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Crispy Cider-Battered Chicken Fingers
Crispy Cider-Battered Chicken Fingers
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Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Chef John's irresistible recipe uses sparkling apple cider for the most crispy and delicious deep-fried chicken fingers.
Ingredients:
  • 4 (8 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup self-rising flour
  • 1.25 cups sparkling apple cider
  • 1 quart canola oil for frying
  • 0.33333334326744 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 pinch white sugar, or to taste
Instructions:
  • Cut the chicken breasts into 6 finger-sized strips and place them in a mixing bowl.
  • Season the strips with a mix of kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne, and toss to ensure they're evenly coated. Sprinkle all-purpose flour on top and shake the bowl to coat the strips entirely. Transfer the strips to a rack or plate, and refrigerate uncovered for at least 10 minutes before frying.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine self-rising flour and sparkling apple cider until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms. Let it rest in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes before using. Aim for a consistency between thin pancake batter and crepe batter.
  • Combine the Dijon mustard, vinegar, hot sauce, and sugar in a bowl to make a delicious dipping sauce.
  • Preheat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Coat each chicken finger in the batter and deep-fry in batches until golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked, about 3 to 4 1/2 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.