Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This is essential for achieving that golden-brown color on your chicken. Line a baking sheet with a wire rack to allow for even cooking and crispiness.
Step 2: Generously spray the wire rack with nonstick spray, such as olive oil or avocado oil. This step ensures that your chicken fingers won’t stick and helps the breading stay intact.
Step 3: Prepare three shallow bowls or large plates for breading. In the first, pour in the flour. In the second, crack and lightly beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and the seasoned fine breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Sprinkle the chicken tenders all over with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This seasoning enhances the flavor and ensures the chicken is well-seasoned.
Step 5: One at a time, dip each piece of chicken into the flour, making sure to coat it completely, shaking off any excess. This helps the egg stick.
Step 6: Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. This step is key for making the breadcrumbs adhere.
Step 7: Now, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well. Place each coated piece on the sprayed wire rack, giving them space to breathe.
Step 8: Once all the chicken is coated, bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. After that, gently flip each piece and bake for another 12 minutes. You want them to be golden and cooked through.
Step 9: While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, buffalo wing sauce, butter, and water. Heat over medium heat, whisking until the sugar dissolves.
Step 10: Allow the mixture to come to a boil, watching carefully to prevent burning. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let it cool.
Step 11: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully lift it from the wire rack using a spatula or tongs. Place it in a bowl and drizzle the sauce over the top. Toss lightly to coat, but avoid letting the chicken sit too long in the sauce to keep the breading intact.
Step 12: For the creamy dip, combine plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, blue cheese, and a pinch of kosher salt and pepper in a bowl. Mash the blue cheese as you mix until well combined. Serve this dip alongside your chicken fingers for a delightful contrast.
Step 13: Finally, garnish with green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your Sticky Chicken Fingers with family and friends!
