Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Fingers Recipe

These Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Fingers are a game-day favorite! We’re ditching the deep fryer and baking these chicken strips to crispy perfection with a crunchy cornflake coating. Tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce and served with a creamy blue cheese dip, these chicken fingers are a healthier and easier alternative to traditional fried wings. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or simply craving a delicious and satisfying snack, these Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Fingers are a guaranteed winner!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Fingers:

• Skinless, boneless chicken breasts or tenders: Choose your preferred cut of chicken.
• Corn flakes cereal: Crushed, they create a crispy and flavorful coating.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and the coating.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth of flavor and color.
• All-purpose flour: Used to coat the chicken before dipping it in the egg mixture.
• Large eggs: Beaten with milk, they help the cornflake coating adhere to the chicken.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth egg wash.
• Buffalo wing sauce: Use your favorite brand, such as Sweet Baby Ray’s.
• Optional for serving: Celery sticks and blue cheese sauce (recipe below)

For the Creamy Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce:

• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
• Milk: Thins the sauce to the desired consistency.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
• Blue cheese crumbles: Adds a pungent and salty flavor.

How to Make Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Fingers

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Coating Stations

1. If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness and cut them into strips.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Place the corn flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a food processor and pulse until coarsely crushed. Pour the crushed cornflakes into a large bowl.
4. Set up two more shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour and one with the beaten eggs and milk.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Fingers

1. Coat each chicken strip in the flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Dip the floured chicken strip in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Generously roll the chicken strip in the crushed cornflakes, pressing lightly to ensure they adhere.
4. Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken Fingers

1. Bake the chicken fingers for 10 minutes.
2. Turn each piece over and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Toss in Buffalo Sauce and Serve

1. Allow the chicken fingers to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet.
2. While the chicken is cooling, prepare the blue cheese dipping sauce (recipe below).
3. Carefully transfer the chicken fingers to a large bowl.
4. Pour the buffalo wing sauce over the chicken fingers and gently toss to coat.
5. Serve the chicken fingers warm with the blue cheese dipping sauce and celery sticks, if desired.

Step 5: Make the Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

1. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and blue cheese crumbles until well combined.

How to Serve

• Appetizer: Serve these Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Fingers with toothpicks, blue cheese dressing, and celery sticks for a game day or party appetizer.
• Main course: Pair them with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or french fries for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Snack: Enjoy them as a tasty and protein-packed snack any time of day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken fingers in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of coating?

Yes, you can substitute the crushed cornflakes with panko breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or even crushed tortilla chips.

Can I make these chicken fingers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken through step 4 and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before baking. You can also freeze the baked chicken fingers before tossing them in the buffalo sauce.

Can I freeze these chicken fingers?

Yes, you can freeze the baked chicken fingers. To reheat, bake them from frozen in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through, then coat them in the buffalo sauce.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce for extra heat.

Enjoy these crispy, flavorful, and healthier Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Fingers!

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