Chicken fingers – featured on every restaurants kids menu.
And I’m going to go out on a limb and claim they are probably one of, if not THE most popular menu item ordered by kids everywhere. And don’t tell me you too have not stared longingly at your younger dining mates platter of deep fried chicken goodness, wishing you were eating those golden strips instead of your “adult-friendly” entree.
These updated chicken fingers will save you from experiencing food envy at your next restaurant visit and are both adult and kid friendly and mighty tasty if I do say so myself. Also – mighty healthy thanks to the use of your oven over the typical deep fryer.
The long strips of chicken breasts are coated in an egg white and spice mixture that adds loads of flavour and moisture without any excess fat. Panko breadcrumbs keep the outside nice and crispy without the need for a dip in a vat of oil and the pecans add a nice crunch and richness.
Serve them with your favourite dipping sauce – plum sauce, hot sauce, or good old kid-friendly ketchup. My favourite is homemade honey mustard: 2 parts dijon to 1 part honey. Mix, dip, and enjoy!
Also perfect for your freezer so you can have a fast and family friendly meal on the table in a flash. The spice/bread crumb mixture also works wonderfully on firm white fish (like cod or halibut). Say good bye to your grocery store, pre-cooked, boxed frozen fish sticks and chicken fingers!
Easy to make, easy to eat…you definitely won’t find these on your neighbourhood restaurants kid menu!
Dara
Pecan Crusted Oven Baked Chicken Fingers
Serves | 2-4 |
Meal type | Appetizer, Main Dish |
Website | Food Network |
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 egg whites
- 1 Tbsp water
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into strips)
spice mixture
- 1 1/4 Tsp paprika
- 1 Tsp salt
- 1 Tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 Tsp black pepper
- 1/2 Tsp chili powder
- 1/2 Tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 Tsp dried thyme
Note
This spice mixture is fantastic sprinkled on veggies and fish and I will sometimes make a double batch to keep some for later. You can also cook up a double batch of chicken fingers and store some in the freezer for an easy and healthy kid-friendly dinner!
Directions
spice mixture | |
1. | Combine all spices and set aside. |
2. | In a food processor, combine pecans, bread crumbs, and 1 tbsp of spice mixture. Pulse until finely ground and combined (a few larger pieces of nuts is okay...I like a bit of texture). Place in a bowl and set aside. |
3. | In a separate bowl, Beat egg whites with water and 2 tsp (remaining) of spice mixture. |
4. | Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip chicken strips into egg mixture and then into breadcrumbs. Press down to coat with the breadcrumb mixture. |
5. | Place chicken fingers on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 375 for about 15 minutes. |
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