These Crispy Homemade Chicken Fingers are golden, crunchy, and irresistibly delicious! They’re perfect for a family dinner, game-day snacks, or even a party platter.
Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch dressing for a complete treat.
Crispy Homemade Chicken Fingers
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Whisk
- Baking sheet or large plate (for breading station)
- Deep frying pan or pot
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Paper towels (for draining)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup regular breadcrumbs
For Frying
- Vegetable oil Vegetable oil (enough to submerge the chicken fingers)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into strips approximately 1 inch wide. Pat them dry with a paper towel and set aside.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In one bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. In a third bowl, combine panko and regular breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated. Shake off any excess. Dip the floured chicken strip into the egg mixture, coating it completely. Press the strip into the breadcrumb mixture, covering all sides thoroughly. Repeat for all strips.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place a few chicken fingers into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve: Remove the chicken fingers with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and sides like fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
✅ Keep It Crispy: Place cooked chicken fingers on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain their crispiness. ✅ Oven Option: For a healthier version, bake the breaded chicken strips at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. ✅ Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.Additional Tips
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
While classic dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, and ranch dressing are excellent choices, you can also elevate your chicken fingers with unique options like buffalo sauce, sriracha mayo, or a tangy yogurt-based dip with lemon and herbs.
For a full meal, serve them with mac and cheese, cornbread, or roasted vegetables for a well-balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat while keeping them crispy, avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy. Instead, reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Air Fryer Method
For a healthier alternative without deep frying, use an air fryer. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C), arrange the breaded chicken fingers in a single layer, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
This method results in a crispy texture with significantly less oil.
Customization Ideas
- Cheese Crust: Mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Buttermilk Soak: For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes before breading.
Fun Ways to Use Chicken Fingers
- Chicken Finger Sandwich: Place them in a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of sauce.
- Chicken & Waffles: Serve with warm waffles and maple syrup for a sweet-savory combo.
- Loaded Chicken Finger Nachos: Chop them up and add to nachos with cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole.
Summary
Crispy Homemade Chicken Fingers are a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Pair them with your favorite dips and sides, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!
I’m Leo McIntyre, and my love for cooking was born in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I discovered the magic of traditional Southern recipes. Inspired by her passion and the flavors of my childhood, I started SouthernParm to share these treasured family dishes and keep the rich culinary traditions of the South alive for everyone to enjoy.