Homemade Frozen Chicken Fingers

Step 1

For the chicken fingers: Combine the cereal, melba toast, Parmesan, parsley if using, paprika and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large resealable bag and, using the bottom of a skillet or rolling pin, crush into a coarse meal. Dump out into a shallow dish. Whisk the egg whites with 2 tablespoons water in another shallow dish.

Step 2

Dip the chicken tenders into the egg white, shake off the excess, and coat thoroughly in the coating. Bake immediately, or refrigerate up to 1 hour before baking. To freeze, arrange the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until hard, 1 to 2 hours. Store in resealable freezer bags for up to 1 month.

Step 3

For the sauce: Combine the yogurt, basil, red pepper, 1 tablespoon water, vinegar, garlic and salt to taste in a small bowl; stir together. Wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Fit a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack and spray with cooking spray. Generously spray the fresh or frozen chicken tenders all over with cooking spray. Arrange on the prepared rack and bake, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes (if frozen, 20 to 25 minutes). Remove from the oven and season with salt. Serve with the dipping sauce.