Best Crispy Baked Chicken Fingers (With Panko)

This baked chicken fingers recipe uses a simple batter trick that makes the crunchy coating stick better than the messy traditional egg, flour, bread crumbs technique - for crispier chicken in the oven. The result is juicy chicken with a crisp golden crust and way less mess than frying.

Once you learn this technique for baking chicken strips in the oven, you may never make them any other way.

👩‍🍳 Key Ingredients

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken tenders or use breasts and cut them into strips. Or thin-sliced breasts halved. You could also use boneless, skinless thighs.
• Bread Crumbs: Why use Panko? Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crunchier coating with bigger flakes, while regular breadcrumbs give chicken tenders a finer, more dense crust that's softer and more uniform. Both work.
• Parmesan: Parmesan melts into the breadcrumbs and creates an extra crispy crust when baking chicken strips in the oven.
• Mayonnaise: Help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken while also adding moisture, which keeps the tenders juicy and browns nicely.
• Dijon: Add a tablespoon of mustard for a little tang.

Substitutions

• Mayonnaise: Sub any of these for the Mayo.
  • Greek yogurt - similar tang and moisture, lighter than mayo.
  • Buttermilk - helps breadcrumbs stick and tenderizes the chicken.
  • Sour cream - creamy and keeps chicken moist.
  • Dijon mustard - good binder with a little flavor boost.
• Parmesan: Pro Tip: Not all Parmesan is created equal, so don't be fooled. Parmesan is a general term for similar cheeses, while Parmigiano-Reggiano is the authentic Italian version made under strict regulations and typically has a deeper, nuttier flavor. Pecorino Romano can replace the Parmesan if needed.
• Bread Crumbs: Use Panko for a light crunchy coating. You can also use regular bread crumbs, crushed Ritz or saltines, which also work for these oven-baked chicken strips.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce at the end.

Additions: Dipping Sauces

• • Hot Honey Recipe: Here are recipes for Hot Honey that are from scratch and a semi-homemade version.
• • Honey Mustard Recipe: Combine ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoon dijon mustard, 2 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt and pepper.
• • Your favorite BBQ sauce.
• • A squeeze of lemon: Surprisingly delish!
• • The Best Ranch Dressing Recipe: You'll never buy it again.

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup buttermilk (may sub regular milk)
• 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried chives
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ⅓ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt +more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon finely cracked pepper
• 1-3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste. Combine ingredients and adjust to taste.

How to make Buffalo Chicken Strips

🔥 To make these buffalo style, after baking, toss the chicken in buffalo sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese.

This is the fastest way to turn this baked chicken fingers recipe into buffalo chicken strips.

• Set a platter of crispy chicken tenders in the center and surround it with bowls of sauces and a few easy sides. Guests can mix, dip, and build their own plates.-
• Toast the panko early: Toast the panko up to 3 days ahead and store in an airtight container. This saves time and keeps the breading extra crispy.
• Bread the chicken ahead: Coat the chicken in batter and panko, then place on a wire rack over a sheet pan. Cover lightly and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking.
• Keep warm for a party_ If guests are arriving in waves, keep the tenders warm on a rack in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes.
• Make Sauces early in the week.

✅ Baked Chicken Fingers FAQ

And be sure to check out these other Chicken Dishes!

If you make these Baked Chicken Fingers, I'd love to know! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @Lauren_Lane_Culinarian - I always reshare your creations.