Brighten up your dinner table with these irresistibly crispy and flavorful Citrus Kissed Chicken Fingers! This oven-baked take on a family favorite combines tender strips of chicken with a zesty breadcrumb coating infused with the vibrant zest of fresh orange and lemon. Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and garlic powder add layers of savory depth, while olive oil spray ensures a golden, guilt-free crunch. Perfectly cooked in just 20 minutes, these chicken fingers are ideal for weeknight meals or casual gatherings. Serve them warm with a tangy citrus aioli or your favorite dipping sauce for a dish thatβs sure to please both kids and adults. Bursting with bright, fresh flavors and minimal prep time, this recipe is a must-try for any chicken lover!
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Cut the chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide to create finger-sized portions. Set aside.
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, orange zest, lemon zest, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Dredge each chicken strip in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
Place the breaded chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they donβt touch.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken fingers with olive oil spray. This will help them crisp up while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping the chicken fingers halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165Β°F/74Β°C).
Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard or a tangy citrus aioli!
Calories |
1434 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.6 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.2 g | 61% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 780 mg | 260% | |
| Sodium | 3533 mg | 154% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 94.5 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.0 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.8 g | ||
| Protein | 176.7 g | 353% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 427 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 11.9 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 1530 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.