What Are Chicken Goujons? A Delicious Overview

Chicken goujons are a delicious breaded and fried dish that has become popular around the world. But what exactly are these tasty morsels? Here is a comprehensive guide to chicken goujons, including how they are made, different variations, how to serve them, and their history.

What Are Chicken Goujons?

Chicken goujons are strips of chicken breast meat that have been breaded or battered and then fried. The name comes from the French word “goujon” meaning “small rod”, referring to the elongated strip shape.

Chicken goujons are also commonly known as chicken tenders, chicken fingers chicken strips or chicken fillets in different parts of the world. However, while similar, chicken tenders specifically refer to the tenderloin part of the chicken breast.

The breading or batter coating helps seal in the juices and flavors of the chicken, while also providing a deliciously crispy exterior when fried. This combo of a tender interior and crunchy crust is what makes properly cooked chicken goujons so mouthwatering

How Are Chicken Goujons Made?

Making chicken goujons from scratch is a relatively simple process though does require some preparation. Here are the basic steps

• Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slice each breast lengthwise into long 1 inch thick strips.

• Prepare the coating. This is usually a mix of flour, breadcrumbs or panko, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings. Paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and dried herbs are popular choices.

• Beat eggs in a shallow bowl. Place the coating mix in another bowl.

• Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Then coat the strip thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.

• Place the coated strips on a baking sheet or plate. Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to help set the coating.

• Heat oil in a deep fryer or pan to 350-375°F. Fry chicken strips for 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

• Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt if desired. Serve warm with your choice of sauce.

Different Variations of Chicken Goujons

While the classic breadcrumb coating is common, chicken goujons can be endlessly customized:

• Use cornflake crumbs, panko, crackers, or nuts like almonds or coconut for crunch.

• Experiment with seasonings like cayenne, paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, or rosemary.

• For gluten-free, use rice flour, chickpea flour, or almond flour instead of regular flour.

• Try a batter coating using flour, eggs, milk, seasoning, and sparkling water or beer. This creates an extra crispy exterior.

• Opt for a lighter crumbs coating using Japanese panko breadcrumbs.

• Play with flavors like lemon-pepper, cajun spices, or buffalo and hot sauce powders.

The options are endless! Match the coating to complement what sauce you’ll serve with the goujons.

How to Serve Chicken Goujons

One of the best qualities of chicken goujons is their versatility. Here are some delicious ways to serve up these tasty strips:

• As an appetizer with dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, ranch, or blue cheese.

• On a salad for added protein and crunch.

• In a sandwich or wrap with veggies and cheese.

• With fries or on their own as a main course.

• Chopped on top of pasta or rice dishes.

• In breakfast scrambles or a breakfast sandwich.

• As a protein-packed snack for kids. Use fun dipping sauces like ketchup or sweet chili.

Chicken goujons pair well with so many flavors and ingredients. Their mild flavor takes on the taste of whatever sauce or dish they accompany.

Are Chicken Goujons Unhealthy?

Chicken goujons are often labeled as unhealthy due to being deep fried. However, when prepared properly, they can absolutely be a healthy choice. Here are some tips:

• Opt for baking instead of frying to significantly reduce fat and calories. Coat with just a light mist of oil spray before baking.

• Use lean chicken breast meat with no skin or fat. Trim any visible fat before breading.

• Avoid pre-made frozen goujons which may contain preservatives or hidden ingredients. Make them fresh.

• Choose whole grain coatings like panko over refined flour-based breadcrumbs.

• Portion control is key. Stick to 1-2 goujons as a lean protein source in a meal.

• Pair with fresh veggies, salads, or whole grains instead of fries for better nutrition.

Overall, enjoyed in moderation, homemade chicken goujons can be a smart addition to a healthy diet.

Can Chicken Goujons Be Made Gluten-Free?

Chicken goujons can absolutely be prepared gluten-free, making them safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Here’s how:

• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko crumbs as coating. There are pre-made options, or make your own from gluten-free bread, rice crackers, etc.

• Substitute gluten-free flours like rice, almond, chickpea, or all-purpose gluten-free flour for regular flour in the coating.

• Check all seasonings used in the coating to ensure they are labeled gluten-free.

• Use cornflake crumbs for an easy gluten-free crispy coating.

• Fry in clean, uncontaminated oil in a pot or fryer dedicated to gluten-free cooking.

With these simple adjustments, you can enjoy safe and delicious gluten-free chicken goujons! Serve with salsas, guacamole, or other fresh gluten-free dipping sauces.

Are Chicken Goujons Suitable for Children?

Chicken goujons can make an excellent kid-friendly food. Their mild flavor, crunchy texture, and dipping sauce fun appeal to young palates. However, there are some precautions to take when serving chicken goujons to children:

• Ensure all chicken is cooked thoroughly – no raw or pink interior. Undercooked poultry poses a dangerous choking hazard to kids.

• Allow goujons to cool slightly before serving to prevent burns.

• Avoid heavily spiced coatings that may be too strong for children. Stick to light salt, pepper, paprika, etc.

• Cut each goujon into bite-sized pieces for toddlers. They pose a choking risk whole.

• Offer dipping sauces on the side for dipping to prevent chicken from getting soggy.

• For school lunches, pack chilled, pre-cut goujons and sauce separately. Reheat just the sauce.

With safe preparation and precautions, chicken goujons can be a healthy and fun kids’ meal or snack. The dipping makes eating fun!

Can Chicken Goujons be Made in Advance?

One of the conveniences of chicken goujons is that they can be partially or fully prepared ahead of time:

• Bread and coat raw chicken up to a day in advance. Store chilled until ready to fry. Let come to room temp before frying.

• Fully cook goujons then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a hot oven or skillet to crisp up before serving.

• Bread and freeze raw coated goujons in a single layer then transfer to bags once hard. Fry frozen as needed straight from freezer. Add 1-2 minutes to frying time.

• Prepare any sauces or dips in advance and store chilled. They’ll last 3-5 days refrigerated.

With a little planning, you can enjoy quick weeknight chicken goujons or have them ready for parties without the last minute prep.

What Other Meats Can Be Made Into Goujons?

While chicken is the most common, the goujon concept of breaded strips can be applied to other meats and proteins:

• Fish – Firm white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut work well cut into goujon strips and breaded. Salmon and trout also bread up nicely.

• Beef – Lean cuts like sirloin can be sliced thin and make tasty beef goujons.

• Pork – Pork tenderloin and boneless chops sliced thinly make juicy pork goujons.

• Turkey – Turkey breast sliced into strips creates leaner goujons.

• Vegetables – Try eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, or butternut squash thinly sliced into goujon shapes and breaded.

• Tofu – Extra firm tofu can be breaded for veggie protein goujons.

No matter the protein, the preparation method remains the same – slice, coat, fry or bake until perfectly crisp and golden. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces!

Can Chicken Goujons Be Frozen?

Freezing is a great way to prep chicken goujons in batches to enjoy later. Here are some tips:

• Bread raw goujons then place in a single layer on a sheet pan. Freeze until hard. Transfer to freezer bags. Fry frozen adding 1-2 minutes to cooking time.

• Fully cook goujons first. Let cool completely then place in freezer bags or airtight container with parchment between layers. Reheat frozen goujons in oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until hot.

• Prepare any dipping sauces and freeze in bags or containers leaving headspace. Defrost sauce in the refrigerator before using.

• Avoid freezing breaded raw goujons in a pile or bag. They’ll stick together and the coating won’t crisp up well.

With proper freezing methods, you can enjoy crispy chicken goujons without all the last-minute prep!

What is the Origin of Chicken Goujons?

While the exact origins of chicken goujons are uncertain, breaded deep fried meats have existed across cultures for centuries. Some possible origins include:

• French cuisine has long used the term goujon for food cut into “fingers”. French style chicken frites likely influenced chicken goujons.

• Wiener schnitzel, an Austrian dish of thin breaded and fried veal cutlets, has similarities to chicken goujons and also dates back centuries.

• American fried chicken has its roots in Africa and Scottish immigrants to the Southern US in the 1800s. The concept evolved into chicken fingers.

• Fast food chains helped popularize chicken fingers/goujons on menus in the 1960s-70s as an alternative to fish sticks.

• Claims have been made that various US restaurants invented the chicken goujon in the 1950s-70s, though a definitive origin is uncertain.

Wherever they originated, chicken goujons have become a beloved finger food thanks to their universal kid-friendly, crunchy appeal!

Are Chicken Goujons the Same as Chicken Nuggets?

While both are breaded and fried chicken, goujons and nuggets have some distinct differences:

• Shape – Goujons are long, thin strips or fingers. Nuggets are small, irregularly shaped pieces.

• Composition – Goujons are sliced from whole chicken breast meat. Nuggets are often made from processed blended chicken.

• Coating – Goujons have a lighter breadcrumb coating. Nuggets feature a thicker batter coating.

• Preparation – Goujons are often hand cut and breaded while nuggets are mass produced.

• Texture – The whole muscle meat of goujons gives them a tender, smoother bite. Nuggets have a softer, minced texture.

While both make tasty kid-pleasing snacks, goujons edge out nuggets on quality and nutrition for their whole meat and lighter coating.

Can You Make Chicken Goujons Without Breadcrumbs?

For those avoiding carbs or gluten, chicken goujons can absolutely be prepared without breadcrumbs:

• Use crushed pork rinds or crushed cheese crackers for a crunchy, lower carb coating.

• Try finely chopped nuts like almonds, pecans or coconut flakes for texture and flavor.

• Ground up rice crackers, cornflakes or potato chips also give great crunch sans breadcrumbs.

• Simply seasoning chicken with spices and herbs then baking offers a breadcrumb-free option.

• Dip chicken pieces in whipped egg whites then roll in Parmesan or almond flour for a thin crispy coating.

With a little creativity, you can still achieve tender chicken and a crispy crust without miss out on breadcrumbs. Serve your no-crumb goujons with fresh salsas and dips.

Chicken goujons are a beloved dish for good reason – their irresistible flavor and texture make them appealing to kids and adults alike. With proper preparation and creative twists, chicken goujons can be a healthy addition to any meal. Explore different coatings and seasoning blends to customize these crispy morsels to your tastes. Just be sure to serve with fun dipping sauces and plenty of napkins!