Crispy Baked Chicken Fingers: A Fun and Healthy Recipe for Little Chefs!

Introduction:

Hey there, little chefs! Get ready to sink your teeth into these crispy, crunchy, and oh-so-tasty baked chicken fingers! This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a yummy lunch, a fun family dinner, or an after-school snack. Let's get our aprons on and start cooking!

Health Benefits:

1. Lean Chicken: High in protein to help your muscles grow and get stronger!

   
   

2. Whole Grain Breadcrumbs: A good source of fiber to keep your tummy happy and healthy.

   
   

3. Baked, Not Fried: Baking means less oil and a healthier way to cook our chicken fingers!

   
   

Cook/Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes

• Total Time: 28-30 minutes

  
  

Serving Size

Serves 4 (4 chicken fingers per serving)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders

• 1 cup whole grain breadcrumbs

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 2 egg whites, lightly beaten

  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.

   
   

2. In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

   
   

3. Dip chicken tenders in egg whites, then coat them with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure they're fully covered!

   
   

4. Place coated chicken fingers on the wire rack and lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with a little oil.

   
   

5. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken fingers and bake for another 8-10 minutes, until golden and crispy.

   
   

Serving Suggestions:

1. Pair your chicken fingers with a side of crunchy carrot sticks or a fresh fruit salad.

   
   

2. Serve with various dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.

   
   

3. Make a chicken finger wrap by adding lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and avocado to a whole wheat tortilla.

   
   

4. Serve with a side of baked sweet potato fries or homemade oven-baked potato wedges.

   
   

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 150-200 calories (depending on size and ingredients used)

• Protein: 15-20g

• Carbohydrates: 10-15g

• Fat: 5-8g

• Fiber: 1-2g

• Sodium: 200-300mg

  
  

Tips

• Ask an adult for help when using the oven and handling raw chicken.

  
  

• If you don't have whole grain breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even almond flour!

  
  

• Make a double batch and freeze the extra chicken fingers for a quick and easy future snack.