Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe That You Will Follow

Picture this: crispy, golden-brown chicken steak fingers that are juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, each bite delivering that perfect combination of savory flavor and satisfying crunch. If you’ve ever craved something that feels like comfort food with a twist, this recipe is for you. Trust me, you’re going to love this one—it’s like the ultimate finger food, but with an upgrade!

These classic chicken fried steak fingers are all about that crispy coating and tender, seasoned chicken that practically melts in your mouth. Imagine sinking your teeth into these bad boys, and then dunking them into your favorite dipping sauce…heaven. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as a party snack, these chicken fried steak fingers will steal the show. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

This recipe isn’t just about putting together some ingredients—it’s about creating an experience. From the moment the chicken hits the hot oil, the whole kitchen will be filled with the mouthwatering aroma that makes everyone gather around to see what’s cooking. Here’s why this dish is sure to be your new favorite:

Versatile

These crispy chicken steak fingers are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family dinner or a get-together with friends. They’re even great as an appetizer at your next gathering. Just imagine the compliments when you pull these out of the oven! Plus, the kids will love them, and let’s be real, they’re the ultimate finger food for just about any gathering.

Budget-Friendly

No need for fancy, expensive ingredients here. These chicken fingers are made with items that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. It’s the kind of recipe you can make when you want something flavorful but don’t want to spend too much. Great for when you want to stretch your budget without compromising on taste.

Quick and Easy

If you’re not into complicated recipes, this one is a dream. It’s straightforward and doesn’t require any special skills in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have crispy, golden chicken fingers that everyone will rave about. Plus, they’re ready in no time, so no stress involved!

Customizable

Feel free to tweak the seasoning to your heart’s content. Want a spicy kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or some smoked paprika. Prefer a more mild version? No problem! These chicken fingers can easily be adjusted to fit anyone’s taste.

Crowd-Pleasing

It’s always a win when you have a recipe that pleases everyone, from the kids to the adults. These chicken fried steak fingers are crispy, savory, and downright delicious—making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients in Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

Here’s the magic of this dish: it’s made with simple ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed punch. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Breast

The star of the show. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are sliced into strips, making them the perfect finger-food size. When coated and fried, they become crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

Buttermilk

This ingredient is key to achieving that tender, flavorful chicken. Soak your chicken strips in buttermilk to help the coating stick better and add moisture that will keep each bite juicy.

Seasoned Flour

A mix of flour and a blend of seasonings is what makes the coating so irresistible. This seasoned flour gives the chicken a crunchy exterior packed with flavor. You can make it as spicy or mild as you like—your choice!

Salt & Pepper

The simplest seasonings that make all the difference. Salt enhances the flavors, and pepper adds just the right amount of kick to each crispy bite.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this crispy, golden masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by heating your oil in a large frying pan or skillet to about 350°F. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes perfectly crispy.

Prepare Your Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts into strips—these are your steak fingers! Place the chicken strips in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes. This step ensures that the chicken will be juicy on the inside once cooked.

Prepare Your Coating

In a separate bowl, mix together your flour, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you desire. Make sure to coat the flour mixture generously. This is where all the crunchiness comes from, so don’t skip this step!

Dredge the Chicken

Take each chicken strip and dip it into the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a nice, thick coating. Make sure every strip is evenly coated. The more coating, the crispier the result—so go for it!

Fry the Chicken

Once your chicken is coated, carefully drop the strips into the hot oil. Fry them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Finishing Touches

Once the chicken is fried to perfection, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. This will keep them crispy for longer!

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your chicken fried steak fingers hot with your favorite dipping sauces—think ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. These crispy bites will have everyone coming back for more!

How to Serve Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

These chicken fried steak fingers are great all on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving them:

Fresh Salads

Pair them with a crisp green salad, maybe with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken.

Crusty Bread

Serve with some warm, crusty bread to help soak up any extra dipping sauce!

Creamy Dips

These chicken fingers are perfect with creamy dips—think ranch, creamy BBQ sauce, or even a spicy buffalo dip for a little extra heat.

Vegetable Sides

Roasted vegetables like carrots or zucchini make a healthy, colorful accompaniment to these crispy chicken fingers.

As a Standalone

Sometimes, these chicken fingers are hearty enough to be the star of the meal all on their own! Simply garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan for a little extra flair.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make sure your chicken fried steak fingers turn out perfect every time:

Prep Ahead

Prep your chicken and dry ingredients ahead of time to save yourself some stress when it’s time to cook.

Spice It Up

Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture if you like a bit of heat.

Dietary Adjustments

To make these chicken fingers gluten-free, simply swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain their crispy texture!

Double the Batch

If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe! These chicken fingers freeze well too, so you can have a ready-made snack or meal for later.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute chicken breasts with another type of meat?
A1: Yes! You can use chicken thighs for a juicier bite or even try pork for a twist on this classic.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can prep the chicken and the flour mixture the night before. Just fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze the cooked chicken fingers in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag or container for easy storage. To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through and crispy.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat these chicken fingers?
A5: For the crispiest result, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just make sure you have enough room in the frying pan and a larger plate for all the deliciousness.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
A7: Yes! Simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour mix and you’re good to go.

Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: Try mashed potatoes, a simple green salad, or even some sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: You can bake the chicken fingers instead of frying them for a lighter option. You can also serve with more veggies on the side.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A cast iron skillet is perfect for frying chicken—it retains heat well and helps ensure a crispy coating.

Conclusion

This recipe for classic chicken fried steak fingers is sure to become a go-to favorite in your household. With a crispy, flavorful exterior and tender chicken inside, it’s a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy these golden bites of joy—your taste buds are in for a treat!

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Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe That You Will Follow

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  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
  • Method: Frying, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American (Southern)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These crispy and flavorful Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are the ultimate comfort food! Tender strips of steak are coated in a seasoned breading, fried to golden perfection, and served with a creamy gravy. Perfect for a hearty meal or game-day snack


Ingredients

Scale
  1. For the Chicken Fried Steak Fingers:

    • 1 lb cube steak (or tenderized round steak), cut into fingers (about 1-inch wide strips)
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 large eggs, beaten
    • 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
    • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs for a different texture)
    • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

    For the Gravy:

    1. 2 tablespoons butter
    2. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    3. 1 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
    4. Salt and pepper to taste
    5. A pinch of garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Steak Fingers:
    In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
    In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
    Place panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.

  • Dredge the Steak Fingers:
    Dip each piece of steak into the flour mixture, coating it completely. Then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well.

  • Fry the Steak Fingers:
    Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F/175°C), carefully add the steak fingers to the pan in batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy.
    Remove the steak fingers from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  • Make the Gravy:
    In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
    Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
    Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
    Bring the gravy to a simmer, and cook for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
    Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor if desired.

 

  • Serve:
    Serve the chicken fried steak fingers hot with a generous pour of the creamy gravy on top or on the side for dipping.


Notes

  • For extra crispy steak fingers, use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko.
  • If you prefer a spicier gravy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite vegetables for a full meal.

 

  • You can make the steak fingers ahead of time and reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: ~450 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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