Deliciously Healthy Baked Chicken Fingers with Almond-Herb Crust: Your New Go-To Easy Dinner
Baked Chicken Fingers featuring a delectable almond-herb crust are more than just a meal; they’re my absolute favorite way to enjoy chicken and my ultimate easy dinner solution! This recipe consistently delivers incredible flavor while remaining healthy and satisfying. Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with this scrumptious dish.
Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle, One Delicious Meal at a Time
My approach to eating isn’t about fleeting diet trends, but rather a consistent effort to nourish my body with wholesome, delicious food. However, there was a time, several years ago, when the South Beach Diet was all the rage, and I found myself diving deep into its principles. I invested in a stack of books and cookbooks, eager to learn and experiment. While my initial fervor eventually waned (as diet fads often do, right?), many of the recipes I discovered during that period have remained cherished staples in my kitchen.
This particular baked chicken fingers recipe is a prime example. It draws inspiration from one of those early diet cookbooks but has been lovingly tweaked and refined over the years to become uniquely my own. It’s not just a healthy meal; it’s a proven family favorite, one that my boys regularly request, making it a reliable winner in our dinner rotation.
The Secret to Irresistible Baked Chicken Fingers: Quality Ingredients and a Flavorful Crust
For these mouth-watering Baked Chicken Fingers, I always reach for high-quality chicken, specifically Foster Farms Simply Raised chicken. I prefer to cut the chicken breasts into uniform “fingers” or cutlets, which ensures even cooking and perfect portion sizes. The real magic, however, lies in the crunchy, aromatic coating. This special crust is a harmonious blend of ground almonds, wholesome bread crumbs, savory Parmesan cheese, and a mix of fragrant herbs.
What truly elevates this crust is its sheer simplicity and flavor. Preparing it is a breeze thanks to the food processor, eliminating the need for tedious chopping or mincing. You simply toss all the dry ingredients into the processor, give it a few pulses until everything is finely combined, and then you’re ready to coat your chicken. This method saves precious time and effort, making homemade, healthy meals accessible even on busy weeknights.
The result is a culinary delight: an exterior that boasts a satisfying crunch, perfectly complementing the tender, juicy interior of the chicken. Each bite is packed with so much flavor that it almost feels indulgent, a delightful deception for a dish that is inherently healthy. My children, in their innocence, are often convinced they’re enjoying a treat like fried chicken, which is a testament to how truly delicious and satisfying this baked alternative is.
Why Foster Farms Stands Out: Quality and Community Impact
When it comes to poultry, Foster Farms chicken is consistently my top choice. Their dedication to quality is evident, having proudly produced locally grown poultry for an impressive 76 years. This long-standing commitment ensures fresh, reliable chicken for families across the West Coast.
Fighting Food Insecurity Together
Beyond their commitment to providing high-quality food, Foster Farms is deeply invested in addressing critical community needs. They have forged a vital partnership with the California Association of Food Banks to combat food insecurity and raise crucial awareness about the desperate need for more protein donations. Protein is consistently identified as one of the most underserved, yet highly coveted, items at food banks. Its importance cannot be overstated, as it’s essential for healthy growth, development, and overall well-being, especially for vulnerable populations.
As part of its heartwarming annual tradition, Foster Farms generously donates thousands of turkeys to help feed families during the holiday season. This past holiday, they contributed an incredible 4,000 turkeys, totaling 65,000 pounds of poultry, to six food banks spread across California, Oregon, and Washington. These significant donations directly tackle the pervasive issue of food insecurity on the West Coast, where many families face alarming rates of hunger, particularly during the challenging winter months.
Through their impactful holiday turkey donation program, Foster Farms not only provides meals but also works to shine a spotlight on the staggering number of individuals on the West Coast who lack sufficient access to food. They highlight the heightened struggles faced by many when temperatures drop and resources become scarcer. This initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for community support.
How You Can Make a Difference
I encourage you to join Foster Farms in their admirable mission to help those in need this holiday season and beyond. Consider making a donation to your local food bank. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families struggling with hunger. For more information on Foster Farms’ community efforts and how you can get involved, please visit the Foster Farms website.
Paul Ash, the executive director of the SF-Marin Food Bank, beautifully articulated the impact of these efforts, stating, “We were fortunate to have been able to serve a proper Thanksgiving meal to our participants this year and are grateful to Foster Farms for making it possible.” This sentiment underscores the profound difference that corporate responsibility and community partnerships can make. Thank you, Foster Farms, for your dedication!
Making These Healthy Baked Chicken Tenders Your Own
These Healthy Baked Chicken Tenders are an absolute must-add to your upcoming New Year’s healthy resolution dinner menu. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. I truly hope they become as beloved in your household as they are in ours, bringing joy and deliciousness to your dinner table!
The almond-herb crust provides a wonderful texture and depth of flavor that is truly unique. You can experiment with different types of almonds, from slivered to whole blanched, to slightly alter the texture of the crust. For even more flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Fingers:
- Even Coating: Ensure each chicken tender is thoroughly coated in the olive oil before dredging it in the almond mixture. This helps the crust adhere better and ensures a more even, crispy finish.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your chicken fingers space on the baking sheet. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of bake, leading to a less crispy crust. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Check for Doneness: Chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure safety and prevent overcooking, which can lead to dry chicken.
- Serving Suggestions: While they are fantastic on their own, these chicken fingers pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Beyond rice or couscous and a fresh green salad, consider serving them with roasted vegetables, a quinoa pilaf, or even tucked into warm pita bread with some homemade tzatziki.
- Make Ahead & Freeze: For an even quicker meal, you can bread the chicken fingers ahead of time and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, until golden and cooked through.
Healthy Baked Chicken Fingers
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 slices whole wheat bread I leave the slices out for an hour or so to dry them out a bit
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup almonds I’ve used all kinds in this recipe!
- 2 Tbsp. parsley
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 3/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 1/2 lbs. Foster Farms Breast Tenders
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200°C). Spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
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Using a food processor, combine the dried whole wheat bread slices, shredded Parmesan cheese, and almonds. Process until they are finely combined and crushed into small, uniform bits.
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Add the fresh parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the food processor. Pulse a few more times to thoroughly combine these herbs and spices into the almond mixture. Pour this flavorful coating into a large, shallow bowl.
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Pour the olive oil into a separate shallow bowl. Take each chicken tender, dredge it first into the olive oil, ensuring it’s completely coated. Then, roll it generously in the almond mixture, making sure the chicken is fully covered with the crust. Place the coated chicken tender onto the prepared cookie sheet.
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Repeat this process until all chicken pieces are beautifully coated and neatly arranged on the cookie sheet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the almond crust achieves a delicious golden brown crispness.
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Once baked, allow the chicken fingers to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this healthy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal!
Notes
Looking for more easy chicken dinner recipes to add to your repertoire? Try these too:
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This one-pan wonder brings all the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu into an easy-to-assemble casserole. It’s the perfect comforting dish for a family dinner.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Indulge in this creamy, flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta, featuring tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and mushrooms, all bathed in a rich, spicy sauce. It’s an ideal choice for a cozy fall evening.
Chicken Cacciatore
A classic Italian-American dish, this Chicken Cacciatore recipe is brimming with succulent chicken and fresh vegetables simmered in a robust, savory tomato sauce. It’s a comforting, healthy, and easy dinner that the entire family will adore.
This post was brought to you with the generous support of Foster Farms. Thank you for making delicious and wholesome meals possible!