Chicken Fingers – Crispy, golden perfection with a tender, juicy center—homemade Chicken Fingers are the ultimate comfort food that never fails to bring joy to the table! Coated in a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb mixture and fried to a satisfying crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade chicken fingers are:
- Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
- A healthier alternative to store-bought or fast food versions.
- Perfect for kids and adults alike.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Fingers
- Choose the right chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. For extra tenderness, soak the chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes before breading.
- Double dredging for extra crunch: For an ultra-crispy coating, double-dip the chicken in flour and breadcrumbs.
- Season every layer: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Add salt, pepper, and spices to the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs for full-bodied flavor.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create the crispiest texture.
- Fry at the right temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too cool, and the chicken absorbs excess oil.
Delicious Variations
- Baked Chicken Fingers: For a healthier option, bake the breaded chicken at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the flour for almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Spicy Buffalo Chicken Fingers: Toss the fried chicken fingers in a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Parmesan Herb Crusted: Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for a sophisticated flavor profile.
How to Serve Chicken Fingers
Chicken fingers are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some serving ideas:
- Dipping sauces: Ketchup, honey mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or spicy aioli.
- Side dishes: French fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or a fresh garden salad.
- Wraps and sandwiches: Use chicken fingers to make wraps with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce, or layer them in a sandwich with pickles and mayo.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Fingers
- Refrigerating: Place leftover chicken fingers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Lay the cooked chicken fingers on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make chicken fingers ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bread the chicken strips and refrigerate them on a baking sheet for up to 1 day before frying or baking.
Q: What’s the best oil for frying chicken fingers?
A: Neutral oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, work best.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I air-fry chicken fingers?
A: Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the breaded chicken fingers for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Why Homemade is Better
Making chicken fingers at home not only lets you control the ingredients and seasoning but also ensures a fresher and healthier dish. Plus, the satisfaction of biting into crispy, golden goodness that you crafted yourself is unbeatable.
Chicken Fingers
Chicken Fingers - Crispy, golden perfection with a tender, juicy center—homemade Chicken Fingers are the ultimate comfort food that never fails to bring joy to the table! Coated in a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb mixture and fried to a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast tenders
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 2 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/8 tsp baking powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Combine chicken tenders and buttermilk in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for extra tenderness).
- In one bowl, beat the eggs.
- In another, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk.
- Coat in flour, dip in eggs, then coat in flour again. Repeat for all pieces.
- Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350°F.
- Fry 4-5 pieces at a time for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 671Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 165mgSodium 1844mgCarbohydrates 60gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 38g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Homemade chicken fingers are a must-try for any food lover. With this detailed guide, you’ll master the art of creating tender, crispy, and flavorful chicken fingers that rival your favorite restaurant’s version. Perfect for every occasion, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Try these other chicken recipes: