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Homemade Whataburger Chicken Strips photo

Whataburger Chicken Strips

Crispy, seasoned chicken strips soaked in buttermilk and fried until golden for a classic fast-food style snack.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
  • 2 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • honey mustard sauce or other dipping sauce, to serve

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • shallow bowl or plate
  • Wire Rack
  • Rimmed Baking Sheet
  • deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Tongs
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken tenderloins in a large bowl and pour in the buttermilk to fully submerge; cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. In a shallow bowl or plate, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic salt until evenly combined.
  3. Stir about 1/2 cup of the reserved buttermilk into the flour mixture until it forms a shaggy, slightly wet batter; discard any remaining soaking buttermilk.
  4. One at a time, dredge each chicken tenderloin in the batter to coat completely, then place on a wire rack and let rest a few minutes so the batter adheres.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil so strips can float while frying.
  6. Carefully add 3–4 breaded strips to the hot oil without crowding and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–5 minutes depending on thickness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove the strips with tongs and drain on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet; repeat with remaining strips.
  8. Serve the chicken strips hot with honey mustard or your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Soaking in buttermilk tenderizes and flavors the chicken.
  • Do not overcrowd the fryer to keep the oil temperature steady.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure strips reach 165°F internally.
  • Let fried strips drain on a rack to preserve crispiness.