Crispy Chicken with Spicy Cheese Sauce

🍗🔥 Crispy Chicken with Spicy Cheese Sauce 🧀🌶️

Ultra-crunchy golden chicken strips smothered in creamy, spicy cheese sauce and topped with shredded cheese – comfort food with a kick!

Ingredients:

* 4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips

* 1 cup buttermilk

* 1 cup all-purpose flour

* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

* 1 tsp garlic powder

* 1 tsp paprika

* 1/2 tsp salt

* 1/2 tsp black pepper

* Vegetable oil for frying

**For the Spicy Cheese Sauce:**

* 2 tbsp butter

* 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

* 1 cup milk

* 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

* 1/2 tsp chili flakes (or more to taste)

* 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

* Salt to taste

**For garnish (optional):**

* Shredded mozzarella or coconut

* Fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, soak chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes.

2. In another bowl, mix flour, panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.

4. Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, and fry until golden and crispy (about 5-7 minutes per batch). Drain on paper towels.

5. To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.

6. Stir in cheddar, chili flakes, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook until melted and creamy.

7. Place crispy chicken on a serving plate, drizzle generously with spicy cheese sauce, and garnish with extra cheese and herbs if desired.

Pro Tip:

Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon over the top just before serving to brighten up the flavors! 🍋