If you’re anything like me, you often end up being too busy to cook and find yourself in a situation where you end up just eating out. I decided to change up my routine a bit and try to make a well-known meal myself instead of buying it, and I decided on chicken fingers. This is just the recipe I used, but pretty much everything can be substituted to suit your tastes. This recipe takes about an hour with prep and cooking time included. 

You will need chicken breast, panko bread crumbs, eggs, garlic powder, mustard, flour, parmesan and olive oil. The amounts and ingredients you choose to use depends on what you want; this is just a basic foundational recipe. All measurements will be the amount required per pound of chicken used. 

• About one pound of chicken will feed one to two people

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• 1.5 cups of panko breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

• 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon of mustard

• 1 tablespoon of flour

First, you’ll want to cut your chicken breast into even strips. Set these aside in a bowl and wash your hands. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and preheat the oven to 400℉. 

Using a large pan, heat the olive oil to medium-high heat. In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and garlic powder and add to the olive oil. Use a spatula to slowly stir about every minute until the breadcrumbs are mostly a golden-brown color. Once you are done, carefully pour the mixture into a medium-sized bowl. If you are cooking more than one or two pounds of chicken, you will likely need to use a larger bowl. Let this cool and set it in the fridge if you are short on time. Once cooled, add in the parmesan cheese and mix this well. This can be shredded or grated cheese, whichever you have will work. 

While the breading is cooling, combine the eggs, mustard, flour and a pinch of salt and pepper into a small to medium-sized bowl. Mix this well until there are no lumps. Set this aside. 

Create a row on the counter with the chicken strips, the egg mixture, the breading mixture and the baking sheet at the end. Taking one strip at a time, dip it into the egg mixture, and let the excess drip off. Put it into the breading and cover it thoroughly on all sides. Then place it on the baking sheet. Repeat this with all of your strips. 

Place the baking sheet in the oven for about eight to 10 minutes, then carefully flip and place in the oven again for another eight to 10 minutes. Before eating, make sure that the chicken is cooked by carefully cutting into one. If it is not done, place it back in the oven until it is cooked. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce and frozen fries and there you go! A classic restaurant dish right at home.