Get ready to transform your favorite comfort food into a healthier, mouthwatering masterpiece! These Lightened Up Chicken Fingers are about to become your new obsession - crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor that will make you forget all about greasy fast-food versions. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and families looking for a delicious, nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste, this recipe proves that eating smart can be incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup yogurt for dipping sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey for dipping sauce
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken fingers cook evenly and become crispy.
- Prepare your chicken breast by trimming any excess fat and cutting it into strips, about 1 inch wide. This will help them cook evenly and make for easier eating.
- In a shallow dish, place the 1/2 cup of flour. This will be used to coat the chicken strips first, helping the egg and breadcrumbs adhere better.
- In a second shallow dish, crack the egg and beat it until well mixed. This will act as the binding agent for the breadcrumbs.
- In a third shallow dish, add the 1 cup of breadcrumbs. You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs based on your flavor preference.
- Take each chicken strip and first coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. This step is crucial for achieving a nice crust.
- Next, dip the floured chicken strip into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Finally, roll the chicken strip in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Place the coated chicken fingers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Once all the chicken strips are coated, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown. Flip the chicken fingers halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
- While the chicken fingers are baking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix well until the honey is fully incorporated into the yogurt.
- Once the chicken fingers are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the lightened-up chicken fingers warm with the yogurt and honey dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your healthier take on a classic dish!
Tips
- Pat your chicken strips dry before coating to ensure the flour and breadcrumbs stick better.
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet for extra crispiness, allowing air to circulate around the chicken.
- For extra flavor, mix some herbs or spices into your breadcrumbs like dried parsley, garlic powder, or paprika.
- Make sure to flip the chicken fingers halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to help retain moisture and make them more tender.
- If you want an even lighter version, try using whole wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour for coating.
- The yogurt-honey dipping sauce can be customized with a dash of mustard or hot sauce for extra zing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
