Parmesan chicken fingers

Parmesan Chicken Fingers Recipe - Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 10-12 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Parmesan chicken fingers are a delicious and crispy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. These chicken strips are coated in a flavorful mixture of buttermilk, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, then baked to perfection. They are a great option for a family-friendly dinner or a tasty appetizer for a party.

History

The recipe for Parmesan chicken fingers is a modern twist on traditional chicken fingers. While chicken fingers have been a popular dish for many years, the addition of Parmesan cheese and seasonings adds a new level of flavor to this classic recipe. This updated version of chicken fingers has become a favorite for many home cooks looking for a simple and delicious meal option.

Ingredients

Buttermilk Substitute

0.33 cup buttermilk or
0.33 cup milk, plus
2 tsp vinegar
0.75 tsp Liquid red-pepper seasoning

Chicken Strips

1 lb (454 g) Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 0.25" strips

How to prepare

1.75 cups of no-fat saltine cracker crumbs
1 tsp of paprika
0.5 tsp of salt
2 tsp of grated parmesan
2. Stir together buttermilk, garlic, and red-pepper seasoning in a large bowl.
3. Add chicken and toss until evenly coated.
4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Prepare the coating by combining cracker crumbs, paprika, salt, and 1 tsp of Parmesan cheese in a pie plate.
6. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat it with nonstick spray.
7. Drain the chicken and dip it in the coating, tossing to coat.
8. Arrange the coated chicken on the baking sheet.
9. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.
10. (This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month ahead. Freeze the chicken on the baking sheet, then place it in a freezer food-storage bag and seal).
11. To serve: bake the chicken in a preheated 450°F (232°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until it is no longer pink in the center.
12. To bake frozen chicken: bake it in a preheated 450°F (232°C) oven for 12 minutes or until it is no longer pink in the center.
13. Per serving: 198 calories, 29 g protein, 2 g fat, 14 g carbohydrate, 555 mg sodium, 69 mg cholesterol.

Variations

Add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the coating mixture for extra flavor.
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of saltine cracker crumbs for a lighter and crispier coating.
Substitute chicken thighs or tenders for the chicken breasts for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes to ensure that it is tender and flavorful.

- Use a combination of saltine cracker crumbs, paprika, and Parmesan cheese for a crispy and flavorful coating.

- For a healthier option, bake the chicken fingers instead of frying them.

- Serve the chicken fingers with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Parmesan chicken fingers with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Pair them with a salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the chicken fingers in a preheated 450°F (232°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are no longer pink in the center. For frozen chicken fingers, bake them for 12 minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by combining 0.33 cup of milk with 2 teaspoons of vinegar. You can also use regular milk or yogurt as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken fingers ahead of time and freeze them for up to 1 month. Simply freeze the coated chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, bake the frozen chicken fingers in a preheated oven.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Parmesan chicken fingers on a platter with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a colorful and appetizing presentation. You can also garnish them with grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Parmesan chicken fingers with a side of pasta or rice for a hearty meal. Serve them with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced and nutritious dinner.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Parmesan chicken fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven or toaster oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Parmesan chicken fingers contains 198 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Parmesan chicken fingers contains 14 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Parmesan chicken fingers contains 2 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Parmesan chicken fingers contains 29 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Parmesan chicken fingers are a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Parmesan chicken fingers contain dairy (Parmesan cheese) and gluten (saltine cracker crumbs).

Summary

Parmesan chicken fingers are a nutritious and delicious meal option that is high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates.

Summary

Parmesan chicken fingers are a tasty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a crispy coating of saltine cracker crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, these chicken strips are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them as a main course or appetizer for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Parmesan chicken fingers. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was rummaging through old cookbooks that I had collected over the years. As I flipped through the pages, a worn and stained piece of paper fell out from between the pages of a cookbook that belonged to my mother.

The recipe was handwritten in faded ink, and the words "Parmesan Chicken Fingers" caught my eye. I had never heard of such a dish before, but the ingredients listed seemed simple enough. Chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a few spices were all that was needed to create this delicious-sounding dish.

I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients and prepping the chicken. As I pounded the chicken breasts flat and coated them in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, I couldn't help but wonder where this recipe had come from. It seemed like such a unique and flavorful dish, and I was eager to taste the end result.

As the chicken fingers baked in the oven, the delicious aroma filled my kitchen. I could hardly wait for them to finish cooking so that I could finally taste the fruits of my labor. When the timer finally went off, I pulled the golden-brown chicken fingers out of the oven and plated them up for tasting.

The first bite was pure bliss. The chicken was tender and juicy, with a crispy, cheesy coating that melted in my mouth. The flavors of the Parmesan cheese and spices complemented each other perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

I knew that I had stumbled upon a gem of a recipe, one that would become a regular in my cooking rotation. I made a mental note to share it with my family and friends, knowing that they would love it just as much as I did.

Over the years, I have made these Parmesan chicken fingers countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my tastes. Sometimes I add a bit more garlic powder for an extra kick, or swap out the breadcrumbs for panko crumbs for a crunchier coating.

I have also shared the recipe with others, passing it down to my children and grandchildren, who have all fallen in love with it just as I did. It has become a family favorite, a dish that we all look forward to enjoying together whenever we gather for a meal.

As I look back on that rainy afternoon when I first discovered the recipe for Parmesan chicken fingers, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey it has taken me on. It has sparked a love for cooking and experimenting in the kitchen, and has brought joy and delicious meals to my family and friends.

I may never know where this recipe originated from, but I am grateful for the person who first wrote it down and shared it with the world. It has become a cherished part of my cooking repertoire, a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart. And every time I make it, I am reminded of the power of curiosity and the joy that comes from discovering something new and delicious.