Cheddar Crusted Chicken Fingers with Whole Grain GoldFish Crackers

We all have our go to tailgating party recipes, buffalo chicken dip, hot wings, cocktail meatballs, and other party food goodness.

The spicy dips are always my favorite and I could make an entire meal on that alone! So many football foods aren’t very kid friendly though, and without some options for the kiddos, you will probably find your child with an entire plate of chips for dinner! I think for many people, at least in the area where I live, Buffalo Chicken Dip is everyone’s favorite party dip. This recipe is my deconstructed, kid friendly, and healthy version of that dip! I took all of the components of the dip, chicken, buffalo sauce, cheddar, and ranch, and put them into chicken finger form!

I think in most families of toddlers and small children, the Goldfish cracker is the king of snacks. My daughter can put down some serious amounts of these crackers, and to be honest, my husband can too! So when thinking of how I could replace the tortilla chips that normally go into Buffalo Chicken Dip with a healthier swap, Goldfish crackers came to mind! The crackers make these chicken fingers a hit with kids, but with the addition of the buffalo cheddar dipping sauce, appeal to the adults as well.

I usually would have headed out to WalMart to pick up my Goldfish crackers and purchased the big carton because its a steal for the price! They are on RollBack right now, so it is a good time to stock up! I purchased the Whole Grain Cheddar on Amazon instead, but this recipe would be delicious with the regular cheddar and I think they would also be divine with the pretzel Goldfish crackers!

I tested this recipe during one afternoon and while I was taking pictures, I stopped to get a drink of water. When I returned to my photo set up, one chicken finger was missing!

I found one mischievous two year old sitting in the living room noshing on her prize! While I was upset to lose one of my photo props, I was so glad that my little one loved it so much!

I finished off the other two fingers after taking the pictures and have to agree with her, these are delicious!

I almost felt guilty eating them all before Ryan got to try them…almost. Although our favorite team lost last weekend and is out of the running, I will definitely be making these for the whole family to enjoy during the Big Game next month!

I paired these with a delicious dipping sauce where I combined all of my favorite flavors, garlic, buffalo, and cheddar! Check back next week for the sauce recipe. It is lick the bowl good!!

Do you have a favorite party food?? I’d love to hear about it!

Whole Grain Cheddar Crusted Chicken Fingers

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast tenders, about 1 lb
• 1 cup of smashed Goldfish crackers
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees and spray a cooking sheet with non stick cooking spray.
2. In a shallow plate or bowl, place your one beaten egg.
3. In a separate bowl combine the smashed crackers, panko, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and mix with a fork to combine.
4. I like to pound my chicken tenders thin to reduce cooking time. Once pounded, dredge the chicken through the egg, shaking off an excess. Then dredge through the cracker mixture and then place on cooking sheet.
5. Repeat with remaining chicken.
6. Bake for 7 minutes on one side, then turn and cook for another 6 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Make ahead directions: After breading chicken, refrigerate, covered, until ready to bake!

How to Elevate Your Whole Grain Cheddar Crusted Chicken Fingers

Whole grain cheddar crusted chicken fingers offer a satisfying crunch, rich cheesy flavor, and a wholesome upgrade to traditional fried chicken strips. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or healthy game-day snacks, these chicken fingers can be customized in a variety of delicious ways. Whether you’re adding bold flavors or pairing them with complementary sides, here are easy ways to dress them up.

Ingredient Add-Ons for Extra Flavor

• Fresh Herbs: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the breadcrumb and cheddar mixture for an herby twist.
• Garlic Powder or Onion Powder: Sprinkle into the breading for added depth and savory notes.
• Smoked Paprika or Chili Powder: Bring in a subtle smokiness or mild heat to contrast the cheddar coating.
• Crushed Almonds or Sunflower Seeds: Mix in with the whole grain coating to enhance texture and protein content.
• Mustard Powder or Cayenne: Add a hint of sharpness or spice that balances the richness of the cheese.

Ingredient Alternatives to Fit Different Diets

• Low-Fat Cheddar: Use reduced-fat cheddar to lighten the dish without sacrificing taste.
• Gluten-Free Whole Grain Crackers or Cereal: Substitute with gluten-free whole grain alternatives for a celiac-friendly version.
• Almond Flour: For a grain-free option, almond flour adds a nutty flavor and crispy finish.
• Plant-Based Chicken: Use vegan chicken strips and dairy-free cheddar for a meatless alternative.
• Air Fryer Cooking: Achieve a crisp texture without deep frying by using an air fryer or convection oven. This one from Amazon is pricey but it’s non-toxic and SO WORTH IT.

Dipping Sauces to Pair With

• Honey Mustard: A classic sweet and tangy pairing that complements the sharp cheddar coating.
• Greek Yogurt Ranch: A healthy twist on traditional ranch with added creaminess and tang.
• Smoky BBQ Sauce: Adds bold flavor and balances the crispy cheddar crust.
• Spicy Sriracha Mayo: For heat lovers, this blend gives a creamy, spicy kick.
• Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce: A refreshing and vibrant dip that brings out the whole grain flavor.

Ways to Dress It Up for Presentation

• Serve Over a Grain Bowl: Place sliced chicken fingers over quinoa, farro, or brown rice with veggies for a full meal.
• Slice and Add to Salads: Top a hearty green salad with warm chicken strips, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of vinaigrette.
• Wrap in a Whole Wheat Tortilla: Make cheddar chicken wraps with fresh greens and your favorite sauce for an easy lunch option.
• Serve on Skewers: Thread the strips onto wooden skewers for kid-friendly serving or party platters.
• Layer in Sliders: Add to small buns with slaw or pickles for a fun appetizer or casual meal.

Healthy and Flavorful Side Dishes

• Sweet Potato Fries or Baked Potato Wedges: A naturally sweet and hearty side that complements the cheddar coating.
• Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower: Simple roasted veggies offer a nutrient-rich contrast and crisp-tender texture.
• Whole Grain Mac and Cheese: Double down on cheesy comfort while keeping the whole grain theme.
• Apple Slices with Cinnamon: Adds a sweet, refreshing bite to cleanse the palate.
• Simple Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: A light, citrusy side that balances the richness of the chicken.

With these simple additions and pairings, your whole grain cheddar crusted chicken fingers can go from a quick dinner idea to a well-rounded, crave-worthy meal. Perfect for picky eaters or nutrition-focused households, this dish offers the best of both flavor and function.

Updated June 2025