These Oat-Crusted Chicken Fingers are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and wholesome! Coated in a crunchy oat crust and baked or fried to perfection, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional breaded chicken. Ideal for weeknight dinners, snacks, or even meal prep, these chicken fingers are guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Delicious: Oats provide a fiber-packed, crunchy coating.
- Kid-Friendly: A nutritious take on a family favorite.
- Versatile: Serve as a main dish, appetizer, or snack.
Ingredients for Oat-Crusted Chicken Fingers
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if needed)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- Cooking spray or oil for baking/frying
How to Make Oat-Crusted Chicken Fingers
1️⃣ Prepare the Oat Crust
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat oil in a skillet if frying.
- In a food processor, pulse the rolled oats until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs.
- Mix the oats with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
2️⃣ Prep the Chicken
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together to create an egg wash.
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, then coat it in the oat mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
3️⃣ Cook the Chicken Fingers
- For Baking:
- Place the coated chicken strips on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- For Frying:
- Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken strips for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
4️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch.
Tips for Perfect Oat-Crusted Chicken Fingers
- Use Even-Sized Strips: This ensures all the chicken cooks evenly.
- Get Extra Crispy: For baking, broil for the last 2 minutes to achieve maximum crunch.
- Add Herbs: Mix dried parsley or oregano into the oat crust for extra flavor.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
Oat-Crusted Chicken Fingers offer the crispy, satisfying texture of fried chicken with the added benefits of oats. They’re a fun, healthier twist on a classic dish, perfect for any occasion.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Makes ~4 Servings)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 18g
Ready to crunch into something delicious and nutritious? Try these Oat-Crusted Chicken Fingers today and treat yourself to a healthier comfort food! ????????✨
