5 Easy Bisquick Chicken Finger Recipes You'll Love
Bisquick, originally introduced by General Mills, has become a pantry staple for many due to its versatility in creating an assortment of quick and delicious dishes. From pancakes to pie crusts, this mix has truly revolutionized home cooking. One of the delightful applications of Bisquick is in making chicken fingers. These crispy, flavorful treats can be easily prepared, making them a perfect go-to meal for families, quick dinners, or even special occasions. Here, we dive into five easy Bisquick chicken finger recipes that you'll absolutely love.
Bisquick Chicken Fingers – The Classic Recipe
Starting with the basics, this recipe is as simple as it gets, yet it delivers on taste and texture.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups Bisquick mix
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 egg
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into finger-size strips
- Oil for frying
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix Bisquick, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Combine water and egg in another bowl.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat with the Bisquick mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken fingers until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
🔍 Note: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature to avoid soggy or overly greasy chicken fingers.
Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken Fingers
For those who enjoy a bit of heat with some sweetness, this recipe tweaks the classic by introducing spicy honey mustard sauce for dipping or glazing.
- Ingredients:
- Ingredients from the Classic Recipe
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Instructions:
- Follow the instructions for the Classic Recipe to prepare the chicken fingers.
- Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper to create the sauce. Optionally, use this mixture to dip the cooked chicken fingers or brush it over the chicken during the last minute of frying for a spicy glaze.
Herbed Parmesan Chicken Fingers
Incorporating herbs and Parmesan cheese, this recipe takes chicken fingers to a more gourmet level.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups Bisquick mix
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- Oil for frying
- Instructions:
- Mix Bisquick, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. In another bowl, combine buttermilk and egg.
- Coat chicken strips in egg mixture, then in Bisquick mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Fry as in the Classic Recipe, ensuring a golden crust.
Baked Bisquick Chicken Fingers
For a healthier option, baking chicken fingers can give you that crunch without the deep fry.
- Ingredients:
- Same as the Classic Recipe, except for the oil.
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet.
- Follow the breading process as before, then place chicken strips on the rack.
- Bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until fully cooked and crispy.
🔍 Note: Using a wire rack allows for air circulation, ensuring all sides of the chicken fingers crisp up nicely.
Pickle-Brined Bisquick Chicken Fingers
This unique recipe uses pickle juice as a brine to tenderize and flavor the chicken, creating a surprising and delicious twist on chicken fingers.
- Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 cup pickle juice (from jar of dill pickles)
- 2 cups Bisquick mix
- 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- Oil for frying
- Instructions:
- Soak chicken in pickle juice for at least an hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Remove chicken from brine, pat dry. Bread as per Classic Recipe, adding dill weed and garlic powder to the mix.
- Fry until golden brown. The pickle brine gives a tangy flavor and tenderizes the chicken.
These Bisquick chicken finger recipes offer something for everyone, from classic flavors to more adventurous twists. Each recipe is straightforward, making it easy to whip up a batch for a quick dinner, a fun snack, or even an impressive appetizer for guests. With the simplicity of Bisquick, the possibilities for creating delightful chicken fingers are endless, encouraging you to experiment with flavors, seasonings, and cooking methods. Whether you're baking for health reasons or frying for that perfect crisp, these recipes showcase the versatility of this pantry staple, ensuring your kitchen adventures are always flavorful and enjoyable.
Can I make these chicken fingers ahead of time?
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Yes, you can bread the chicken fingers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also cook them and then reheat them in an oven at 375°F until crispy again.
What are some good dipping sauces for chicken fingers?
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Besides classic options like ketchup or ranch, try honey mustard, spicy mayo, barbecue sauce, or even a creamy garlic and dill dip for something different.
How do I ensure the coating sticks well to the chicken?
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Make sure the chicken is completely dry before breading. Also, letting the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes on a rack before frying or baking can help the coating adhere better.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
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Yes, you can use a gluten-free Bisquick alternative available in stores or make your own blend using cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and your choice of seasonings.
Can I bake all these recipes instead of frying?
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Absolutely, you can bake these recipes at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness. The texture will differ slightly from frying but will still be delicious.