Chicken Fingers

Chicken Fingers

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Nothing beats the joy of biting into a crispy, golden piece of fried chicken, and that’s exactly what you’ll experience with Chicken Fingers. I remember the first time I made these for my family; it was a Friday night, and we were all craving something fun and indulgent. As I prepared the chicken, the anticipation filled the kitchen, and the delicious aroma began to waft through the air. Each piece was marinated to perfection, coated in a scrumptious blend of crispy breadcrumbs, and fried until they were just right. Pairing them with an array of dipping sauces made the meal even more exciting. These Chicken Fingers have become a staple in our household, a go-to dish for game nights, family gatherings, or simply when we want to treat ourselves to something special. Come join me on this culinary adventure, and let’s create something truly delicious!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 50 mins
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
90 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
450 kcal
Protein:
30 g
Diet:
Gluten-Free
Fat:
25 g
Tools Used:
Blender, Mixing Bowl, Grater, Skillet, Chef’s Knife

Why You Need This Chicken Fingers

1. Crispy Delight

The first thing that stands out about Chicken Fingers is the crispy coating. The combination of breadcrumbs and a few secret spices creates a crunchy exterior that perfectly contrasts with the juicy chicken inside. It’s the kind of texture that leaves you craving just one more bite!

2. Versatile Dipping Sauces

What makes this dish even more exciting is the variety of dipping sauces that accompany it. From spicy wasabi mayo to creamy garlic combinations, each sauce adds its unique flair. You can mix and match according to your mood, making every meal an adventure.

3. Family-Friendly Meal

One of the best things about Chicken Fingers is that it’s a dish loved by both kids and adults. It’s perfect for family dinners, as everyone can enjoy their favorite part of the meal. Plus, you can let the kids help with the cooking, making it a fun and engaging experience!

4. Easy to Prepare

This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any gourmet skills. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a delicious meal that impresses everyone. You don’t have to be a chef to make these Chicken Fingers.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual weekend lunch, a party, or a cozy dinner at home, Chicken Fingers fit right in. They’re adaptable for any occasion, making them an excellent choice for meals throughout the year.

6. Meal Prep Friendly

These chicken fingers can be made in advance. You can prepare a big batch and freeze them for later. They reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy them even when time is tight.

Chicken Fingers Ingredients

Chicken Fingers

When it comes to making the perfect Chicken Fingers, quality ingredients play a crucial role. The star of the show is undoubtedly the chicken breast, which provides a tender and juicy base for this dish. Coupled with breadcrumbs for that crunchy exterior and a blend of spices, these ingredients work harmoniously to create a delicious meal.

  • 600g Chicken Breast – The main ingredient; it’s best to use fresh chicken for the juiciest result.
  • 100g White Flour – This gives the chicken a light coating before frying, helping the breadcrumbs stick.
  • 3 Eggs – Used for the egg wash, they help bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
  • 150g Breadcrumbs – The key to achieving that golden, crispy texture.
  • 50ml Milk – This helps tenderize the chicken during marination.
  • 1 tsp Paprika – Adds a subtle warmth and flavor to the chicken.
  • Salt – Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly.
  • Pepper – A must for a bit of bite.
  • Cooking Oil – For frying the chicken until crispy.
  • 2 tbsp Mayo – For the dipping sauces; creamy and rich.
  • 1 tsp Wasabi Paste – Adds a spicy kick to one of the sauces.
  • 1 Chili Pepper – Fresh and spicy, for those who like it hot.
  • 1 Garlic Clove – A hint of garlic enhances the flavors of the dipping sauces.
  • 1 tsp Curry – A unique flavor for one of the dips.
  • 1 Celery Stick – Adds freshness and crunch to the dishes.
  • 1 tbsp Mature Cheese – A delicious addition to the dipping sauces.
  • 1 piece Green Onion – A garnish that adds a touch of color and flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Mustard – Tangy, for a zesty dipping sauce.
  • 1 tbsp Ketchup – A classic condiment that complements the chicken.
  • 10g Jalapenos – For those who love a bit of heat.
  • 1 tsp Honey – Sweetness balances the heat in the relish.
  • 30g Cabbage – For refreshing coleslaw on the side.
  • 30g Carrots – Adds color and sweetness to the dish.
  • 20g Celery – Complements the coleslaw with its crisp texture.

Preparation Steps for Chicken Fingers

Chicken Fingers

Preparing Chicken Fingers is an enjoyable experience that brings the whole family together. Follow these steps for a delightful result that everyone will love.

  1. Start by cutting the chicken breast into strips. Make sure they are evenly sized for even cooking. Combine the strips in a bowl with milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Let them marinate for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken.

  2. Prepare your breading station: in one bowl, place flour; in another, whisk together the eggs; and in the third, add the breadcrumbs. This process creates a coating that’s both crispy and flavorful.

  3. Begin the breading: take a marinated chicken strip, dredge it in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the eggs and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Make sure to press down slightly so the crumbs adhere well.

  4. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers. Carefully add the breaded chicken strips to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry until they turn golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes on each side.

  5. While the chicken is frying, you can prepare your dipping sauces. For the wasabi mayo, mix wasabi paste with mayo in a small bowl until well blended. This sauce adds a spicy punch that pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken.

  6. Next, create the chili garlic mayo. In a blender, combine the garlic, chili pepper, and mayo, along with some freshly cracked pepper. Blend until smooth for a rich, savory sauce.

  7. For the curry mayo, finely chop the celery and mix it with mayo and curry powder. This adds an interesting flavor profile to your meal.

  8. Prepare a cream cheese dip by blending cream cheese with mayo in a blender until smooth. Top it with finely chopped green onion for an extra flavor boost.

  9. For the jalapeno and honey relish, finely chop jalapenos and mix them with mustard, ketchup, and honey. This sweet and spicy combination will awaken your taste buds.

  10. Don’t forget about the coleslaw! Finely grate the cabbage, carrot, and celery, mixing them with mayo. This crunchy side will balance the richness of the Chicken Fingers.

  11. Once the chicken fingers are golden brown, remove them from the oil and let them rest on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve them hot alongside your variety of dipping sauces and coleslaw.

Things Worth Knowing

  • When frying, make sure the oil is hot enough to create a crispy coating without making the chicken greasy.
  • Don’t skip the marination step; it greatly enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
  • Using fresh ingredients will always yield better flavors and textures.
  • Feel free to experiment with different spices in the breadcrumb mixture.

Change It Up

Chicken Fingers

If you’re looking to put a twist on your Chicken Fingers, here are some fun ideas:

  • Storage: Leftover Chicken Fingers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven to retain their crispiness.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked breaded chicken fingers for up to three months. Just fry them straight from the freezer, increasing the cooking time slightly.
  • Pairing: These chicken fingers pair beautifully with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even a side of macaroni and cheese for a comfort meal.
  • Spice It Up: Add different spices or herbs to the breadcrumb mixture to create flavors that excite your palate, like adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a twist.
  • Make It a Meal: Serve Chicken Fingers as part of a larger meal with your favorite sides for a full experience.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Fingers

Serving Chicken Fingers opens a world of delicious pairings. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

  • Crispy French Fries: A classic pairing, nothing beats the combination of hot, crispy fries with your Chicken Fingers. They’re perfect for dipping in sauces!
  • Fresh Garden Salad: To balance the richness of the fried chicken, serve it with a light salad tossed in vinaigrette. The freshness will brighten up the meal.
  • Homemade Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw complements the tenderness of the chicken, providing a refreshing crunch with every bite.
  • Macaroni and Cheese: For a true comfort food experience, serve your Chicken Fingers with creamy macaroni and cheese. It’s a match made in heaven!
  • On Game Days: These chicken fingers are perfect for game day snacks. Serve with an array of dipping sauces for your guests to enjoy.
  • Children’s Parties: Set up a DIY dipping station with various sauces. Kids will love customizing their Chicken Fingers.
  • Catering to Dietary Needs: If you’re hosting someone with dietary restrictions, consider offering gluten-free breadcrumbs or alternative dipping sauces to accommodate everyone.

FAQ

To keep your Chicken Fingers crispy, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become soggy. Additionally, once fried, let them rest on a paper towel to drain excess oil, and avoid covering them before serving.

Yes, you can easily make Chicken Fingers gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. There are many options available today that provide that same crispy texture and flavor, making it a great alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.

While Chicken Fingers are delicious on their own, pairing them with various dips elevates the experience. Some popular options include BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch, or the delicious wasabi mayo we mentioned earlier. Feel free to get creative and try new combinations!

Yes! If you want a healthier option, you can bake the Chicken Fingers. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit), place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown.

Conclusion

The Chicken Fingers recipe brings a fun and delicious dish that everyone can enjoy at home. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and give it a try tonight!

Chicken Fingers

Chicken Fingers

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Fingers are crispy, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying! Perfect for dipping in a variety of sauces, they make an easy weeknight dinner or a fun party snack. Treat yourself tonight!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 600g g Chicken Breast
  • 100g g White Flour
  • 3 units Eggs
  • 150g g Breadcrumbs
  • 50ml ml Milk
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • Salt to taste Salt
  • Pepper to taste Pepper
  • Cooking Oil as needed Cooking Oil
  • 2 tbsp tbsp Mayo
  • 1 tsp tsp Wasabi Paste
  • 2 tbsp tbsp Mayo
  • 1 unit Chili Pepper
  • 1 clove Garlic Clove
  • 2 tbsp tbsp Mayo
  • 1 tsp tsp Curry
  • 1 stick Celery Stick
  • 2 tbsp tbsp Mayo
  • 1 tbsp tbsp Mature Cheese
  • 1 piece Green Onion
  • 1 tbsp tbsp Mustard
  • 1 tbsp tbsp Ketchup
  • 10g g Jalapenos
  • 1 tsp tsp Honey
  • 2 tbsp tbsp Mayo
  • 30g g Cabbage
  • 30g g Carrots
  • 20g g Celery

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Grater
  • Skillet
  • Chef's Knife

Method
 

  1. Cut the chicken breast into strips and marinate in milk with salt, pepper, and paprika for about 15-20 min.
  2. Then dredge in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs and fry in well heated cooking oil over medium-high heat until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
  3. For the wasabi mayo – mix well 1 teaspoon of wasabi paste with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
  4. For the chili garlic mayo – in a blender, mince the garlic and chili pepper, then add the mayonnaise and freshly crushed pepper.
  5. For the curry mayo – finely chop the celery either by hand or in a blender then mix with mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon of curry powder
  6. For the cream cheese dip – blend cream cheese with mayonnaise in a blender until you get a fine cream, then add finely chopped green onions.
  7. For the jalapeno and honey relish – chop jalapenos and mix with mustard, ketchup, and honey
  8. For the coleslaw – finely grate cabbage, carrot, and celery and mix with mayonnaise.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Leftover Chicken Fingers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven to retain their crispiness.
  • Tip 2: You can freeze the uncooked breaded chicken fingers for up to three months. Just fry them straight from the freezer, increasing the cooking time slightly.
  • Tip 3: These chicken fingers pair beautifully with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even a side of macaroni and cheese for a comfort meal.
  • Tip 4: Add different spices or herbs to the breadcrumb mixture to create flavors that excite your palate, like adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a twist.
  • Tip 5: Serve Chicken Fingers as part of a larger meal with your favorite sides for a full experience.

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