Crispy Perfection: Easy Homemade Batter for Chicken Goujons
Chicken goujons are a timeless favorite—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and incredibly versatile. Whether you're preparing a family-friendly dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or making party snacks, the secret to unforgettable goujons lies in one essential element: the perfect homemade batter. With the right mix of ingredients and a few key techniques, you can achieve that golden crunch every single time. batter for chicken goujons
This guide walks you through an easy, foolproof homemade batter for chicken goujons, along with tips, variations, and serving ideas that take your dish to the next level.
Why Homemade Batter Makes All the Difference
While store-bought breading mixes or frozen chicken strips are convenient, nothing compares to the flavor and texture of fresh, homemade batter. Here’s why:
1. Full Control Over Ingredients
Homemade batter lets you choose the seasonings, control the salt level, and avoid preservatives—perfect for families and health-conscious eaters.
2. Superior Crunch and Texture
Pre-made coatings can turn soggy or lack flavor. A simple homemade batter delivers consistent crispiness, especially when paired with the right dredging technique.
3. Customizable for Any Flavor Profile
Craving spicy goujons? Add cayenne or paprika. Prefer butter-milk style tenderness? Dip the chicken in yogurt or buttermilk first. The possibilities are endless.
The Perfect Homemade Batter for Chicken Goujons
This easy batter uses simple pantry ingredients but packs a flavorful punch. It’s light, crispy, and clings beautifully to the chicken.
### Ingredients You'll Need
For the chicken:
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500g chicken breast, sliced into thin goujons
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
For the batter:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp baking powder (secret to airy crisp!)
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1 cup cold water or sparkling water
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1 egg (optional – gives richer color)
For frying:
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Vegetable or canola oil
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crispy Chicken Goujons
1. Prep the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts into even, thin strips. Pat them dry to ensure the batter sticks well. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Cornstarch
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Paprika
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Oregano
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Baking powder
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Salt
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Black pepper
Cornstarch is the key ingredient that gives goujons their light, shatter-crisp coating.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in cold water or sparkling water. Sparkling water creates tiny air pockets, making the batter extra airy and crunchy.
Add the egg if you want a richer golden finish. Keep mixing until the batter is smooth and slightly thick—similar to pancake batter.
4. Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken strip into the batter, making sure every piece is evenly coated. You can double-dip (batter → flour → batter again) if you want extra crunch.
5. Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat oil in a deep pan to 170–180°C (340–360°F).
Gently place battered chicken strips into the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry for 4–6 minutes, flipping as needed, until:
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Golden brown
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Crispy
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Cooked through
Leave them on a cooling rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
Tips for Making the Crispiest Chicken Goujons Ever
1. Use Ice-Cold Liquid
Cold water helps prevent the batter from absorbing too much oil, resulting in lighter goujons.
2. Don’t Overmix
A few lumps are okay—overmixing can make the batter dense.
3. Fry Immediately After Coating
This prevents the batter from sliding off.
4. Maintain Oil Temperature
Too hot = burnt outside, raw inside.
Too cool = greasy, soggy goujons.
5. Let Them Rest Before Serving
Resting helps the coating set and stay crisp longer.
Delicious Flavor Variations
🔥 Spicy Chicken Goujons
Add:
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1 tsp cayenne
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1 tsp chili flakes
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1 tbsp hot sauce to the batter
Perfect for spice lovers!
🧄 Garlic-Parmesan Goujons
Add to batter:
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2 tbsp grated Parmesan
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2 tsp garlic powder
Toss fried goujons in melted garlic butter before serving.
🌿 Herb-Crusted Goujons
Mix into batter:
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Dried thyme
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Basil
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Parsley
For fresh, fragrant notes.
🍗 Buttermilk-Style Tender Goujons
Soak chicken in buttermilk or yogurt for 1–2 hours before battering. This tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle tang.
Healthier Alternatives (Air-Fryer or Oven)
Air Fryer Method
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Preheat to 200°C (400°F)
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Spray the basket with oil
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Place battered strips in single layer
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Air fry for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway
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Spray again for a crispier finish
Oven-Baked Method
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Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F)
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Place battered chicken on a lined tray
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Spray lightly with oil
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Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden
These methods reduce oil without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect Dipping Sauces for Chicken Goujons
Goujons pair well with a variety of dips. Try these:
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Garlic Mayo
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Sweet Chili Sauce
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Honey Mustard
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BBQ Sauce
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Creamy Ranch
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Buffalo Sauce
For a restaurant-style platter, serve three dips with a side of fries or salad.
Serving Ideas for Any Occasion
Chicken goujons are extremely versatile. Here’s how to serve them:
Family Dinner
Serve alongside mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh green salad.
Party Snack Platter
Arrange on a board with dips, fries, and onion rings.
Kids’ Meal
Pair with ketchup, carrot sticks, and mini buns for homemade chicken sliders.
Meal Prep
Store cooled goujons in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for perfect crispiness.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Goujons
Storing:
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Refrigerate for up to 3 days
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Freeze for up to 2 months
Reheating:
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Air fryer: 5 minutes
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Oven: 8–10 minutes
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Avoid microwave (it softens the crispy coating)
Final Thoughts
Mastering the perfect homemade batter for chicken goujons is easier than you think. With just a few ingredients and simple techniques, you can create golden, crispy, restaurant-quality goujons right at home. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, these goujons are guaranteed to become a go-to favorite for dinners, parties, and snack time.
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