These breaded chicken fingers are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that will satisfy both kids and adults alike. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer, these crispy and flavorful chicken strips are sure to become a family favorite.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your pantry. However, if you don't usually keep breadcrumbs on hand, you might need to pick some up at the supermarket. Make sure to get plain breadcrumbs so you can season them yourself with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Ingredients for Breaded Chicken Fingers Recipe
Chicken breast: Cut into strips, this is the main protein for the dish.
All-purpose flour: Used to coat the chicken strips before dipping them in the egg mixture.
Eggs: Beaten, these help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
Breadcrumbs: Provides the crispy coating for the chicken fingers.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and the breadcrumb mixture.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Garlic powder: Infuses the breadcrumbs with a savory, aromatic flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
For an extra crispy texture, try double-dipping the chicken strips. After the initial coating of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, dip them back into the eggs and then again into the breadcrumbs. This creates a thicker, crunchier crust that enhances the overall flavor and texture of the breaded chicken fingers.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken breast, making it a suitable alternative for breaded strips.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour provides a gluten-free option and adds a slightly nutty flavor to the breading.
eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken strips and adds a tangy flavor.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a crunchy texture similar to breadcrumbs and can be a gluten-free option if needed.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the chicken strips, enhancing their taste.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma, making it a good alternative.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder offers a different but complementary flavor to garlic powder, adding depth to the seasoning.
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How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the breaded chicken fingers to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the coating soggy.
Place the cooled chicken fingers in an airtight container. For added protection, you can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the chicken fingers within 3-4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing. Arrange the chicken fingers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This step ensures they don't stick together.
Once frozen, transfer the chicken fingers to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen chicken fingers on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
For a quicker option, you can reheat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Avoid microwaving as it can make the breaded coating soggy and less appetizing.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the breaded chicken fingers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly spray or brush the chicken with olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the breaded chicken fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a thin layer of vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken fingers in a single layer.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are heated through and the coating is crispy.
Microwave Method (not recommended for best texture):
- Place the breaded chicken fingers on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through, until they are heated through. Note: This method may result in a less crispy texture.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the chicken fingers at 400°F (200°C) until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Baking sheet: A flat sheet where the breaded chicken strips are placed for baking.
Three bowls: Used to set up the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture for coating the chicken strips.
Knife: Essential for cutting the chicken breast into strips.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the chicken breast.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the flour and breadcrumbs accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Tongs: Handy for dipping the chicken strips into the flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture without making a mess.
Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cooling rack: Optional, but can be used to place the chicken fingers on after baking to keep them crispy.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the chicken breast into strips and measure out the flour, breadcrumbs, and spices the night before.
Use a baking rack: Place the breaded chicken strips on a baking rack set over a baking sheet for even cooking and easy cleanup.
Double the batch: Make extra breaded chicken fingers and freeze them for a quick meal later.
Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to line your baking sheet, reducing cleanup time.
Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven before you start breading the chicken to save waiting time.
Breaded Chicken Fingers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dip each chicken strip first in the flour, then in the eggs, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Place the breaded chicken strips on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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