Baked Black Pepper Ranch Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard
Who doesn’t love chicken fingers? They’re crispy, juicy, and perfect for any occasion. Today, we’re putting a twist on the classic with Baked Black Pepper Ranch Chicken Fingers, paired with a homemade honey mustard sauce. These chicken fingers are not only delicious but also healthier since they’re baked, not fried. Plus, the black pepper ranch flavor adds a unique kick that’ll have everyone reaching for more.
Preparation
Prepping the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
Prepping the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, black pepper, and half of the ranch seasoning mix. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and the remaining ranch seasoning mix.
Making the Honey Mustard Sauce
Mixing the Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth.
Adjusting Flavors
Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. You can also adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or mustard to suit your taste.
Coating the Chicken
Dipping in Flour Mixture
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Dipping in Egg Mixture
Dip the floured chicken tenders into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are well-coated.
Dipping in Breadcrumb Mixture
Finally, coat the chicken tenders with the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Baking the Chicken Fingers
Arranging on Baking Sheet
Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Baking Time and Temperature
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
Tips for Even Baking
For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken fingers for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
Serving Suggestions
Best Sides to Serve with Chicken Fingers
Serve these delicious chicken fingers with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or some steamed vegetables.
Presentation Tips
Arrange the chicken fingers on a platter with a small bowl of honey mustard sauce in the center for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips for Maintaining Crispiness
To reheat, place the chicken fingers on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Healthier Alternatives
Substituting Ingredients for a Healthier Version
For a healthier version, use whole wheat flour and panko breadcrumbs, and opt for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce.
Baking vs Frying
Baking these chicken fingers reduces the fat content compared to traditional frying methods, making them a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Conclusion
These Baked Black Pepper Ranch Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard are sure to be a hit at your next meal. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and healthier than their fried counterparts. Give this recipe a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
Can I use a different sauce? Absolutely! These chicken fingers pair well with barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or even a creamy ranch dip.
How do I make the chicken fingers extra crispy? For extra crispiness, make sure to use panko breadcrumbs and consider broiling them for the last few minutes of baking.
Can I freeze the chicken fingers? Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to reheat them? Reheat the chicken fingers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to maintain their crispiness.
Can I make these chicken fingers gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Baked Black Pepper Ranch Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard
Who doesn't love chicken fingers? They're crispy, juicy, and perfect for any occasion. Today, we're putting a twist on the classic with Baked Black Pepper Ranch Chicken Fingers, paired with a homemade honey mustard sauce. These chicken fingers are not only delicious but also healthier since they're baked, not fried. Plus, the black pepper ranch flavor adds a unique kick that’ll have everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups finely crushed corn flakes
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat, or all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon dried chives
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 1 teaspoon each garlic and onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or chipotle chile powder, use more or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt black pepper
- extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
- chopped fresh chives or parsley, for serving
- HONEY MUSTARD
- 1/4 cup dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- juice of 1/2 a lemon, plus additional wedges for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
1. Add the chicken to a gallon size zip top bag. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken. Toss well to coat.
2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
3. Add the corn flake crumbs, flour, parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch each of pepper to a medium sized bowl. Stir to combine.
4. Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, and dredge through the crumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the chicken has been used. Make sure not to crowd your pan, if necessary use two baking sheets. Lightly brush/drizzle the chicken with olive oil. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, make the honey mustard sauce. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar and shake or whisk until smooth and creamy.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 855