fried chicken fingers recipe
- The Best fried chicken fingers recipe
- Crispy Honey-Garlic Glazed Fried Chicken Fingers
- 🥘Ingredients
- 👨🍳Directions
- 🔧Equipment
- 📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- 📝Notes
- Watch Video Of How Crispy Honey-Garlic Glazed Fried Chicken Fingers Works
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Honey-Garlic Glazed Fried Chicken Fingers
The Best fried chicken fingers recipe
I love this recipe because it’s so versatile. You can make it crispy and indulgent or lighter with air-fryer fries if you’re watching calories, and still, it’s delicious. My kids have grown up on these, and now they’re the ones who’ll take the recipe to their own kids—it’s a family thing. And honestly, it’s not just great for special occasions; it’s great every day. You can serve them with a side of mac and cheese, a simple green salad, or even just with a cold soda or lemonade. It’s that kind of food that feels like a little treat without being overly complicated. Plus, there’s something about the health perks of homemade fried chicken fingers—you control the ingredients, so you can use whole-grain breadcrumbs or leaner chicken, and the glaze can be made with less sugar if you like. It’s not the healthiest thing you can eat, but it’s not the worst either, and honestly, kids eat what they’re used to, so making it a little better doesn’t mean they’ll miss the flavor. It’s all about balance, and this recipe hits that sweet spot.
Crispy Honey-Garlic Glazed Fried Chicken Fingers
Juicy, golden fried chicken fingers coated in a sweet and tangy honey-garlic glaze, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into finger-sized pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or use an air fryer set to 375°F (190°C). -
2
In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside. -
3
In another bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard to make the glaze. -
4
Dip each chicken piece into the glaze, coating evenly. Let excess glaze drip off. -
5
Dredge each glazed chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring full coverage. -
6
Place chicken fingers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven (or air fry for 10 minutes). -
7
Flip the chicken fingers and bake for another 10-12 minutes (or air fry for another 8-10 minutes) until golden brown and crispy.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Air fryer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Tips
- For extra crispiness, double-dredge the chicken fingers.
- Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred.
- Adjust glaze sweetness by adding more honey or reducing soy sauce.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or a fresh salad.
Variations
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Use teriyaki glaze for a different flavor profile.
Watch Video Of How Crispy Honey-Garlic Glazed Fried Chicken Fingers Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Honey-Garlic Glazed Fried Chicken Fingers
1. What is the best way to keep fried chicken fingers crispy after cooking?
To ensure your fried chicken fingers stay crispy, cook them in batches using enough oil to fully submerge the pieces. Avoid overcrowding the pan, and cook on medium heat. For extra crispiness, pat the chicken fingers dry with paper towels before frying and consider baking them afterward to restore crunchiness.
2. Can I use a food processor to make the breading mixture?
Yes, you can use a food processor to mix the breading ingredients (flour, cornstarch, salt, and spices) for a finer, more even coating. Pulse the ingredients until combined, then add the beaten egg and dredge the chicken fingers through the mixture before frying.
3. What’s the secret to achieving a golden-brown color in fried chicken fingers?
A golden-brown color comes from proper frying techniques. Use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan with enough oil (around 350–375°F / 175–190°C). Fry in small batches until golden on all sides, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. For a lighter touch, you can also bake the fried chicken fingers at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes after frying.
4. How long should I cook the chicken fingers in the oil?
For perfectly fried chicken fingers, cook them for 3–4 minutes per side in hot oil (around 350°F / 175°C). If the oil is too hot, the outside may burn before the inside cooks through. If the oil is too cool, the coating won’t crisp up properly. Test the temperature with a thermometer or by gently dropping a small piece in—it should sizzle and turn golden immediately.
5. Can I make gluten-free fried chicken fingers?
Absolutely! Replace regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur) or a mix of gluten-free flour and cornstarch for better crispiness. Ensure all other ingredients (like seasoning blends) are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
