Chicken Fingers – Best Crispy

Chicken Fingers are the perfect combination of tender chicken and a crunchy, flavorful coating. Lightly seasoned and baked to perfection, they’re ideal for a quick snack, a satisfying dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It can be served with your favorite dipping sauce.

What Are Chicken Fingers?

Chicken fingers, also known as chicken tenders or chicken strips, are boneless pieces of chicken breast or thigh that are breaded and fried to a crispy texture. These popular finger foods are perfect for dipping into sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or even spicy buffalo sauce. Although they are usually deep-fried, chicken fingers can also be baked for a healthier alternative.

Ingredients for Chicken Fingers

To make these crispy chicken fingers, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or thighs for a juicier option)
• Flour (all-purpose works best)
• Eggs (for binding the breading)
• Breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs are ideal for maximum crispiness)
• Parmesan Cheese (adds a savory, cheesy flavor to the coating)
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika (for seasoning)
• Salt and Pepper (for basic seasoning)
• Cooking Oil (vegetable or canola oil for frying)

Optional Ingredients:

• Chili Powder or Cayenne Pepper for a spicy kick
• Dried Herbs like oregano or thyme for added flavor complexity

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Fingers

Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For the crispiest chicken fingers, always use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They have a coarser texture and fry up light and crispy.

Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For even crunchier chicken fingers, dip them in the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture twice. This ensures a thicker, more substantial coating.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken fingers in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in soggy chicken.

Use a Thermometer: To ensure your chicken fingers are cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to be fully cooked.

Let Them Rest: After frying, let the chicken fingers rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a minute to allow excess oil to drain.

Variations of Chicken Fingers

Baked Chicken Fingers: If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the chicken fingers. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Spicy Chicken Fingers: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading mixture to give your chicken fingers a spicy kick.

Gluten-Free Chicken Fingers: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.

Buttermilk Chicken Fingers: For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for an hour before breading. The acidity in the buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken.

How to Serve Chicken Fingers

Chicken fingers are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve them with an assortment of dipping sauces like ketchup, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or a zesty buffalo sauce.
• As a Main Dish: Serve alongside crispy fries, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• In Wraps or Sandwiches: Place the chicken fingers in a wrap or sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite condiments for a delicious handheld meal.
• As an Appetizer: Serve chicken fingers as an appetizer at your next gathering or party with a variety of sauces on the side.

How to Store Chicken Fingers

If you have leftovers, chicken fingers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, place them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving them, as it can make the breading soggy.

For long-term storage, you can freeze the chicken fingers after they have been cooked and cooled. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for chicken fingers?

Yes! Chicken thighs are a great option for chicken fingers if you prefer juicier meat. Thighs have more fat, which can make the chicken even more tender and flavorful.

How can I make chicken fingers spicy?

Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to your breading mixture or dipping sauces for an extra spicy kick.

Can I make chicken fingers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken fingers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. To reheat, bake them in the oven for best results.

What dipping sauces are best with chicken fingers?

Some popular dipping sauces for chicken fingers include honey mustard, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, and sweet and sour sauce.

Can I bake chicken fingers instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake chicken fingers for a healthier version. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Final outcome

Chicken fingers are a delicious and versatile dish that can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer them spicy, baked, or with a crispy coating, this recipe is the perfect base for creating the ultimate chicken finger experience. Enjoy with your favorite sauces and sides, and you’ll have a meal that everyone will love.

Try these other chicken recipes:

• Chicken Drumsticks
• Baked Chicken Tenders
• Southern Fried Chicken