Crispy Homemade Chicken Fingers

Ingredients

Chicken Strips

• 1 1/2 - 2 pounds chicken tenders trimmed of fat
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour divided
• 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup butter melted, for baked method
• Vegetable oil for frying, about 2 inches

Instructions

Frying Instructions:

1. Add in about 2 inches of oil to a deep skillet. Heat over medium heat until oil reaches 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a shallow dish or pie plate, add in 1/2 cup flour. In a separate dish, beat together egg and milk. In a 3rd dish, combine 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 cup flour, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika.
3. Working one at a time, dip chicken tenders into the plain flour and shake off excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, and then into the breadcrumb/flour mixture. Make sure to coat thoroughly. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving a small amount of space between each strip.
4. Place about 3-4 strips into the preheated oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Work in batches to not crowd the pan until all are fried. Place on a paper towel lined plate or baking sheet to let excess oil drain off.
5. Serve chicken strips hot with dipping sauce.

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a shallow dish or pie plate, add in 1/2 cup flour. In a separate dish, beat together egg and milk. In a 3rd dish, combine 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 cup flour, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika.
3. Working one at a time, dip chicken tenders into the plain flour and shake off excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, and then into the breadcrumb/flour mixture. Make sure to coat thoroughly. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving a small amount of space between each strip.
4. Drizzle with melted butter and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
5. Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air Fryer Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Prepare chicken as you would to fry. Then place chicken on tray, spray with cooking oil and cook 5-6 minutes on each side, (10-12 minutes total) until the chicken is cooked through and crispy and golden on the outside.
3. Work in batches so that you don't crowd the air fryer.