These panko cheddar chicken fingers are baked to a crispy, crunchy exterior while staying moist on the inside.
Let’s be real, chicken fingers, fish sticks, fries…they’re all just vehicles for condiments. Whether it’s a homemade dip or a hfcs laden store bought one, (I’m not judging, that BBQ sauce there is not homemade and definitely not the picture of health) it’s by far the best part about all those foods.
I have a stash of Chick-fil-A’s polynesian sauce in my fridge that I’ve been “saving” for almost 6 months now (this is my public plea to the powers that be to get their Chick-fil-A asses north of NJ pretty please). It can’t be used on just anything, it’s got to be a meal worthy of such deliciousness.
This meal was definitely worthy but BBQ just seemed to go better with the whole cheddar thing going on.
I channeled my inner southerner with these and bathed them in buttermilk before the whole “frying” (not really, they’re baked) part. Honestly, I have no idea what the point of the whole buttermilk thing is, I just know they do that sorta thing down south. And southerners know their chicken. I live in NY, stores barely even carry buttermilk. But if it’s to keep the chicken nice and moist inside, it worked. If not, guess it was just a lucky coincidence. Either way…yay.
Crispy, crunchy and slightly cheddar-y on the outside, moist on the inside (as long as you don’t forget the oven’s on broil when you put the second batch in and wonder why there’s smoke pouring into your kitchen).
We watched the first episode in season 2 of Downton Abbey last night after dinner and all I could think of (while people are dying in the trenches of WWI nonetheless) is what a damn shame it was that Mrs. Patmore probably didn’t make chicken fingers back then and the poor Crawley’s had nothing tasty to dip into BBQ sauce.
Although I might be able to get over that if I could wear those dresses and have my own maid. Maybe.
Panko Cheddar Chicken Fingers
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders or breasts cut into "finger" size
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup regular breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 3/4 cup white cheddar, finely grated
Instructions
- Place chicken in a shallow dish and cover with buttermilk. Let soak for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet.
- Combine breadcrumbs, flour, spices and parsley in a shallow dish/bowl.
- Fold in cheese.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the breadcrumb mixture and line on rack.
- Spray with olive oil or cooking spray and bake for about 7 minutes on one side.
- Flip carefully, spray again and bake for 5 more minutes.
- Turn oven to Hi-broil and broil for remaining 2 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve warm and with favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
Oh and BTW – I’m so glad I know someone else equally obsessed with Downton Abbey. I have made Ben start watching it with me, though it’s been on repeat in my DVD player for a couple weeks now. Now I’ve got him hooked. FTW! End of this season – mind. blowing.
Season 1 or season 2? We just watched the 2nd episode in season 2 tonight. PBS is telling me I only have 5 more days to watch it online, so you can bet my butt will be glued to the couch doing just that! I have no patience for Netflix!
Good call on the healthy fun foods – I love a good chicken strip, but always feel guilty when they’re friend. Another WIN, m’dear!! XO! ~Megan
I wouldn’t mind slurping up that whole ramekin of bbq sauce either!
Ha still working through all your stockpiled panko breadcrumbs?! Not that I’m complaining!! Keep em coming! They look delicious! :)
haha, you noticed that huh? ;)
Oooo I love these condiment vehicles! They look so crispy and delicious.
I love homemade chicken fingers. Delicious!
These are just like chicken tenders but crispier and crunchier looking and i’m sure a bit healthier. and you have NO idea how obsessed I am over chicken tenders..i’d probably make like triple the amount just so i can eat a whole meal from it haha :)
WANT. Just found my dinner tonight :)
I like the extra va-va-va-voom with the cheddar in that panko crusting. Though, I think panko just makes everything automatically good. I’ve never marinated in buttermilk but have done yogurt and that also makes the chicken REALLY moist.
Yum! I so love your photos! You do a great job, you make me want chicken fingers. Dam, now I really want chicken fingers!! Now thats all I’m going to think of today!!