Craving that crispy, golden goodness of fried chicken but want to keep things a bit lighter? Look no further than these Oven Fried Chicken Fingers. They’re everything you love about the classic, minus the deep frying. Perfectly crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, these chicken fingers are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
The Secret to Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
The key to achieving that irresistible crunch without deep frying lies in a few simple tricks. First, we’ll coat the chicken in a flavorful buttermilk marinade to keep it moist. Then, we’ll use a combination of panko breadcrumbs and a high-temperature oven to mimic the texture of traditional fried chicken. Trust me, you won’t miss the fryer!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Oven Fried Chicken Fingers:
- 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cooking spray
Serving Size
Serves: 4
Serving Size: About 3–4 chicken fingers per person
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes for marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Buttermilk Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed. - Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Coat the Chicken
- Prepare the Breading
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the oil. - Coat the Chicken Fingers
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Arrange the breaded chicken fingers on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
Bake the Chicken
- Bake to Perfection
Bake the chicken fingers in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken over and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Enjoy
- Ready to Serve
Remove the chicken fingers from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
Final Thoughts
These Oven Fried Chicken Fingers are a healthier take on a family favorite, without sacrificing any of the flavor or crunch. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a snack for game day. Give them a try and watch them disappear in no time!