No Fry Chicken Fingers

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

Crispy, flavorful chicken fingers coated in crunchy noodle crumbs, perfect for a healthy, easy dinner or snack that appeals to all ages and tastes.

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Ingredients

  • 8 1/2 oz. can chow mein noodles
  • 1/2 cup nonfat buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt-free herb and spice blend
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 18 strips

Instructions

  1. Place noodles in the container of an electric blender or food processor and process until crumbs form.
  2. Transfer the noodle crumbs to a shallow dish and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, combine nonfat buttermilk, soy sauce, herb and spice blend, garlic powder, and pepper.
  4. Dip chicken strips into the buttermilk mixture, then coat with the noodle crumbs.
  5. Arrange coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the buttermilk mixture. If you don't have chow mein noodles, crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs can serve as a great substitute. For added moisture, marinate the chicken strips in the buttermilk mixture for 30 minutes before coating. This dish pairs beautifully with Lemon Shortbread for dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these no-fry chicken fingers with a side of your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue sauce. They pair well with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, serve them alongside American recipes like coleslaw or potato wedges for added crunch and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken fingers on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain their crispy texture while warming them.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of No Fry Chicken Fingers contains roughly 41 calories, with 3g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

41 kcal 2% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.3g 7% DV
Total Fat 0.7g 1% DV
Carbs 6.6g 2% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 1.6g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 293.7mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.2mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 49.8mg 55% DV
Calcium 14.9mg 1% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit High-protein Keto-friendly Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten Soy

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 frozen chicken strips for this recipe?

While you can use frozen chicken strips, it's best to thaw them first to ensure even cooking. You may need to adjust the baking time based on their thickness. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

How can I make these chicken fingers gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute chow mein noodles with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal. Always check the labels on the buttermilk and soy sauce for gluten-free options to ensure the entire dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I bake these chicken fingers in an air fryer?

Yes, you can air fry these chicken fingers! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken strips in a single layer for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method will yield a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside.

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).

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