The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
My family gobbles up these Homemade Chicken Fingers every time I make it. The recipe includes instructions for baking and frying. It serves 8 and costs $13.87 to make, that’s just $1.74 per serving!
We’ve all thrown a bunch of frozen chicken nuggets on a plate and put it in the microwave for a minute and called it dinner, right? I just did it the other night as when we came home much later than anticipated and I just needed to get everyone fed and to bed.
This is great and certainly necessary at times. But, what about some better tasting chicken fingers than the frozen kind?
Homemade Chicken Fingers
Homemade chicken fingers are so much better tasting than the frozen kind. We think they’re even better than what you can get at a restaurant. This is one of those meals that the kids will love just as much as the adults.
When I first made these chicken fingers, my 5-year-old when putting her to bed said, “Thanks Mom, that dinner was the best!’ It melted my heart and made all the hard work throughout the day worth it!
In this post, we’ll show you just how easy this recipe is to put together. In fact, we are going to share with you two different ways to make these Chicken Fingers: fried and baked!
You can skip the restaurant and the frozen brands by making these chicken fingers at home instead. The crispy outer layer atop the juicy chicken fingers will be your new go-to recipe on those nights when you need an easy dinner everyone will love.
Make sure you serve these along with our Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce!
PRO TIP: I always have a few pounds of these in the freezer so I can get dinner on the table fast!
What is chicken fingers made of?
Chicken fingers which are also known as chicken tenders or chicken strips. They are pieces of chicken that are found on either side of the breastbone. The raw meat is covered in a flour mixture and then put on a baking sheet to bake or into hot oil to fry.
Why are they called chicken fingers?
Listen to this riddle, “why are chicken fingers called chicken fingers if chickens don’t have fingers?!” Seriously though, why are they called chicken fingers? They are called chicken fingers because strips are cut from a tenderloin that is cut to be a fingers width in thickness.
How to get the kids involved with this recipe:
- Ages 2-3: Let them help measure and mix the marinade and bread crumbs mixture. They can also lay paper towels out on a plate for you.
- Ages 4-5: Let them help make the marinade and put the chicken in the marinade.
- Ages 6-8: Have your kiddo dip the chicken in the bread crumbs and coat the pieces before frying or baking. Teach them the importance of washing their hands and the work surface after handling raw chicken.
- Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe.
- Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe, unsupervised, while you do the happy dance in the corner!
Discover why we love getting the kids involved in the kitchen and more tips in our How to Get Kids Involved In Cooking article.
The flavor and Recipe Variations:
- Sometimes I omit the seasonings in the coating mixture and use 2 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning or onion soup mix instead.
- If you want to spice things up a little, add 2 Tablespoons of Franks RedHot hot sauce to the marinade.
What to Serve with Chicken Fingers:
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- Green Smoothie
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- Mango Banana Smoothie
- Red Velvet Buttermilk Waffles
How long is this good for:
- Serve: You can keep the cooked chicken tenders at room temperature for up to 2 hours before they will need to be refrigerated.
- Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Freeze: It’s best to freeze these after cooking them.
- TO FREEZE AFTER COOKING: Cool them to room temperature and then place them into a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. You can freeze them this way for 4-6 months.
- TO COOK FROM FROZEN: Whether they were initially fried or baked, it’s best to reheat chicken fingers by placing them on a baking sheet and heating in a 350 degree F oven for 20-25 minutes.
- TO FREEZE AFTER COOKING: Cool them to room temperature and then place them into a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. You can freeze them this way for 4-6 months.
How much will this Chicken Fingers cost:
RECIPE COST: $13.87
RECIPE COST FRIED: $15.07
PRICE PER SERVING: $1.74
PRICE PER SERVING FRIED: $1.88
- 1 1/2 cups milk – $0.24
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice – $0.07
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour – $0.15
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch – $0.03
- 1 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar – $0.02
- 3 pounds chicken tenders – $11.88
- 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs – $1.22
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon onion powder – $0.15
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano – $0.03
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt – $0.03
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – $0.05
- pinch ground garlic – $0.01
- Optional for frying: 2 1/2 cups vegetable or peanut oil – $1.20
To find out more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained.
Cook’s Tools:
- large bowl
- whisk
- pie plate
- large deep skillet
- baking sheet
- wire rack
- tongs
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- mixing spoon
- liquid measuring cup
How to Make Homemade Chicken Fingers:
Chicken Fingers
Equipment
- large bowl
- whisk
- pie plate
- large deep skillet
- baking sheet
- wire rack
- tongs
- Measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- mixing spoon
- Liquid measuring cup
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken tenders
MARINADE:
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- pinch ground black pepper
COATING:
- 1 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- pinch ground garlic
FOR FRYING:
- 2 ½ cups vegetable or peanut oil
Instructions
PREP THE CHICKEN:
- Trim the chicken of any of the white membranes.
MARINATE THE CHICKEN:
- In a large bowl whisk to combine the marinade ingredients.
- Add the chicken, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, but no more than 60 minutes.
MAKE COATING:
- In a pie plate whisk together all of the ingredients for the coating.
HEAT THE OIL OR OVEN:
- If frying the chicken, place 2 cups of oil in a large deep skillet. Heat oil over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 360 degrees F. Line a large plate with 3 layers of paper towels.
- If baking the chicken, move the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack right in the pan right on top of the foil. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
COAT CHICKEN:
- Take 2 chicken tenders out of the milk marinade and let the excess marinade drip off. Then, place the chicken in the bread crumbs mixture and cover all sides with the bread crumbs. Transfer chicken tenders to a clean plate and repeat the coating process with the remaining chicken tenders.
FRYING INSTRUCTIONS:
- Once the oil is up to temp, add 2-3 pieces of chicken to the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and the chicken registers 165 degrees F when an instant-read thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
- Move the chicken fingers to the paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Repeat the frying with the remaining chicken. Serve.
BAKING INSTRUCTIONS:
- Place the coated chicken tenders right on top of the wire rack set inside a baking sheet. Generously spray the tops of the chicken with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping and spraying halfway through, until golden and crispy and the chicken registers 165 degrees F when an instant-read thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. Cool for 5 minutes and then serve.
Kelly Anthony says
One of my all-time favorite go-to dinners! The kids NEVER complain when chicken fingers hit the table 😉
Jess Jankowski says
Isn’t it the best when there are no complaints at dinner time?! Good job mama!
Nellie Tracy says
Chicken fingers are the best! This recipe is loved by my entire family. So great!
Jess Jankowski says
Nellie, so happy everyone loves it! That’s a win for sure!
Amber says
Indeed a nice recipe. I can’t wait to try it.
Jess Jankowski says
Thank you! Would love to hear back after you try it.
Marina says
Great recipe, thank u!
Jess Jankowski says
You are so welcome!
Saif says
I love chicken finger. I could imagine it is crunchy and tender. Perfect to make a sandwich and eat it with fries.
Jess Jankowski says
Saif, it would be great on a sandwich! And I love it with fries!
Sula says
Thank you for this recipe – pinned so I can find it again!
Jess Jankowski says
Sula, thanks for pinning it!
Deanna says
So easy and quick. These were great on top of our salad.
Jess Jankowski says
Such a great idea to put them on top of your salad!
Maren says
Who doesn’t love home made chicken fingers! So much healthier than from the store! Thanks for posting this recipe
Jess Jankowski says
So much healthier! Thanks Maren!
Amy says
Great recipe! My daughter enjoyed this so much!
Jess Jankowski says
So happy she loved it! So do my kids!
Tayo says
My grocery store keeps running out of the chicken nuggets my kids love, thanks to the quarantine. Thank you for sharing this, I’m sure my kids will love it!
Jess Jankowski says
It is such a crazy time. So glad we can make what we love at home!
Chef Dennis says
Yum! These Homemade Chicken Fingers look sooo scrumptious! My sons will love to have this.
Jess Jankowski says
They are a crowd pleaser for sure!
Nerlande says
I love chicken fingers and I need to try this recipe it looks so yummy
Jess Jankowski says
You will not regret it!
Ron Weinberg says
Umm Good!
Jess Jankowski says
Our family devours them!
Ron Weinberg says
FINGER LICKEN GOOD!
Jess Jankowski says
Agreed 100%!
Shelley says
What a terrific recipe post – chicken fingers are such a family favorite, and really budget-friendly. But what definitely sets this one apart is all the terrific tips. I loved that you included the freezing tips and ideas for recipe variations (yum – Frank’s RedHot!!) And what a great idea to have age-appropriate tips on getting the kiddos involved – brilliant! Thank you so much for this great post!
Jess Jankowski says
Shelley, thank you so much for your kind words, it it truly appreciated.
Gloria says
I think this just proves you don’t have to rely on takeout to get your favourite foods. With this pandemic, so many people have realized they CAN cook. This is one of those recipes that is welcomed.
Jess Jankowski says
Gloria, I could not agree more! Thanks for stopping by!
Ron Weinberg says
YOU ARE A MASTER!
Jess Jankowski says
Thank YOU!
Jenny Graves says
I am like a kid, my favorite food is chicken fingers. Your recipe is lovely and I am in heaven, thank you!
Jess Jankowski says
We are all just a bunch of big kids around here too! Thanks for being a big kid with us!
Am says
These look absolutely delicious! One of the only thing I can get my kids to eat without complaining! Haha
Jess Jankowski says
We’ve gotta really hold onto those recipes we can serve with no complaints!
Mimi says
I’m kind of hungry and these sound amazing right now! Yum!
Jess Jankowski says
Enjoy!
Elaine says
Ah, these are the best when it comes to entertaining. Love the looks and I bet the taste is even better. Delicious!
Jess Jankowski says
Elaine they are perfect for entertaining. Always a crowd pleaser.
Amanda Martin says
I’m in my 30s and still devour chicken nugs and chicken strips! Will have to try these.
Jess Jankowski says
LOL Amanda, glad there are others like me out there!
Natalie says
These chicken fingers look delicious. Love herbs you used here and spices. I must make this for my family. I bet my kids will love this!
Jess Jankowski says
Thanks for stopping by Natalie. If your kids are anything like ours, they will LOVE these.
Kay says
I love this, I have 4 kids and 2 who love to cook. This is a great recipe for them to do by themself. And will serve all 6 of us! Possibly even one for each of the dogs too if they are lucky?! Will let you know how they get on 🙂
Jess Jankowski says
Kay, I love this! Thank you!
Sharon says
These chicken fingers a family favorite! I love that there are steps for how to let kids help make them too.
Jess Jankowski says
Sharon, so happy to hear that!
Denise says
Chicken fingers are always a hit, and home made are so much better than store bought. Thanks for sharing a great recipe!
Jess Jankowski says
Denise, we agree…homemade is always better!
Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli says
We like the herbs and spices in the coating and how crisp and yummy they get!
Jess Jankowski says
So glad you enjoy it as much as we do.
Jen says
I love chicken fingers, the kid me I guess. These are the best ones I have tried. They are an easy weeknight dinner.
Jess Jankowski says
Jen, so happy you love them! Thanks so much for letting us know.
Sophie says
These are perfect crispy and so good! Thanks a lot for the recipe.
Jess Jankowski says
Sophie so glad you found our recipe. Thanks for stopping by!
Amber Myers says
Yum, we love having chicken fingers for dinner. These sound so amazing! I’ll be trying them!
Jess Jankowski says
Amber, so excited for you to try them!
Marta says
In addition to this being an easy recipe, I love the fact that’s wholesome and inexpensive to make.
Jess Jankowski says
My daughter says she loves it 100%! Enjoy!
Ashley Cairns says
I can’t wait to make these! They look sooooo good!
Jess Jankowski says
Ashley, let us know how it goes! Enjoy!
Marina says
My husband loves chicken, I could try to cook these in the air fryer.
Jess Jankowski says
Oh I would love to hear how they turn out in the air fryer!
Natalie says
This looks amazing. My kids would love this. I’m saving this recipe to give it a try. Love that you added garlic into breadcrumbs mixture. So yummy!
Jess Jankowski says
Natalie, our kids literally go crazy for this every single time!
Calvin says
Really splendid recipe, good that you can control what you put in them, so much better than the frozen store bought ones.
Jess Jankowski says
Agreed 100%!
Calvin says
These are great, good to know how to make them as it’s much healthier if you do it from scratch .
Jess Jankowski says
Way healthier to make it from scratch!
Mya Murphy says
Holy Cow.. All the reviews on here show me chicken fingers are universally awesome! This sounds like major fun to make with my stepsons.
Farah Maizar says
My kids would love me forever if I made these for dinner, so t hat’s the plan! Thanks for the easy delicious looking recipe
Jess Jankowski says
My kids go nuts when I make them!
Tisha says
I love that you can get the kids involved in this! My boys would love them!
Jess Jankowski says
My daughter says these are 1000% good! 🙂 Enjoy!
Angela says
I love that you make extra to stock the freezer! What a perfect idea. Then you have a fast and easy meal to pull out in a hurry.
Jess Jankowski says
Anything to make those busy nights a little bit easier!
Katie Crenshaw says
Homemade is always so much better than pre-made frozen! I am loving all of the tips on how to make these perfectly! I am adding this to my dinner meal plan for this week. I can’t wait to make a batch.
Jess Jankowski says
Katie, let us know how it goes!
Chichi says
Love this recipe. Would make it over and over. That frozen lemonade drink is ace!
Jess Jankowski says
Thank you so much! And the frozen lemonade is a favorite for sure!!
Terry says
Made this tonight and kids loved it! Used nacho cheese doritos instead of panko and it was a smash. Thanks for the win on this one.
Jess Jankowski says
That’s awesome Terry! Glad your substitution was a hit!
Susan says
Hi, May I ask what is the purpose of the cooking spray? I’m going to try these tomorrow night.Thanks
Jess Jankowski says
Hi we are excited for you to try them! The cooking spray helps keep the chicken fingers from sticking to the wire rack when you are baking them.