Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Fingers and Irresistible Bacon-Loaded Stubby Fries: Your Ultimate Homemade Comfort Meal

Imagine perfectly golden, crisp-crumbed chicken fingers paired with deliciously savoury, stubby little fries, generously baked and tossed with crunchy, chewy nuggets of bacon. This is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful indulgence that satisfies every craving for classic comfort food. Sometimes, you just need to treat yourself to something truly special, and this homemade duo is absolutely worth it. Forget takeout and embrace the joy of creating this mouth-watering feast right in your own kitchen!

Jump straight to the full recipe and start cooking this amazing chicken and fries combo!

A Heartwarming Culinary Adventure: Crafting Homemade Comfort with Meredith

When the weather outside turns cold and frosty, especially during the harsh winter months when the roads can be treacherous and driving becomes a chore, the last thing we want is to venture out just for a simple craving. Those days call for a cozy stay-at-home solution, where warmth and delicious food are paramount. That’s precisely what inspired Meredith and me to embark on this delightful culinary project: crafting our very own, supremely satisfying version of chicken fingers and fries. And let me tell you, these homemade delights were absolutely worth staying in for, transforming a dreary winter day into a delightful family cooking experience filled with laughter and irresistible aromas.

The genesis of these uniquely named “stubby fries” was quite serendipitous, born from a forgotten bag of wonderful, tiny creamer potatoes tucked away in the basement. These small, round potatoes are an absolute gem for roasting, especially when you leverage the incredible depth of flavor that comes from roasting in animal fat. While duck fat is a superb choice, in this instance, we opted for the rich, smoky goodness of bacon fat. Roasting potatoes in this manner creates an unparalleled explosion of flavor and texture: imagine tender, almost fudgy centers encased in crispy, crackly, beautifully browned outsides. The miniature size of the creamer potatoes, when simply quartered lengthwise, creates perfect bite-sized “stubby” wedges that cook beautifully, offering more surface area for that coveted golden crispiness that we all adore.

The Secret to Our Irresistible Stubby Fries: The Magic of Bacon!

Given the petite dimensions of our quartered potato wedges, a brilliant idea sparked in the kitchen: “Why not introduce some bacon into the mix right from the very beginning?” This seemingly simple decision turned out to be a game-changer, elevating our stubby fries from delicious to absolutely irresistible. As the bacon cooked alongside the potatoes, it not only rendered its glorious fat, generously infusing every potato piece with its savoury essence, but it also transformed into delectable, salty, crunchy-yet-chewy little bacon nuggets. We honestly found ourselves playfully vying for these coveted morsels, perfectly nestled among the golden-brown stubby fries. To elevate the crunch factor even further, we discovered that a light dusting of sweet rice flour (or regular all-purpose flour, if that’s what you have on hand) before roasting the potatoes and bacon made a remarkable difference, adding an extra, ethereal layer of crispiness to every single bite. This simple yet effective step ensures an unparalleled texture that truly sets these homemade fries apart from any you’ve had before.

Indeed, what could possibly be better than perfectly roasted potatoes, glistening and tender, having absorbed all the incredible flavor from rich, sizzling bacon fat? The answer, of course, is potatoes and succulent, crispy bacon, roasted together in that very same glorious, flavorful fat! The synergy of flavors, the interplay of textures, and the sheer aromatic delight achieved through this method is simply unparalleled, transforming these humble ingredients into a true masterpiece of home cooking. Every bite is a testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients combined with a little kitchen ingenuity.

Achieving Perfection: Perfectly Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Fingers

Now, if the generous mention of “bacon fat” has you feeling a tad concerned about the overall health profile of our indulgent meal, rest assured that our chicken fingers offer a wonderful and deliberate balance! They are entirely oven-baked, meaning there’s absolutely no additional oil or deep-frying required to achieve their fantastic crunch. The only fat comes naturally from the almond coating, which not only contributes to their incredible texture but also imparts a rich, nutty flavor that complements the tender chicken beautifully. This method results in beautifully golden, wonderfully crispy chicken fingers that are satisfyingly tender and juicy on the inside, all without the guilt often associated with traditionally deep-fried versions. It’s a fantastic, healthier way to enjoy a beloved classic, making it a meal you can feel good about serving to your family.

The Complete Comfort Meal Experience: Balance and Bliss

To round out this phenomenal comfort meal and ensure a well-balanced plate, simply add a handful of fresh, crisp veggie sticks – think vibrant carrot sticks, refreshing celery, or cool cucumber slices. And of course, no plate of chicken fingers and fries is complete without a generous dollop of your favorite dipping sauce! For us, a homemade honey mustard sauce is the perfect accompaniment, offering a delightful sweet and tangy contrast that beautifully cuts through the savory richness of the chicken and fries. This entire combination creates the ultimate cozy experience, perfect for those chilly evenings when winter winds are howling outside. Staying home and enjoying a delicious, wholesome meal you’ve prepared with love feels incredibly rewarding and nourishing, both for the body and the soul.

We all know the struggle: we often strive for lighter, cleaner eating habits, especially as we embark on a new year with renewed health goals. However, it’s equally important to acknowledge that some days simply call for a little indulgence, a moment to savor deeply satisfying flavors. The true beauty of this particular meal is that it strikes a fantastic, achievable balance. Our chicken fingers are thoughtfully oven-baked, significantly reducing the fat content compared to their deep-fried counterparts, making them a healthier choice. And as for the stubby fries? Well, they’ve got bacon. And honestly, a little bacon goes a long, delicious, and deeply satisfying way! It’s an indulgence that feels earned, a treat that satisfies deeply without completely veering off track from mindful eating. This meal proves that comfort food can be both delicious and a smart choice.

Of course, I’ll be sure to balance it out with plenty of veggie-heavy meals tomorrow! But for tonight, we’re wholeheartedly soaking in the comfort, joy, and deliciousness of this homemade feast. It’s moments like these that truly make home feel like the happiest place on Earth.

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The Ultimate Recipe: Crispy Chicken Fingers and Bacon-Loaded Stubby Fries

Prepare to create a genuine family favorite with this easy-to-follow recipe for golden, perfectly oven-baked chicken fingers and incredibly flavorful stubby fries, generously enhanced with delicious, crispy bacon. This meal is meticulously designed for maximum flavor and minimum fuss, making it the perfect choice for a cozy, satisfying night in with loved ones.

Ingredients:

For the Stubby Fries:

• 2 lbs (approximately 900 grams) small creamer potatoes, ideally about 1½-2 inches long. Once quartered lengthwise, this yields about 6 cups of potato wedges.
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ lb (approximately 225 grams or 6 to 8 slices) good quality bacon, preferably not thin-sliced, as thicker cuts create better, chewier nuggets.
• ¼ cup sweet rice flour or regular all-purpose flour for an extra layer of crispiness.

For the Crispy Chicken Fingers:

• 1 lb (approximately 450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets or tenders (alternatively, you can cut larger chicken breasts into long, even strips yourself).
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided (½ teaspoon to be mixed with eggs, and ½ teaspoon for the almond meal mixture)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika (this adds a beautiful color and a subtle smoky depth of flavor)
• 1¼ cups (approximately 140 grams) almond meal or finely ground almond flour.

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C). If you’ve rinsed your small potatoes, it is absolutely crucial to ensure they are thoroughly dry before proceeding. Pat them vigorously with a clean dish towel or paper towels to remove all clinging water; this essential step is key for achieving truly crispy, golden fries.
2. Season the Stubby Wedges: Cut each little potato into quarters lengthwise, creating your signature “stubby” wedges. Place these into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Using a spatula or your hands, toss the potato wedges vigorously until they are thoroughly and evenly coated with the spices. It’s important to season the potatoes first to ensure they fully absorb the flavors before the bacon is introduced, which also prevents the bacon from becoming overly salty.
3. Incorporate Bacon and Flour: Take your stacked bacon strips and cut them crosswise into about six pieces each; this size is ideal for creating those irresistible bacon nuggets. Add these bacon pieces and the ¼ cup of sweet rice flour (or regular all-purpose flour) to the seasoned potatoes. Toss everything thoroughly with your hands until the flour forms a light, even coating on all the potatoes and bacon pieces. This delicate flour layer will help create that extra desired crunch and crispiness during roasting.
4. First Bake for Fries: Line a large baking sheet with a generous piece of parchment paper, allowing it to extend slightly up the sides for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking. Spread the coated stubby fries and bacon in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s enough space between them for air to circulate and for them to crisp up evenly. Place this baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for an initial 25 minutes.
5. Prepare the Chicken Coating Station: While the potatoes are getting their head start in the oven, begin preparing your chicken. In a shallow bowl, whisk the 2 eggs with ½ teaspoon of the salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper until well combined and frothy. In a separate, shallow bowl, stir together the 1¼ cups of almond meal, the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, and the 1½ teaspoons of smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the almond coating.
6. Coat Each Chicken Strip: Take each chicken fillet or strip and first dip it into the beaten egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off naturally. Then, transfer it to the almond meal mixture. Press the almond meal firmly into the chicken, ensuring all sides are completely and thoroughly covered for a beautiful, even crust. For the cleanest and most efficient coating process, it’s highly recommended to use one hand specifically for handling the wet chicken (dipping in egg) and the other hand solely for handling the dry almond meal. This clever technique prevents your hands from becoming a sticky, clumpy mess.
7. Second Bake – Chicken & Fries Together: Arrange the freshly coated chicken pieces onto a separate cookie sheet (you can line this one with parchment paper too, for an even easier cleanup), leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking and optimal crisping.
8. Once the potato stubby fries have baked for their initial 25 minutes, carefully remove them from the oven. Using a spatula, give them a good toss to redistribute them and ensure they are all generously coated and sizzling in the rendered bacon grease. Now, add the pan of coated chicken fingers to the oven alongside the stubby fries. Continue to bake both pans for an additional 20 minutes. During this crucial final baking period, the chicken will cook through perfectly and develop a beautiful golden-brown, crispy crust, while the fries will reach their ultimate crispy perfection.
9. Finishing Touches for the Fries: Remove both pans from the oven. Using a spatula, gently transfer the hot stubby fries and crispy bacon pieces to a double layer of paper towel. This step is essential to absorb any excess bacon fat, ensuring your fries are perfectly crisp, delightfully flavorful, and not greasy.
10. Serve and Savor: Serve these delicious, homemade crispy chicken fingers and bacon-loaded stubby fries immediately, while they’re hot and at their peak crispness, with your favorite dipping sauce. A classic honey mustard, a creamy ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo would be fantastic complements to this satisfying meal.

This generously portioned recipe proudly serves 4 hungry individuals, ensuring everyone gets a substantial and delightful portion of this ultimate comfort food feast.

Guten Appetit! Enjoy Your Delicious Homemade Meal!

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