By “Chicken fingers, a beloved classic in many households, offer more than just a crispy, savory bite. Beyond their delicious taste, crafting chicken fingers at home presents an opportunity for culinary creativity and nutritional consciousness. By preparing them from scratch, individuals can tailor ingredients to align with personal dietary preferences, opting for lean cuts of chicken breast and whole grain coatings.
Preparaion of chicken fingers:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (about 450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (you can use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Cooking oil for frying
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This will help keep the chicken fingers crispy as they bake.
- Set up your breading station. In one shallow dish, add the flour. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Take each chicken strip and coat it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the breaded chicken fingers onto the prepared wire rack on the baking sheet. Repeat the breading process until all chicken strips are coated.
- Heat about 1/4 inch of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken fingers in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken fingers to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Once all the chicken fingers are fried, transfer them to the wire rack on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and crispy.
- Serve the chicken fingers hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
