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Home » Dinner » Homemade Chicken Fingers

Published: November 19, 2019 Last Modified: November 19, 2019 By Sara 39 Comments

Homemade Chicken Fingers

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Homemade Chicken Fingers Recipe | Chicken Tenders | Fried Chicken #chicken #friedchicken #dinner #appetizer #dinneratthezoo

Homemade chicken fingers marinated in buttermilk, then fried to crispy golden brown. The ultimate chicken tenders that are even better than what you’d get at a restaurant.

When I’m stumped on what to make for dinner, I always turn to these crispy chicken tenders because I know they’ll be a hit! I serve my chicken fingers with roasted broccoli and mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Homemade Chicken Fingers Recipe | Chicken Tenders | Fried Chicken #chicken #friedchicken #dinner #appetizer #dinneratthezoo Homemade Chicken Fingers Recipe | Chicken Tenders | Fried Chicken #chicken #friedchicken #dinner #appetizer #dinneratthezoo

Chicken fingers on a serving plate with a side of ranch.

There’s just something about fried chicken that can’t be beat – that ultra crispy coating with tender juicy chicken is a classic for a reason! I’ve learned to make restaurant style chicken fingers at home, and they’re actually quite easy to prepare.

How do you make chicken fingers?

The first step in this recipe is to marinate the chicken in buttermilk. This tenderizes the chicken and helps the seasoned flour stick to the chicken. The chicken fingers get dipped into the flour mixture, then egg, then the flour again to create an extra thick and crispy exterior.

The final step is to fry your chicken tenders until they’re golden brown. Add your favorite dipping sauce on the side, then enjoy!

Chicken tenders in a bowl of buttermilk.

What are chicken breast tenders?

This recipe calls for chicken breast tenders, also called chicken breast tenderloins. The tender is a flap of meat that sits directly under the main part of the chicken breast. These pieces of chicken are often more tender than standard chicken breast, hence their name. If you can’t find chicken tenders, this recipe will work just as well with strips of boneless skinless chicken breast.

Breaded chicken fingers ready to go into the fryer.

Tips for chicken fingers

  • You’ll want to use a deep frying thermometer to monitor the temperature of your oil. If the oil is too hot, the coating can burn before the chicken cooks through. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb more oil and become overly greasy.
  • Chicken fingers are best served immediately. If you need to reheat them, you can bake them at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes or until crispy.
  • I typically serve my chicken tenders with ranch. Other great options are ketchup or honey mustard.

Crispy chicken tenders on a sheet pan.

Baked chicken fingers

If you prefer to bake your chicken fingers, you can do so by using breadcrumbs as the coating instead of flour. You’ll want to combine 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs with the spices listed in the recipe. Coat each piece of chicken in egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the chicken pieces on a greased sheet pan and coat them with cooking spray. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes or until tenders are golden brown.

A chicken finger being dipped into ranch sauce.

These chicken tenders are some of the best I’ve ever had. They make a great kid friendly dinner, or serve them up as a hearty appetizer on game day. Once you try making these tenders for yourself, you won’t be tempted to order them at a restaurant again!

More chicken recipes you’ll love

  • Bacon Ranch Chicken Foil Packets
  • Chicken Taco Soup
  • Bruschetta Chicken
  • Grilled Chicken Tenders
  • Monterey Chicken
Chicken fingers on a serving plate with a side of ranch.
Print Pin
5 from 24 votes

Chicken Fingers

Homemade chicken fingers marinated in buttermilk with a super crispy breaded exterior. The ultimate chicken tenders!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 375kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken breast tenders
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 3 eggs beaten
  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  • Place the chicken breast tenders and buttermilk in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
  • Place the eggs in a medium sized bowl. Place the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, onion and baking powder in a second bowl.
  • Stir the flour and spices together until well combined.
  • Take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk mixture. One at a time, coat the chicken in the flour, then dip in the egg, then coat again in the flour. Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated.
  • Heat 3 inches of oil in a large deep pot to 350 degrees F.
  • Cook 4-5 pieces of chicken at a time for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Drain on paper towels, then serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 185mg | Sodium: 642mg | Potassium: 718mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 305IU | Vitamin C: 1.8mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 2.6mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!

This post was originally published on April 26, 2015 and was updated on November 19, 2019 with new content.

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Filed Under: Dinner, Quick & Easy Dinners

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    Comments

    1. Helmer Arnold says

      July 13, 2018 at 3:10 am

      5 stars
      Amazing, crispy cheddar chicken fingers It looks amazingly delicious and will be so healthy too, Thanks for sharing this one.

      Reply
    2. Clarence wilson says

      May 27, 2018 at 11:56 pm

      5 stars
      Wow crispy cheddar chicken fingers It looks amazingly delicious and will be so healthy too, Thanks for sharing this one post.

      Reply
    3. Sasha says

      April 4, 2018 at 5:29 am

      5 stars
      Love me some chicken fingers! I don’t make them often enough, but you can bet I’m adding this recipe to the menu soon.

      Reply
    4. debbie says

      January 28, 2018 at 4:56 pm

      5 stars
      My kids would love this just like Cora does!

      Reply
    5. Olga @ MangoTomato says

      July 23, 2015 at 10:38 am

      oooh buttermilk and gold fish! some of my favorite things 😉 Add some Ranch dressing, and I’m set!

      Reply
    6. Showhan says

      April 29, 2015 at 7:34 am

      5 stars
      Wow !! It looks amazingly delicious and will be so healthy too, I think. I love this recipe so much, I always love to eat any chicken recipe and here you have presented a great recipe, so can’t wait to try making this awesome recipe. Thanks for sharing the great idea.

      Reply
    7. ashley says

      April 28, 2015 at 7:25 am

      These look and sound delicious! So easy, too. Can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
    8. katie says

      April 28, 2015 at 6:10 am

      These look absolutely delicious! You have amazing food photography too :]

      xo katie // a touch of teal

      Reply
    9. Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says

      April 28, 2015 at 4:41 am

      Chicken nuggets are truly the ultimate kid-pleaser. But I have to admit, I love them, too! Definitely have to try this cheddar version!

      Reply
    10. Christina Boyer says

      April 27, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      This looks so good! I love your recipes!

      Reply
    11. Christine Gallagher says

      April 27, 2015 at 4:46 pm

      These look great and I love that they are baked

      Reply
    12. Derek Campanile says

      April 27, 2015 at 2:03 pm

      5 stars
      I’m going to have to try this. I’m sure my son will love it!

      Reply
    13. kristen says

      April 27, 2015 at 1:03 pm

      these look incredible!! im totally saving this recipe! thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    14. Mary says

      April 27, 2015 at 12:05 pm

      These look delicious! As much as I know my girl’s will love these, I know I will too!

      Reply
    15. Joanna says

      April 27, 2015 at 11:31 am

      I love this! It is combining my kids favorite things – cheese crackers and chicken fingers. A little part of me dies overtime I give them dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets. I’m definitely going to try this!

      Reply
    16. Jasmine says

      April 27, 2015 at 10:20 am

      this looks so good. my kiddos would love to eat these.

      Reply
    17. Christina says

      April 27, 2015 at 8:02 am

      This looks so yummy! I love chicken tenders and will definitely have to try this out.

      Reply
    18. Jaelan says

      April 27, 2015 at 7:00 am

      Your blog is quickly becoming my go-to for recipes. Keep them coming. Thanks so much!

      Reply
    19. brita says

      April 27, 2015 at 6:52 am

      omg. this looks SO delicious. I’m definitely pinning this to try soon. thanks for the great recipe!

      Reply
    20. Logan Can says

      April 27, 2015 at 6:34 am

      These look SO amazing! I think my son would even love them!

      Reply
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