Copycat Whiskey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips Recipe

If you’ve ever sat at a buzzing restaurant table with friends and a basket of hot, sweet-savory glazed chicken strips landed in front of you, you know exactly how magical that first bite can be. That’s exactly what you get at home with these Copycat Whiskey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips – crunchy, juicy chicken strips smothered in a sticky, bold whiskey glaze, speckled with sesame seeds. This recipe absolutely nails that crave-worthy appetizer flavor, making it the perfect party starter or weeknight treat right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in these Copycat Whiskey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips brings something to the table: crispy golden breading, tender juicy chicken, and that unforgettable glaze. With a few pantry staples and a splash of creativity, you’ll have everything you need to recreate this restaurant classic.

• Chicken tenders: Boneless, skinless chicken strips are super tender and offer the perfect bite-sized shape.
• Peanut oil (or vegetable/canola oil): A high smoke point oil keeps frying safe and ensures super crispy breading.
• All purpose flour: A coating base for essential crunch and helps the breading stick beautifully.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs create light, airy, extra-crispy texture.
• Sesame seeds: Stirred into the breading and sprinkled on top, these add a nutty aroma and signature look.
• Paprika: A pinch gives warmth and lovely golden color.
• Kosher salt: Essential to amplify both the chicken and the glaze flavors.
• Garlic powder: Adds mellow, savory depth in every bite.
• Black pepper: For a gentle kick and aromatic finish.
• Eggs: Help the breading cling tightly and add richness.
• Buttermilk (or regular milk): Lends tang and tenderness as part of the egg wash.
• Whiskey glaze: This is the signature! Sweet, bold, and sticky, it transforms these strips into the famous appetizer.
• Additional sesame seeds: For that classic finishing flourish.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a splash of color and freshness right at the end.

How to Make Copycat Whiskey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips

Step 1: Prep Your Frying Station

Set yourself up for success before any chicken meets oil! Begin by heating your chosen oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to a steady 350°F. This temp is the golden ticket for that perfect fry: crispy outside, juicy inside. Prep your landing area by lining a baking sheet with paper towels and a wire rack—this will catch any excess oil without making the chicken soggy. Keep everything close by for stress-free cooking.

Step 2: Slice and Set Up

For the ultimate finger food experience, slice those chicken tenders lengthwise in half. They’re easier to dip, bread, and eat, plus they crisp up quickly. Set up your breading and egg wash stations in shallow bowls and give yourself enough working room using a plate topped with wax paper for staging your prepped strips.

Step 3: Mix Up the Breading

In one bowl, combine flour, panko, sesame seeds, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This aromatic blend is where the Copycat Whiskey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips start getting their signature crunch and savory backbone. Mix well so the spices are evenly distributed for every strip.

Step 4: Make the Egg Wash

Break out those eggs and buttermilk, whisking them together in a second bowl until smooth and pale. The tang of buttermilk (or milk) mingles with egg to make the chicken ridiculously tender inside—plus it creates the glue for your breading to stick.

Step 5: Bread the Chicken Strips

Start with one piece at a time for maximum crispiness. Drag a strip through the breading to coat, shake off extra, dip in egg wash, then land it back in the breading. Press in that outer coating with your fingers for ultimate crunch. Lay the finished strips on your wax paper–lined tray, and repeat until all the chicken is breaded.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

With the oil right at 350°F, gently lower in a few chicken strips at a time (don’t crowd the pot). Fry about 5–6 minutes total, flipping halfway—they’ll become gorgeously golden and irresistibly crunchy. Transfer to your prepared rack to drain. Work in batches so every piece stays crispy.

Step 7: Toss in Whiskey Glaze and Serve

Right before serving, pile the hot chicken strips into a large bowl and drizzle with whiskey glaze. The glaze should coat but not drown the strips. Toss gently to cover them evenly—now your Copycat Whiskey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips look and smell utterly inviting. Sprinkle on sesame seeds and parsley for that finishing restaurant touch, and serve extra glaze on the side for serious dippers.

How to Serve Copycat Whiskey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips

Garnishes

To really show off your Copycat Whiskey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips, don’t skimp on garnishes! A scatter of additional sesame seeds adds a nutty pop, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings the dish to life with color and brightness. For even more wow, try a dusting of sliced scallions or a pinch of chili flakes to amp up the presentation.

Side Dishes

These strips pair perfectly with classic sides! Crispy seasoned fries, steamed jasmine rice, or a fresh Asian slaw all balance that sticky, rich glaze beautifully. For parties, serve your Copycat Whiskey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips alongside carrot and celery sticks with extra whiskey glaze for dipping—crowd pleaser guaranteed!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make things a little extra? Thread a few strips onto skewers for a fun, portable appetizer. Or stack your chicken strips over a hearty salad for a main course twist. For gatherings, serve them on a large platter with a trio of dipping sauces so everyone can mix and match to their heart’s content.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Copycat Whiskey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips (rare, but possible!), let them cool completely before packing them into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days. Keep any leftover glaze in a separate container for fresh tossing or dipping later.

Freezing

These chicken strips freeze like a dream! Once cooled, lay them out on a lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. This step helps keep them from sticking together. They’ll maintain their taste and texture for up to two months. For the best results, freeze without glaze and toss in sauce once reheated.

Reheating

To restore the crunch, reheat your chicken strips in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, turning once halfway through. Air fryers also work wonders for crisping them up fast. Warm the whiskey glaze gently on the stove or in the microwave, then toss or serve on the side just before eating.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Arrange the breaded strips on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, spray them with a little oil, and bake at 425°F for about 15–20 minutes, flipping once. They’ll be a bit less crispy than fried, but still totally delicious—and a bit lighter!

What kind of whiskey should I use for the glaze?

Most standard American whiskeys work beautifully—think Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, or a decent bourbon. Choose something smooth, since its flavor will shine through in the sauce. No need to use your fanciest bottle; a mid-range option is ideal.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the glaze?

You can easily swap out the whiskey for apple juice with a splash of cider vinegar—it creates a similar tang and sweetness, just minus the spirits. The depth of flavor won’t be quite the same, but it’s still lip-smacking good.

Can I use chicken breast or thighs instead?

Yes! Chicken breast can be cut into strips for the same effect, and boneless thighs work fantastically if you like extra juicy texture. Just keep an eye on cook times; thinner or smaller pieces may fry quicker.

What’s the best way to keep these crispy for a party?

Serve your Copycat Whiskey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F) to keep them warm and crisp before guests arrive. Only toss them in the glaze immediately before serving to maintain their crunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into a plateful of these Copycat Whiskey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips—the perfect combination of crispy coating, juicy chicken, and glistening, flavorful glaze. They’re more than just an appetizer; they’re a surefire way to bring some restaurant magic home, whether it’s game day or Tuesday night. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to guilty pleasure!

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