Golden chicken strips with spicy hot honey, crisp romaine, fresh vegetables, and crunchy roasted seeds for a bold, satisfying meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Crispy Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 cup buttermilk
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
08 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
09 - Vegetable oil for frying
→ Hot Honey
10 - 1/3 cup honey
11 - 1 to 2 tablespoons hot sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
13 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
→ Salad
14 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
15 - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
16 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
17 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
18 - 1/3 cup roasted mixed seeds
19 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
→ Dressing
20 - 1/4 cup olive oil
21 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
22 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
23 - 1 teaspoon honey
24 - Salt and pepper to taste
# Steps:
01 - Slice chicken breasts into strips. In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight.
02 - Place flour in one shallow dish and panko in another. Remove chicken from marinade, coating each piece first in flour, then in panko, pressing gently to adhere.
03 - Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken strips in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
04 - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Warm gently, stirring, until just combined. Do not boil. Set aside.
05 - In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs until evenly combined.
06 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
07 - Drizzle salad with dressing and toss gently. Top with crispy chicken strips, drizzle generously with hot honey, and sprinkle with roasted seeds. Serve immediately.
