Crispy Homemade Chicken Fingers – 2025 Recipe Guide

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 fried chicken fingers and waffle fries

Crispy Homemade Chicken Fingers

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 400 kcal

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.
    A chef's hands expertly slice a raw chicken
  • 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.
    An egg rests gently in a bowl, ready for mixing
  • 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.
    A piece of chicken, coated in a layer of flour
  • 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).
    Crispy chicken fingers are delicately lowered into the bubbling oil
  • 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.
    Crispy fried chicken finger removed from hot oil using tongs
  • Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and sides like fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
    Crispy fried chicken tenders and crispy fries

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.
Keyword Chicken Fingers, Comfort Food, Crispy Chicken, Family Dinner, Homemade

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!