Chicken Goujons Recipe
If you’re in the mood for something perfectly crispy, golden, and universally irresistible, Chicken Goujons are about to become your new obsession. Whether you’re cooking for kids, a casual get-together with friends, or just treating yourself after a long day, there’s a special kind of magic in biting into these crunchy chicken strips. With a gentle seasoning that brings out the best in the tender meat, every mouthful is a delicious contrast of juicy chicken and a well-seasoned, shatteringly crisp crust. Trust me, you’ll soon understand why Chicken Goujons are one of those recipes everyone needs in their back pocket!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things absolutely fuss-free, but each ingredient is essential to capturing that famously craveable texture and flavor. Every component, from the seasoning to the breadcrumbs, serves a purpose; together, they create a coating that ensures your Chicken Goujons are never bland or boring.
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts; their mild flavor and quick cooking time make them perfect for juicy strips.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of a great coating, flour helps the seasoning and breadcrumbs stick to every piece.
- Garlic Powder: Adds just the right kiss of savory depth without overpowering the chicken.
- Paprika: Brings subtle warmth and a pop of color to the batter that makes these goujons gorgeous.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out flavor from both the meat and the crust, so don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper: A little black pepper gives your goujons just a hint of heat and earthiness.
- Eggs: The “glue” that ensures the breadcrumbs form a crunchy, cohesive shell around the chicken.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko or regular both work—panko gives extra crunch, while classic breadcrumbs keep it more traditional.
- Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil with high smoke point for frying—this gets your Chicken Goujons gloriously crisp, not greasy.
How to Make Chicken Goujons
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Before anything else, slice your chicken breasts into even strips. Giving them a quick pat down with paper towels not only gets rid of excess moisture (so your crust adheres better), but it also helps your goujons brown up extra nicely. Even sizing is key here so everything cooks through at the same time.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
The classic three-bowl method is the secret to flawless coating. In one shallow bowl, mix your flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The second bowl is just for your beaten eggs, and the third holds your breadcrumbs. Having everything within easy reach keeps the process smooth and (relatively) mess-free!
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Strips
Time to get coating! Dip each chicken strip first in the seasoned flour, making sure it gets a full, even dusting. Then, let it take a dunk in the beaten eggs—this is what helps the breadcrumbs really stick. Finally, press each strip firmly into the breadcrumbs, turning to cover every side. Don’t rush this step; the more thorough your coating, the crispier your Chicken Goujons will be.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a sturdy skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, gently lower the coated chicken strips in, leaving a little space between them so they cook evenly. Fry each goujon for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they are deep golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels—this helps keep them crisp and free of excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Chicken Goujons hot and fresh with your favorite dipping sauces. Whether you like creamy garlic aioli, classic ketchup, or something with a bit more kick, these strips are the perfect vehicle for bold flavors and fun garnishes.
How to Serve Chicken Goujons
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a light dusting of flaky sea salt goes a long way in brightening up your platter of Chicken Goujons. If you’re feeling indulgent, a shower of grated Parmesan adds even more flavor (and looks impressive for guests!). Offer lemon wedges for those who like a zesty tingle with their chicken.
Side Dishes
Chicken Goujons are truly the life of the party when paired with fries or potato wedges, but they also work beautifully with a fresh green salad or some tangy coleslaw. For a lighter meal, serve them with steamed veggies or a simple cucumber salad to balance out all that crispy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up from the usual basket or plate, try serving these as mini sliders in soft buns with lettuce and sauce, or tuck them into soft tortillas for quick goujon wraps. For parties, arrange your Chicken Goujons upright in a glass lined with parchment paper—instant finger food that looks as fantastic as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which can be rare, honestly!), place cooled Chicken Goujons in an airtight container lined with paper towels. This little trick helps absorb any extra moisture so they retain their crunch for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Freezing
Chicken Goujons freeze surprisingly well! Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just reheat from frozen for a quick meal or snack anytime you crave them.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your goujons in a hot oven (around 375°F/190°C) for 10–12 minutes. Skip the microwave, which can make them soggy. If you have an air fryer, that’s even better: 5–7 minutes at 375°F returns them to crispy perfection!
FAQs
Can I bake Chicken Goujons instead of frying?
Absolutely! Simply arrange the breaded goujons on a baking sheet lined with parchment, spray or brush lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once. You’ll still get a lovely golden crust with less oil involved.
What’s the best dipping sauce to serve?
There’s no single right answer—garlic aioli, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a tangy yogurt dip all pair beautifully with Chicken Goujons. Set out a few options and let everyone mix and match!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work wonderfully in this recipe. Just trim away any excess fat before slicing into strips, and adjust the cooking time as thighs may need an extra minute or two in the pan.
How do I keep the breadcrumbs from falling off?
The key is to press the breadcrumbs gently but firmly into the chicken strips, making sure each goujon is well-coated. Also, let the breaded chicken rest for about 10 minutes before frying; this helps the coating adhere even better.
Can I make Chicken Goujons gluten free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour and regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten free varieties. Panko-style gluten free breadcrumbs are widely available and maintain that essential crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Chicken Goujons enough—this is the kind of recipe that delivers comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor every single time. There’s something so satisfying about homemade goujons, and I hope you’ll give them a try whether you’re serving a weekday dinner, game night, or a fun family lunch. Dive in, get a little messy, and watch how quickly they disappear!
Print
Chicken Goujons Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these crispy and flavorful homemade Chicken Goujons. Perfect for a quick family dinner or as a party appetizer, these golden strips of chicken are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
Chicken Goujons:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels.
- Breading Station: Mix flour and spices in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each strip into flour, then egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Fry: Heat oil, fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a healthier option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Enhance flavor by adding Parmesan or herbs to the breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 goujons
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
