When you think of comfort food, chicken fingers probably come to mind as a go-to favorite. You might enjoy the crispy texture and the endless dipping possibilities, but have you investigated the variety that enhances this classic dish? From buttermilk-soaked to spicy buffalo, the options are extensive and cater to every palate. You'll want to reflect on the unique flavors of parmesan herb and honey mustard glazed versions, not to mention a surprising tropical twist. Curious about which recipes stand out the most? Let's uncover the details of each one.
Classic Buttermilk Chicken Fingers
Classic Buttermilk Chicken Fingers are a beloved dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a crispy, flavorful coating. Perfect for a family dinner or a party snack, these chicken fingers are marinated in a zesty buttermilk mixture, which not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and baked to golden perfection, these chicken fingers are a healthier alternative to fried versions while still delivering that satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or oil for baking
Instructions:
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into strips and placing them in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the buttermilk mixture over the chicken strips, making sure they're well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best flavor.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In one bowl, place the flour; in another, beat the eggs; and in a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge each strip in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and ultimately coat with breadcrumbs.
Arrange the coated chicken fingers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Extra Tips:
To guarantee your chicken fingers are extra crispy, use Panko breadcrumbs, which provide a light and airy crunch.
If you want to add some heat, consider mixing cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mixture.
For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture overnight.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste.
Finally, serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing for a delightful finishing touch!
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Fingers
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Fingers are the perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken and a fiery kick that will tantalize your taste buds. These flavorful bites are ideal for game day, parties, or a satisfying dinner. Coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, they can be served with your favorite dipping sauce and a side of celery sticks to cool off the heat.
Follow this simple recipe to create your own batch of delicious spicy buffalo chicken fingers that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for tossing)
- Cooking oil for frying
Instructions:
Begin by heating oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). In a shallow dish, mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat them with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to stick.
Fry the chicken tenders in batches for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, then toss them in a bowl with buffalo sauce to coat evenly.
Extra Tips:
For an even crispier texture, consider double-dipping the chicken tenders by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
You can also bake the chicken fingers at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes for a healthier version; just be sure to spray them with cooking oil to help them crisp up.
Don't forget to serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and adjust the level of spiciness in your buffalo sauce based on your preference. Enjoy your spicy buffalo chicken fingers with friends and family!
Crispy Parmesan Herb Chicken Fingers
Crispy Parmesan Herb Chicken Fingers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party snack. With a crunchy coating of Parmesan cheese and a blend of herbs, these chicken fingers are packed with flavor and will surely please both kids and adults alike.
Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra touch, and watch them disappear in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Dip each chicken strip first into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to cling.
Place the coated chicken fingers on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray or drizzle with cooking oil.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Extra Tips:
For an extra crispy texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
If you prefer frying them, heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken fingers until golden brown on both sides.
Don't forget to let them rest for a few minutes after cooking to maintain their juiciness.
Enjoy with a side of marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for dipping!
Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Fingers
Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Fingers that are perfect for family dinners or as a snack for game day.
These crispy chicken strips are coated in a delicious honey mustard glaze that enhances them to a new level of flavor. With a combination of tender chicken and a delightful sauce, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your household.
Let's get started on creating this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Cooking oil for frying
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you prefer baking the chicken fingers instead of frying.
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one for flour mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; the second for beaten eggs; and the third for breadcrumbs.
Dip each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then in the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and fry the chicken fingers until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
For a healthier option, place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
While the chicken is cooking, mix honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl to create the glaze.
Drizzle the honey mustard glaze over the cooked chicken fingers before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
You can also customize the honey mustard glaze by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or a dash of soy sauce for added depth.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
Enjoy your delicious Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Fingers with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Coconut Crusted Chicken Fingers
Coconut Crusted Chicken Fingers are a delightful twist on the classic finger food that combines crunchy coconut with tender chicken for a tropical flair. This dish is perfect for family dinners, parties, or as a fun snack. The combination of savory chicken and sweet coconut makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it's easy to prepare. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cooking oil spray or oil for frying
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you prefer baking the chicken fingers, or heat oil in a deep skillet for frying.
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one for flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; one for beaten eggs; and one for a mixture of shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
Dip each chicken strip first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally coat it well with the coconut-panko mixture.
Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly into the hot oil.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, or fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Extra Tips:
For an extra crunch, consider adding some crushed cornflakes to the coconut-panko mixture.
If you prefer a healthier option, baking the chicken fingers instead of frying will reduce the amount of oil used.
Serve with a sweet chili sauce, honey mustard, or a homemade mango salsa for dipping.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Enjoy your tropical chicken fingers!