Sticky Chicken Fingers with Yogurt Blue Cheese Sauce.
There’s something irresistibly comforting about crispy chicken fingers, especially when they’re coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce. Add a tangy yogurt blue cheese sauce on the side, and you have a dish that’s perfect for game day, family dinners, or a casual night in. These Sticky Chicken Fingers with Yogurt Blue Cheese Sauce are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them a top choice for any occasion. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with this recipe and how you can whip it up in no time.
Reasons to Love Sticky Chicken Fingers with Yogurt Blue Cheese Sauce.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet brown sugar and spicy buffalo sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that clings to each chicken tender.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect even for beginner cooks.
- Healthier Option: By using Greek yogurt for the blue cheese sauce, you get a creamy texture without all the guilt.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level in the sauce to suit your preferences, making it appealing to everyone.
- Perfect for Sharing: These chicken fingers are a hit at parties and gatherings, making them a fantastic appetizer or main dish.
Gather These Ingredients
To create these Sticky Chicken Fingers with Yogurt Blue Cheese Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup seasoned fine breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray (or nonstick spray, coconut oil spray, avocado oil spray, etc.)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Big pinch of kosher salt and pepper
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Gear Up: What to Grab
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following gear on hand:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the chicken fingers.
- Wire Rack: Optional, but helps keep the chicken crispy.
- Whisk: For blending the batter and sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
- Cooking Spray: To prevent sticking on your baking sheet.
Sticky Chicken Fingers with Yogurt Blue Cheese Sauce., Made Easy
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Season them generously with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance their flavor.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In three separate bowls, create your breading station. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, add the lightly beaten eggs. In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and seasoned fine breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for better air circulation. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the sheet and spray them lightly with olive oil spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Prepare the Sticky Sauce
While the chicken is baking, combine the brown sugar, buffalo wing sauce, unsalted butter, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6: Make the Yogurt Blue Cheese Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, a big pinch of kosher salt and pepper, and crumbled blue cheese. Stir until well combined and creamy. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Glaze the Chicken
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the sticky sauce over the tenders, tossing gently to coat each piece thoroughly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the glazed chicken fingers on a serving platter and sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Serve with the yogurt blue cheese sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Sticky Chicken Fingers with Yogurt Blue Cheese Sauce with family and friends!
Swap Guide
- Chicken Tenders: You can use chicken breasts cut into strips or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: If you can’t find panko, any breadcrumb will work, but panko gives a superior crunch.
- Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the heat level by using a milder hot sauce or adding more sugar for sweetness.
- Greek Yogurt: You can substitute with sour cream if preferred.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
For the crispiest chicken fingers, ensure the tenders are patted dry before breading. This helps the coating stick better. Also, don’t skip the olive oil spray—it’s essential for achieving that golden, crunchy exterior!
- Feel free to experiment with different spices in the flour for added flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer on the stove.
- For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free yogurt substitute and omit the blue cheese.
Storing Tips & Timelines
Leftover chicken fingers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness. The yogurt blue cheese sauce can also be kept in the fridge for up to a week.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I fry the chicken instead of baking it?
Absolutely! For a deeper flavor, you can pan-fry the chicken tenders. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sticky sauce and yogurt blue cheese sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with these chicken fingers?
These chicken fingers pair well with a fresh salad, coleslaw, or crispy fries. You can also serve them as part of a larger appetizer spread.
How spicy is the buffalo sauce?
The spice level depends on the brand of buffalo sauce you use. If you’re sensitive to heat, opt for a milder version or reduce the amount in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
Sticky Chicken Fingers with Yogurt Blue Cheese Sauce are not just a meal; they’re an experience. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish a standout whether you’re at a gathering or just enjoying a cozy night at home. The sweetness of the sticky sauce balances perfectly with the tangy yogurt blue cheese dip, creating a mouthwatering duo that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own—experiment with spices, sauces, and sides to create a dish that fits your taste. Happy cooking!
Sticky Chicken Fingers with Yogurt Blue Cheese Sauce.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prep the Chicken - Start by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Season them generously with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance their flavor.
- Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station - In three separate bowls, create your breading station. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, add the lightly beaten eggs. In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and seasoned fine breadcrumbs.
- Step 3: Bread the Chicken - Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
- Step 4: Bake the Chicken - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for better air circulation. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the sheet and spray them lightly with olive oil spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 5: Prepare the Sticky Sauce - While the chicken is baking, combine the brown sugar, buffalo wing sauce, unsalted butter, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 6: Make the Yogurt Blue Cheese Sauce - In a mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, a big pinch of kosher salt and pepper, and crumbled blue cheese. Stir until well combined and creamy. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Step 7: Glaze the Chicken - Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the sticky sauce over the tenders, tossing gently to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Step 8: Serve and Enjoy - Arrange the glazed chicken fingers on a serving platter and sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Serve with the yogurt blue cheese sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Sticky Chicken Fingers with Yogurt Blue Cheese Sauce with family and friends!
Notes
- For the crispiest chicken fingers, ensure the tenders are patted dry before breading.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer on the stove.
- For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free yogurt substitute and omit the blue cheese.
