Are you looking for a delicious and kid-friendly dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters? Look no further than the beloved classic: Chicken Fingers.

Hailing from the United States, this dish has a rich history dating back to the 1930s, when it was first introduced in various restaurants and diners as a fun twist on traditional fried chicken. Over the years, Chicken Fingers have become a staple on menus across the country and have even made their way onto tables around the world.

The beauty of Chicken Fingers lies in its simplicity and versatility. This recipe is easy to make and requires just a few basic ingredients, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, the end result is always crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces to customize your Chicken Fingers to suit your taste preferences. From honey mustard to BBQ sauce, the possibilities are endless.

So, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to be a hit with everyone from kids to adults, give Chicken Fingers a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients

Chicken Breast Strips: Tender and lean cuts of chicken meat that are perfect for frying or baking. They are the main protein source in this recipe and provide a juicy and flavorful bite.

Buttermilk: A tangy and creamy liquid that helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tang to the flavor profile. The acidity in buttermilk also helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and juicy end product.

Plain Flour: Used as a coating for the chicken strips, plain flour helps create a crispy and golden crust when fried. It also helps the other seasonings adhere to the chicken for a flavorful bite.

Paprika: Adds a warm and slightly sweet flavor to the chicken fingers, as well as a vibrant red color to the coating. Paprika is a versatile spice that complements the other seasonings in this recipe.

Garlic Powder: Provides a savory and aromatic flavor to the chicken fingers. Garlic powder is a convenient way to add garlic flavor without worrying about the texture of fresh garlic.

Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the chicken fingers. Onion powder is a convenient way to incorporate onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavors of the chicken fingers and helps to bring out the other seasonings. Salt is a crucial ingredient for balancing the flavors in savory dishes.

Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and earthiness to the chicken fingers. Black pepper also helps to balance out the other seasonings and adds a bit of a kick to each bite.

Breadcrumbs: Used as a final coating for the chicken strips, breadcrumbs add an extra crunch and golden brown color when fried. They help create a crispy and satisfying texture to the chicken fingers.

Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken fingers, vegetable oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients. It helps achieve a crispy and evenly cooked exterior on the chicken strips.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair the chicken fingers with a side of crispy french fries or sweet potato fries for a classic and delicious meal.
• Serve on top of a salad for a lighter option, adding some fresh veggies and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
• Create a chicken finger wrap by wrapping the chicken fingers in a tortilla with some lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce.
• Dip the chicken fingers in a variety of sauces such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing for extra flavor.

Variations:

• For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breading mixture.
• Experiment with different seasonings such as Italian seasoning, cajun seasoning, or chili powder for unique flavor profiles.
• Try using different types of breadcrumbs such as panko breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs for added crunch.
• Swap out the chicken breast strips for chicken tenders or even fish fillets for a different twist on the classic recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chicken finger?

Chicken fingers are breaded and fried strips of chicken meat. They are typically served with dipping sauces.

Are chicken fingers the same as chicken tenders?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, chicken fingers are typically smaller and thinner than chicken tenders.

How are chicken fingers made?

Chicken fingers are made by cutting chicken breast into strips, dredging them in flour, dipping them in egg, coating them in breadcrumbs, and then frying them until crispy.

What sauces are commonly served with chicken fingers?

Common sauces served with chicken fingers include ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce.

Are chicken fingers a popular menu item?

Yes, chicken fingers are a popular menu item at many restaurants, fast food chains, and family-friendly establishments. They are often a favorite among children.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Crispy Chilli Chicken
• Chicken Strips
• Baked Chicken Wings
• Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
• Chicken Tenders

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Chicken Fingers

by Nabeela Kauser

This crispy and flavorful dish features tender, juicy chicken coated in a crunchy breading. A classic favorite for both kids and adults, these chicken fingers are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetiser

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 430 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 500 g Chicken Breast Fillets cut into strips
• ▢ 300 ml Buttermilk
• ▢ 150 g Plain Flour
• ▢ 2 tsp Paprika
• ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Onion Powder
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• ▢ 100 g Breadcrumbs

Instructions

• In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips and ensure they are fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
• In a shallow dish, mix the plain flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• In another shallow dish, spread out the breadcrumbs.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.
• Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk marinade again, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
• Fry the chicken strips in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove from the pan and place on a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain any excess oil.
• Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce.

Notes

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and adds flavour.

Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy coating.

You can customize the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste preferences.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 36gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 677mgFibre: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 242IUVitamin C: 5mgVitamin D: 1µgCalcium: 149mgIron: 4mg

Keyword After School Snacks, Chicken, Cooking, Food, Fried Chicken, Kids Snacks, Ramadan, Recipe, Snack

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