Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! These golden, crunchy chicken fingers aren't just another boring meal - they're a perfect harmony of crispy texture, vibrant flavors, and restaurant-quality deliciousness that you can easily create right in your own kitchen. With a tantalizing mango dipping sauce and gingered vegetables, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the chicken breast into strips, ensuring they are of uniform size for even cooking. Dice the ripe mango and set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, beat the two eggs. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs. This will create your breading station.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Take each chicken strip and coat it in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the chicken strip in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place the coated chicken fingers on the prepared baking sheet.
- Once all the chicken strips are breaded, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken fingers are golden brown and cooked through, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the mango dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the diced mango and lime juice. Mash the mixture lightly with a fork until it reaches your desired consistency. You can leave it chunky or make it smoother, depending on your preference.
- Next, prepare the gingered veggies. In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Once hot, add the mixed vegetables and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the minced ginger to the skillet with the vegetables and continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the chicken fingers are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute before serving.
- To serve, plate the crispy chicken fingers alongside the gingered veggies and the mango dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F for that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
- Breading Technique: Create a smooth breading process by using the "dry-wet-dry" method - flour, eggs, then breadcrumbs - to achieve maximum crunch.
- Even Sizing: Cut chicken strips uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from being over or undercooked.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between chicken fingers on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation and maintain crispiness.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use ripe mangoes for the sauce and fresh ginger for the most vibrant flavors.
- Flipping Trick: Halfway through baking, flip the chicken fingers to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Let Them Rest: Allow chicken fingers to rest for a minute after baking to help retain their juiciness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 150mg
