.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory kick without overpowering the chicken.
- Paprika: Brings a mild smoky depth and vibrant color to the coating.
- Salt and black pepper: The essential seasonings that balance and enhance every bite.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying to achieve that golden, crunchy crust.
- Lemon wedges (optional): A fresh, zesty garnish that brightens the flavor at serving.
How to Make Chicken Goujons Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Strips
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into even strips to ensure they cook uniformly. This helps the goujons have a consistent texture, making every piece golden and tender.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Organize three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and the last with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This setup makes the breading process smooth and efficient.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Strips
Dredge each strip first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs gently so they stick well, giving you that unbeatable crispy finish.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches around 350°F. Fry the goujons in batches, turning after 3 to 4 minutes once they turn a gorgeous golden brown. This ensures they cook through without losing that crisp crust.
Step 5: Drain and Rest
Remove the chicken goujons with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Letting them rest for a minute helps maintain their crunch and makes them ready to serve immediately.
How to Serve Chicken Goujons Recipe
Garnishes
Lemon wedges are a classic choice to serve alongside, adding a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness of the fried coating. You can also sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika on top for extra color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Chicken goujons pair wonderfully with homemade fries, a crisp green salad, or creamy coleslaw. For something lighter, crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots and celery with a cool dip make fantastic companions to balance out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate—serve your chicken goujons in soft wraps with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of garlic mayo for a handheld delight. Alternatively, stack them in a burger bun or alongside a tangy dipping sauce sampler for a fun, impressive setup that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover chicken goujons, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, ready to be enjoyed cold or reheated, perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked goujons in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them from sticking together and preserves their texture for up to 1 month, making them a convenient make-ahead option.
Reheating
To bring back their crispy magic, reheat frozen or refrigerated goujons in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. This keeps the coating crisp and the chicken juicy without the greasiness that microwave reheating can cause.
FAQs
Can I bake chicken goujons instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, is a healthier alternative that still yields crispy and delicious goujons. You can also air fry them for a similar effect.
What is the best type of breadcrumb to use?
Panko breadcrumbs are ideal due to their light, flaky texture that crisps beautifully when fried or baked. Regular breadcrumbs work too but won’t deliver quite the same crunch.
How do I know when chicken goujons are cooked through?
They should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The cooking time of 3–4 minutes per side is usually perfect for juicy, fully cooked strips.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the dish gluten-free while maintaining the delightful texture.
What dipping sauces go well with chicken goujons?
Classic choices include garlic mayo, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha dip. Feel free to get creative and serve a variety of sauces to suit different tastes.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Goujons Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining easy prep with a satisfyingly crispy finish that feels like a special treat every time. Whether for a casual dinner, a party appetizer, or a quick snack, these goujons bring joy straight to the table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to recipe for brilliant crispy chicken moments!
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Chicken Goujons Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British, Irish
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
Crispy and flavorful Chicken Goujons made with tender strips of boneless chicken breasts, coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture and fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a main course or snack, these goujons are easy to prepare and delicious served with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- Vegetable oil for frying
Serving
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken strips: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into even strips to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Set up the breading stations: Arrange three shallow bowls – place flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and mix panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in the third.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken strip first in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Press gently so the crumbs adhere well.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C), suitable for frying.
- Fry the goujons: In batches, place the breaded chicken strips into the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked thoroughly inside.
- Drain the excess oil: Remove the cooked goujons and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve warm alongside lemon wedges or your preferred dipping sauce for a delightful meal.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, bake the goujons at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- You can also opt to air fry the goujons at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes to reduce oil usage.
- Ensure chicken strips are cut evenly to promote even cooking and consistent crispiness.
- Using panko breadcrumbs gives extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
