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    Home » Recipes » Easy Meals

    Oven Baked Super Crispy Chicken Fingers

    May 22, 2020 By Monika Last Updated March 17, 2022 16 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    These oven baked chicken fingers are juicy and tender on the inside and super crispy on the outside. Made using panko breadcrumbs they contain a handful of spices, a little oil and come together in under 30 minutes - including preparation! You might also like crispy salmon fish fingers. 

    Side view of crispy chicken fingers in bowl lined with parchment.

    I make chicken fingers quite frequently for 2 main reasons - everyone loves them and they are quick and easy to make. This recipe shows that's it's possible to produce crispy chicken that's also low in fat, full of flavour and involves only a few simple steps.

    The classic method of making breaded chicken involves dipping the chicken in flour, then egg wash then breadcrumbs. I have shortened preparation time by combining the egg with the flour along with a few spices to create a 'glue' for the breadcrumbs.  Simply immerse the tenderloins in the egg mixture then coat in the breadcrumbs and bake!

    Why you will love this recipe

    • These baked chicken fingers are super crispy.
    • It's quick and easy to make and there is no need to turn the chicken over.
    • It's healthier than deep frying or even shallow frying.
    • It guarantees great results every time!

    Top down view of breaded chicken tender held over mustard sauce, with chicken tenders in background.

    Ingredients

    I used chicken tenderloins (which are strips of white meat located under breast meat) because they are similar in size so therefore will cook evenly.  I strongly recommend using tenderloins in this recipe but if you prefer to use chicken breast make sure you cut it into similar size strips.

    You can often buy chicken breasts with the tenderloins attached to them though tenderloin strips are also sold separately.

    These chicken fingers are perfectly crispy thanks to the panko breadcrumbs (regular breadcrumbs don't work in this recipe!).  These breadcrumbs can be a little pricey but there is an easy way to avoid this - simply make your own!  It's easy to do and my post on making homemade breadcrumbs will tell you exactly how to do it.  I actually made these chicken tenders using store bought as well as homemade panko and the results were identical!

    Chicken tenders ingredients in individual dishes.

    Step-by-step recipe instructions

    1.Preheat the oven to 450 F/ 230 C/ gas mark 8. Place a rack on top of a large baking sheet and set aside.

    Start by toasting the panko.  In a large pan heat up the oil, add the breadcrumbs, season lightly and toast over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until golden stirring all the time. Remove from the heat and place in a bowl to cool (for about 5 minutes).

    Top down view of toasted panko breadcrumbs in skillet with spatula in bottom right corner.

    2. In a mixing bowl whisk together the egg, onion and garlic granules, cayenne, salt, yogurt and flour until smooth.

    Flour, egg, yogurt and spices in mixing bowl with green whisk.

    4. Place the chicken strips in the mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.

    Chicken tenderloins in egg mixture in mixing bowl with fork.

    5. Gently wipe each strip against the side of the bowl as you take it out (to remove excess moisture) and coat in the breadcrumbs. Press the chicken gently into the mixture to ensure it's thoroughly covered shaking off excess crumbs.

    Breaded chicken finger in blue bowl with fork.

    6. Arrange the strips on top of a rack on a baking sheet not too close together (so they crisp up evenly) and bake in the upper part of the oven for 11 minutes (no need to turn them over).

    Unbaked bread chicken tenders on top of rack.

    7. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

    Crispy chicken tenders on top of rack.

    Expert tips and FAQs for making baked chicken fingers

    • Ensure the oven is very hot.
    • Arrange the chicken pieces on top of a rack with spaces in between so they crisp up evenly.
    • Do NOT place the chicken tenders directly on top of a baking sheet - they may not crisp up evenly.
    • It is essential to use panko or panko style breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness. It is also essential to toast them with a little oil before coating the chicken (toasting ensures the oil is evenly distributed, the crumbs are crispy and will crisp up further in the oven).
    • When you remove the chicken strips out of the egg mixture gently wipe against the side of the bowl to get rid of excess moisture.
    • Make ahead: You can place the chicken in the egg mixture several hours in advance. You can also toast the breadcrumbs ahead and keep in a bowl (not covered) for up to a day.
    • Best served immediately.
    • Not suitable for freezing.

    Serving suggestions

    I served these crispy baked chicken tenders with a quick honey mustard dip but they are also delicious with roasted tomato dip,  homemade ranch dip, creamy cauliflower dip as well as homemade healthy bbq sauce.

    Chicken tender dipped in yellow sauce with baked tenders in background.

    You might also like

    • Crispy Baked Salmon Fish Fingers
    • Healthy Cornflake Chicken Nuggets
    • How to Make Fish Nuggets
    • Healthy Chicken Meatballs
    • Spicy Chicken Burgers

    Check out also this collection of 13 healthy easy one pot chicken recipes.

    Keep in touch!

    If you make these oven baked chicken tenders I'd love to know how they turned out for you. Let me know in the comments below, thanks:)

    Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for regular recipe updates! Or you could subscribe to this blog and receive all my latest recipes right into your mailbox!

    Side view of crispy chicken fingers in bowl lined with parchment.

    Oven Baked Super Crispy Chicken Fingers

    These oven baked chicken fingers are juicy and tender on the inside and super crispy on the outside. They contain a handful of spices, a little oil and come together in under 30 minutes - including preparation! 
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner, Party Food
    Cuisine: American, Low fat
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 11 minutes
    Total Time: 26 minutes
    Servings: 12 chicken fingers
    Calories: 143kcal
    Author: Monika Dabrowski

    Ingredients

    • 1.1 pounds (500 g) chicken tenderloins
    • 1 small egg
    • 1 tablespoon flour
    • 1 tablespoon thick yogurt
    • ⅓ teaspoon garlic granules, onion granules, cayenne pepper each
    • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 450 F/ 230 C/ gas mark 8. Place a rack on top of a large baking sheet and set aside.
      Start by toasting the panko.  In a large pan heat up the oil, add the breadcrumbs, season lightly and toast over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until golden stirring all the time. Remove from the heat and place in a shallow bowl to cool (for about 5 minutes). 
    • In a mixing bowl whisk together the egg, onion and garlic granules, cayenne, salt, yogurt and flour until smooth. 
      Place the chicken strips in the mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
    • Gently wipe each strip against the side of the bowl as you take it out (to remove excess moisture) and coat in the breadcrumbs. Press the chicken gently into the mixture to ensure it's thoroughly covered shaking off excess crumbs. 
    • Arrange the strips on top of a rack on a baking sheet not too close together (so they crisp up evenly) and bake in the upper part of the oven for 11 minutes (no need to turn them over).
      Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Ensure the oven is very hot.
    • Arrange the chicken pieces on top of a rack with spaces in between so they crisp up evenly.
    • Do NOT place the chicken tenders directly on top of a baking sheet - they may not crisp up evenly.
    • It is essential to use panko or panko style breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness. It is also essential to toast them with a little oil before coating the chicken (toasting ensures the oil is evenly distributed, the crumbs are crispy and will crisp up further in the oven).
    • When you remove the chicken strips out of the egg mixture gently wipe against the side of the bowl to get rid of excess moisture.
    • Make ahead: You can place the chicken in the egg mixture several hours in advance. You can also toast the breadcrumbs ahead and keep in a bowl (not covered) for up to a day.
    • Best served immediately.
    • Not suitable for freezing.
    • Preparation time includes the time needed to cool the toasted breadcrumbs.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 274mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg

    *Nutritional information is automatically generated and should be considered as an estimate.

    **A note about baking: If using a fan-assisted oven refer to your appliance's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.

    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @Monika8021 or tag #EverydayHealthyRecipes!
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    1. Monika

      January 26, 2017 at 11:12 am

      Thanks! Everyone in my house loved it, even the kids!

      Reply
    2. Midge

      January 22, 2017 at 9:49 pm

      These look amazing! The peachicks would definitely enjoy these! x

      Reply
      • Monika

        January 22, 2017 at 9:56 pm

        Thanks! It's a firm favourite in my house:)

        Reply
    3. Charlotte Oates

      January 22, 2017 at 4:46 pm

      My boys would love these chicken fingers!

      Reply
      • Monika

        January 22, 2017 at 6:05 pm

        Thank you! These chicken fingers are a firm favourite with all my boys.

        Reply
    4. kirsty Hijacked by Twins

      January 21, 2017 at 4:55 pm

      These look so good! x #CookBlogShare

      Reply
      • Monika

        January 21, 2017 at 5:12 pm

        Thanks Kirsty!

        Reply
    5. Eb Gargano / easypeasyfoodie.com

      January 20, 2017 at 9:20 pm

      Oooh - those chicken fingers look lovely - I bet my kids would love them. Thanks for linking up with #CookBlogShare! Eb x

      Reply
      • Monika

        January 20, 2017 at 10:00 pm

        Thanks Eb! These chicken fingers are probably the most popular dish in my house,something I can always fall back on if I am struggling with dinner ideas.

        Reply
    6. Monika

      January 20, 2017 at 5:44 pm

      Thank you! It works with burgers, fajitas, and anything else that tastes good with a tomato based sauce. Thanks for stopping by:)

      Reply
    7. Karly

      January 19, 2017 at 9:28 pm

      My name is Karly, and I am an adult chicken finger addict. Okay there, I said it. These look absolutely off the charts!

      Reply
      • Monika

        January 19, 2017 at 10:42 pm

        Thank you Karly! I don't think there is any shame in being partial to chicken fingers, whatever age you are:) I love them too! Thanks for stopping by:)

        Reply
    8. Glutarama

      January 19, 2017 at 4:43 pm

      My children would love these....mmmmm, hungry now! #CookBlogShare

      Reply
      • Monika

        January 19, 2017 at 4:56 pm

        Thanks:)

        Reply

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    Hi, I am Monika, welcome to Everyday Healthy Recipes! This blog is all about simple recipes with a healthy twist, old classics with a modern take, and an occasional Polish dish thrown into the mix - all easy to make, healthy and delicious, perfect for everyday cooking.

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