RestaurantsTin Pan AlleyChicken Fingers Recipe

Chicken Fingers Recipe

Inspired by Tin Pan Alley
Time45m
Serves4

Served with French fries, blue

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Chicken & Coating

Method

Chicken & Coating

1

Prep the chicken

Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and slice each breast into 3–4 evenly sized strips (about 1" wide) to make 'fingers'. Pat dry with paper towels.

2

Set up dredging stations

Place the flour in a shallow bowl and season it with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. In a third shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and remaining 0.5 tsp salt.

3

Coat the chicken

Working in batches, dredge each chicken strip first in the seasoned flour (shake off excess), then dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. Place coated fingers on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to rest while you heat the oil. If time allows, chill 10–15 minutes to help the coating adhere.

Frying & Finish

4

Heat the oil

Pour about 1 cup vegetable oil into a 10" skillet to a depth of about 1/2". Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or bubbles form when a breadcrumb is dropped in.

5

Fry the chicken fingers

Fry the coated chicken strips in batches (do not crowd) for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature registers 165°F (74°C). Use tongs to turn gently. Transfer cooked fingers to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack. If using butter, add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan at the end and spoon over the fingers for a glossy finish.

French Fries

6

Cook the frozen fries according to package directions for oven baking or deep frying. For oven: toss fries with 1 tablespoon oil and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet; bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. For deep frying: fry at 350°F (175°C) until golden, then drain on paper towels. Season with 1 teaspoon salt immediately.

Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

7

Combine blue cheese crumbles, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix until mostly smooth with some visible blue cheese pieces. Taste and adjust seasoning; stir in chopped chives if using. Chill at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld.

To Serve

8

Arrange chicken fingers and French fries on a platter or individual plates. Serve immediately with the blue cheese dipping sauce on the side.