If you’re craving a crispy, flavorful chicken treat that’s incredibly easy to whip up, then you absolutely need to try the Bisquick Ultimate Chicken Fingers Recipe. This dish takes simple ingredients and transforms them into golden, juicy chicken fingers that are perfect for a family dinner or a casual snack. With a crunchy Parmesan and Bisquick coating that locks in all the juiciness, this recipe has become a go-to for anyone who loves comfort food with a homemade touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Bisquick Ultimate Chicken Fingers Recipe is straightforward and fun. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the tender chicken to the flavorful coating, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned and satisfyingly crispy.
- 1½ lb chicken tenderloins: These are naturally tender, making them perfect for quick cooking and juicy results.
- ⅔ cup Bisquick: This versatile mix provides a light, crispy coating that browns beautifully in the oven.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor and enhances the crispiness of the crust.
- 1 tsp garlic salt: Brings a punch of garlicky goodness that infuses the coating with irresistible aroma and taste.
- ½ tsp paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the crust.
- 1 large egg (slightly beaten): Acts as the glue for the coating, helping it stick perfectly to each chicken strip.
- Pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle heat and balances the seasoning wonderfully.
- Cooking spray: Ensures the coating crisps up without sticking to the baking sheet, promoting even browning.
How to Make Bisquick Ultimate Chicken Fingers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 450ºF, which will help achieve that perfect crispy exterior. Line a cookie sheet with foil for easy clean-up, then spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and encourage crisping.
Step 2: Mix Your Coating
In a shallow dish, combine Bisquick, grated Parmesan, garlic salt, and paprika. This flavorful mixture will create the delicious crust that makes the Bisquick Ultimate Chicken Fingers Recipe so memorable.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Season your chicken tenderloins lightly with salt and pepper to boost their natural flavor without overpowering the coating.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Strips
Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s well coated. Then dredge it in the Bisquick mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks evenly. Place each coated strip carefully on the prepared cookie sheet and spray them lightly with cooking spray to encourage browning.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your chicken fingers for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. This quick bake will leave you with juicy, tender chicken encased in a crust that’s perfectly golden and crisp.
How to Serve Bisquick Ultimate Chicken Fingers Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a dash of lemon zest over the chicken fingers for a fresh pop of color and zesty brightness. A side of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of honey mustard also complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These chicken fingers pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy French fries, creamy coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a healthier touch, roasted vegetables or a light cucumber salad balance the hearty chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken fingers on a wooden platter lined with parchment paper for a rustic look. You can also stack them in small baskets or layer them on skewers for a fun finger-food style presentation. Offering a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or spicy sriracha mayo turns this simple dish into an interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover chicken fingers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty and moist for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled chicken fingers on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy the Bisquick Ultimate Chicken Fingers Recipe anytime for up to 2 months without losing that special crispy texture.
Reheating
Reheat your chicken fingers in a preheated oven at 375ºF for about 10 minutes or until crispy and heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy. Reheating in the oven revives that irresistible crunch and warm, juicy center.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, you can slice chicken breasts into strips and use them just like tenderloins. Just be mindful to cook them thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165ºF to stay safe and juicy.
Is Bisquick necessary for this recipe?
Bisquick is key to achieving that signature crispy and golden coating in this recipe. While you could substitute with other biscuit or pancake mixes, Bisquick offers the perfect balance of flavor and texture here.
Can I make these gluten-free?
To make the recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick. Just ensure the substitutes have similar texture and leavening to keep the chicken fingers crispy and delightful.
What dipping sauces go best with this dish?
Classic options like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce are fantastic. For a twist, try spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy garlic aioli to elevate the flavor profile.
How can I make the chicken fingers extra crispy?
Spraying the coated chicken with cooking spray before baking helps immensely, along with baking at a high temperature like 450ºF. For extra crunch, you can also briefly broil them at the end of baking, but watch them closely to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been on the lookout for a reliable, drool-worthy chicken finger recipe that’s quick and fuss-free, the Bisquick Ultimate Chicken Fingers Recipe is about to become your new favorite. From the first crisp bite to the juicy tender meat inside, this recipe never fails to impress. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this deliciously comforting dish—you really won’t regret it!
Print
Bisquick Ultimate Chicken Fingers Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful, these Bisquick Ultimate Chicken Fingers are an easy-to-make oven-baked recipe perfect for a quick dinner or snack. Coated with a cheesy, seasoned Bisquick mixture and baked to golden perfection, they deliver tender, juicy chicken with a satisfyingly crunchy crust.
Ingredients
Chicken Fingers
- 1½ lb chicken tenderloins
- ⅔ cup Bisquick
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 large egg (slightly beaten)
- Pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 450ºF. Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray it thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and help crisp the chicken.
- Prepare the coating mixture: In a shallow plate or dish, combine the Bisquick, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and paprika. Mix these dry ingredients well to create a flavorful breading for the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Lightly season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper on both sides to add basic seasoning before breading.
- Coat the chicken: Place the slightly beaten egg in another shallow dish. Dip each chicken strip first into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the Bisquick mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well. Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared cookie sheet and spray each piece lightly with cooking spray to help with browning and crispness.
- Bake the chicken fingers: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF and the coating is golden and crispy. Remove from oven and serve hot.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF for safety.
- For extra crunch, you can spray the chicken with additional cooking spray halfway through baking.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce for added flavor.
- For a lower sodium version, reduce the garlic salt or substitute with garlic powder and add salt to taste.
- Chicken tenderloins are preferred for even cooking and tenderness, but chicken breast cut into strips can also be used.
