Tired of boring, greasy chicken fingers that leave you feeling guilty? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with these incredible Baked Flaxseed Chicken Fingers that are not just mouth-wateringly delicious, but also pack a serious nutritional punch! Imagine crispy, golden-brown chicken strips that are actually good for you - sounds too good to be true? This recipe is about to become your new weeknight superhero, transforming the classic comfort food into a protein-packed, nutrient-rich meal that both kids and adults will absolutely devour.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup flaxseed meal
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine flaxseed meal, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create an even coating mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg until well blended and smooth.
- Pat chicken breast strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better.
- Dip each chicken strip first into the beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage, then immediately roll in the flaxseed-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make the coating stick evenly.
- Arrange the coated chicken fingers on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the coating to set and juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as honey mustard, ranch, or marinara.
Tips
- Pat chicken strips completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and better coating adhesion.
- Use fresh flaxseed meal for the best flavor and nutritional benefits - it adds a subtle nutty taste and extra crunch.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; leave space between chicken fingers for even, crispy browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different spices in your coating like smoked paprika, dried herbs, or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Let chicken rest after baking to help the coating set and juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- Prep a double batch and freeze uncooked breaded strips for quick future meals - just add a few extra minutes to cooking time when baking from frozen.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
