Quinoa Crusted Chicken Fingers

Chicken fingers are popular for kids but grown-ups will love this version adapted from The Skinny Chef, with added nutrition from the quinoa. For preparing the quinoa, see Quinoa-Toasted and Plain Quinoa.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 3-inch long tenders (or buy chicken tenders)
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 2  teaspoons garlic powder
• 2  teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• 2  teaspoons paprika
• 2  cups  cooked red quinoa or 2  cups  white quinoa
• 1⁄2 cup  whole wheat breadcrumbs or 1⁄2 cup  seasoned  breadcrumbs
• 2  egg whites
• 2  tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Spread out the quinoa on a piece of wax paper or aluminum foil. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the quinoa. With your fingertips, squeeze the quinoa and breadcrumbs together until the moisture of the quinoa is absorbed.
2. Sprinkle the chicken with salt, garlic powder, pepper and paprika.
3. Place the egg whites in a shallow bowl. Dip the chicken in the egg and then into the quinoa mixture.
4. Warm the oil in a large skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Cook each side 5 minutes or until the crust begins to brown and the chicken is no longer translucent (turn once).
5. Transfer fingers to a plate and serve immediately.