Crispy Chinese Chicken Fingers

Crispy Chinese Chicken Fingers are golden, crunchy, and bursting with flavor. Coated in a light batter seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame seeds, these chicken tenders offer the perfect balance of crispiness and juicy interior.

Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, this homemade chicken fingers recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Paired with a sweet chili or soy-based dipping sauce, these crispy chicken fingers bring restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.

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Why These Chicken Fingers Stand Out

Unlike ordinary fried chicken tenders, this Chinese-inspired recipe features:

• A light, crunchy coating that stays crisp
• Juicy, tender chicken inside
• A subtle umami flavor from soy sauce and sesame seeds
• Quick preparation that doesn’t require hours of marination

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Ingredients

• 1½ pounds chicken tenders or chicken breast strips
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Optional: sweet chili sauce or soy dipping sauce

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
2. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Toss chicken in marinade for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

4. Place flour and cornstarch in a shallow dish and mix.
5. Beat eggs in a separate bowl.

Step 3: Coat Chicken

6. Dredge each chicken tender in flour mixture.
7. Dip in beaten egg, then coat again lightly with flour-cornstarch mix.
8. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the coated chicken.

Step 4: Fry

9. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
10. Fry chicken in batches for 3–5 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
11. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serve

12. Serve hot with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

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Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken

• Dry chicken before coating to ensure crispiness.
• Maintain oil temperature to avoid soggy fingers.
• Don’t overcrowd pan while frying.
• Use a wire rack to drain excess oil for extra crispiness.

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Variations

• Spicy Version: Add chili powder or sriracha to the flour mixture.
• Baked Option: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter version.
• Air Fryer: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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Serving Suggestions

Crispy Chinese Chicken Fingers pair well with:

• Steamed rice or fried rice
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Asian-style salads
• Sweet chili or soy-based dipping sauces
• Noodles for a full meal

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Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
• Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crunchy.

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Nutritional Highlights

• Lean protein from chicken tenders
• Lower fat than heavily breaded fried chicken if oil temperature is controlled
• Rich in flavor without needing heavy sauces or breading

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Final Thoughts

Crispy Chinese Chicken Fingers are a versatile, quick, and crowd-pleasing dish. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, snacks, or appetizers for parties. The crunchy exterior, tender chicken, and umami flavors make them a favorite for both kids and adults.