Taraโs Chicken Little Fingers Recipe: A Flavorful Twist on Classic Chicken Breasts
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 24 hours
Total Time: 24 hours 40 minutes
Recipe Category: Chicken Breasts
Servings: 6
Description
Taraโs Chicken Little Fingers is a delicious and easy-to-make chicken recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. The chicken is marinated overnight in a savory blend of buttermilk, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and a medley of spices, ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor. The combination of tender chicken breast, crispy breadcrumbs, and nutty sesame seeds creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. While the marinating time may seem long, the wait is worth it as it allows the flavors to truly meld together.
This recipe is one I learned when I was youngโlong before I ever mastered the microwave. The ingredients are simple, with many items you likely already have in your cupboard (except for buttermilk), making this dish a practical and delightful addition to your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breasts | 6 pieces |
| Buttermilk | 1 1/2 cups |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Sesame seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter (melted) | 4 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1020.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 52.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 19.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 228.7 mg |
| Sodium | 1346.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 59.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g |
| Sugars | 7.8 g |
| Protein | 74.7 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). While the oven is heating up, take the boneless chicken breasts and cut them into ยฝ-inch strips. These will form the base of your chicken fingers, ensuring that they cook evenly and become delightfully crispy. -
Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, paprika, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Whisk together until all the ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth marinade. -
Marinate the Chicken:
Add the sliced chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is fully submerged. Mix the chicken and marinade well, making sure the chicken is evenly coated. Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to marinate for at least 24 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more intense the flavor will be, so feel free to let it sit for up to 48 hours if you have the time. -
Prepare the Coating:
After the marinating period, itโs time to prep the crispy coating. In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs and sesame seeds. These two ingredients will give the chicken an irresistible crispy and nutty exterior when baked. -
Coat the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, drain it well to remove excess liquid. Then, toss the marinated chicken pieces in the breadcrumb and sesame seed mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated. The sesame seeds add a lovely texture and flavor to the crust, so donโt skip this step! -
Bake the Chicken:
Lightly grease a baking dish and arrange the coated chicken fingers inside. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the chicken. This will help the chicken cook to a golden brown and crispy perfection. -
Cook the Chicken:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the juices run clear. You can check for doneness by cutting into one of the larger pieces to ensure it’s no longer pink in the center. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the chicken fingers from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These tender and flavorful chicken fingers are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Tips and Variations
-
Marinate for Longer: If you have the time, marinating the chicken for up to 48 hours will enhance the flavor even further. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will become.
-
Make It Spicy: For a kick of heat, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade. This will give the chicken fingers a spicy twist thatโs sure to please those who enjoy a bit of heat.
-
Add Herbs: Feel free to experiment with adding herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture for an additional layer of flavor.
-
Air Fryer Version: If you want to make this recipe a bit healthier, you can cook the chicken fingers in an air fryer instead of baking them in the oven. Simply air fry at 375ยฐF for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
-
Leftovers: Leftover chicken fingers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
Conclusion
Taraโs Chicken Little Fingers are an easy-to-make, flavorful dish thatโs perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The combination of simple ingredients, marinated chicken, and crispy sesame-coated breading makes for a dish thatโs sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you enjoy them on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce, these chicken fingers are a crowd-pleaser thatโs bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.
