Buttermilk Pecan Chicken Fingers
Crispy chicken fingers coated with ground pecans and sesame seeds, baked to perfection; a flavorful, nutty twist suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut each chicken breast into 3 or 4 strips.
- Combine the flour, ground pecans, sesame seed, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the egg and buttermilk.
- Dip each chicken strip into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge into the flour mixture.
- Place melted butter in a jelly roll pan.
- Add the coated chicken strips to the pan, turning to coat with butter.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, consider adding panko breadcrumbs to the flour mixture. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To save time, use pre-cut chicken strips or tenders. Adjust the spices to your taste, perhaps adding garlic powder or cayenne for some heat.
Serving Suggestions
These Buttermilk Pecan Chicken Fingers are delicious served with a honey mustard dipping sauce or your favorite barbecue sauce. Pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside Easy Marinated Chicken(Microwave) or some crispy fries for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buttermilk Pecan Chicken Fingers contains roughly 244 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute ground pecans with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different flavor. Just ensure they are finely ground to maintain the coating's texture. Each nut will impart its own unique taste, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken fingers should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F when fully cooked. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check. If you don’t have one, cut into a thick piece to ensure there is no pink remaining in the middle.
Can I freeze the chicken fingers?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked chicken fingers after coating them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).