Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! These Ham Wrapped Chicken Fingers are not just another recipe – they're a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Imagine tender chicken hugged by crispy, savory ham, then dipped into a tantalizing apricot mustard sauce that will make your mouth water. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a gourmet meal that's surprisingly easy to make, this recipe is your golden ticket to mouthwatering perfection.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 8 slices ham
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken fingers cook evenly and get a nice golden color.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken fingers from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- In a small bowl, combine the apricot preserves and Dijon mustard. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. Set aside about half of this sauce for serving later.
- Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor.
- Take a slice of ham and lay it flat on a clean surface. Place a seasoned chicken tender at one end of the ham slice.
- Carefully roll the ham around the chicken tender, making sure the chicken is fully wrapped. Repeat this process for all chicken tenders and ham slices.
- Place the ham-wrapped chicken fingers on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. This will help keep them from unrolling during cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the ham is slightly crispy. You can check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken fingers are baking, you can prepare your serving plate. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the ham-wrapped chicken fingers warm, accompanied by the apricot mustard dipping sauce you set aside earlier. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose high-quality chicken tenders and ham for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure to wrap the ham tightly around the chicken to prevent unraveling during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- For extra crispiness, you can briefly broil the chicken fingers for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Prepare the apricot mustard sauce ahead of time to let the flavors meld together.
- If you want a lighter version, you can use turkey ham or prosciutto as alternatives.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and nice crispy edges.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juiciness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
