Healthy and Delicious: Quinoa Crusted Chicken Fingers- The Housewife in Training Files

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Are you tired of the same old chicken fingers? Switch things up with this healthy and delicious recipe for quinoa-crusted chicken fingers!

These chicken fingers are packed with protein and flavor, and they’re an excellent option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

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Quinoa Crusted Chicken Fingers

Meg

This recipe is for Quinoa Crusted Chicken Fingers, a healthier version of the classic favorite. The chicken strips are coated with a mixture of cooked quinoa, flour, and seasonings before being baked in the oven. The result is a crispy, flavorful coating that is high in protein and fiber. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy dinner, and can be served with your favorite dipping sauce. The recipe requires basic kitchen equipment and is easy to make, even for beginners.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Course Main Course, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

Cutting board

Chef's knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cooking spray

Oven
Small pot for cooking quinoa (if not using pre-cooked quinoa) (Optional)
Whisk or fork for beating eggs (Optional)

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper
2 eggs, beaten
Cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F(218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dip each chicken strip into the beaten eggs, then coat with the quinoa mixture, pressing the mixture onto the chicken to ensure it sticks.

Place the chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
Bake in the preheated oven for15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the quinoa coating is crispy and golden brown.
Serve the chicken fingers hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Video

Notes

To save time, you can use pre-cooked quinoa instead of cooking it from scratch.
If you prefer a spicier coating, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the quinoa mixture.
To make the coating extra crispy, place the baking sheet in the oven while preheating to heat up the pan before placing the chicken strips on it.

It is important to make sure that the chicken strips are evenly coated with the quinoa mixture, and that the mixture is firmly pressed onto the chicken to ensure that it sticks well.
If the chicken strips are not fully cooked after 20 minutes, continue to cook them in 5-minute intervals until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serve the quinoa crusted chicken fingers hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.

Keyword Quinoa Crusted Chicken Fingers

Tips for Making the Best Quinoa-Crusted Chicken Fingers

Here are some tips for making the best quinoa-crusted chicken fingers:

Use chicken tenders: Chicken tenders are a great option for this recipe because they cook quickly and evenly.
Don’t skip the food processor: Breaking down the quinoa into small pieces in the food processor is essential for creating a crispy and even coating.

Customize the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning to your liking. You can also experiment with spices and herbs to add flavor.
Use parchment paper: Parchment paper on the baking sheet will help prevent the chicken fingers from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Can I use uncooked quinoa instead of cooked quinoa in this recipe?

It is not recommended to use uncooked quinoa in this recipe, and the quinoa needs to be cooked before it is a coating for the chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just make sure to cut them into strips similar in size to the chicken breast strips.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with another type of flour?

You can try using gluten-free or almond flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

Can I use a different type of seasoning for the quinoa coating?

You can experiment with different seasonings for the quinoa coating to suit your taste preferences.

How can I make the quinoa coating stick better to the chicken?

Make sure to dip the chicken strips in the beaten eggs and coat them thoroughly with the quinoa mixture, pressing the micombinationnto the chicken to ensure it sticks.