Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Sauce

If you’re looking for a crispy baked chicken strips recipe with a delicious homemade dip, this Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip is the perfect choice. These chicken tenders are coated with a flavorful, golden breading made from seasoned Italian bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs, giving you that perfect crunch. Paired with a creamy honey mustard sauce, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or even as a party appetizer. Easy to prepare and healthier than fried chicken strips, this recipe will be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients for Chicken Strips:

• 2 lbs chicken breast (about 3 large breasts)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup real mayonnaise
• 2-3 small garlic cloves, pressed
• 2 cups bread crumbs (1 cup seasoned Italian-style bread crumbs and 1 cup panko bread crumbs, or use all seasoned bread crumbs)

Ingredients for Honey Mustard Sauce:

• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup real mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

How to Make Baked Chicken Strips:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy clean-up.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup Dijon mustard, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, and pressed garlic. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the garlic to infuse.
3. Pour the bread crumbs into a separate bowl.
4. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat and cut the chicken into 1-inch thick strips.
5. Season both sides of the chicken strips with salt and pepper.
6. Coat each chicken strip in the mustard-mayo mixture, ensuring they’re well-covered.
7. Roll the coated chicken strips into the bread crumbs, pressing gently to coat the strips evenly. Transfer the breaded strips to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for the crispiest result.
8. Bake at 450°F for 15-17 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside.

How to Make Honey Mustard Dip:

1. In a medium bowl (or using a blender), combine 1/3 cup Dijon mustard, 1/3 cup honey, and 1/3 cup mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
2. Stir in poppy seeds, if using, for a touch of texture and visual appeal.
3. Refrigerate the honey mustard sauce until ready to serve with the chicken strips.

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Tips

• For extra crispy chicken strips, use a combination of Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
• Don’t overcrowd the chicken strips on the baking sheet; leaving space between them ensures an even, crispy crust.
• If you’re making a larger batch, bake the strips in batches to keep them crispy.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken: You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken tenders for a more tender bite or use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• Bread Crumbs: If you don’t have Italian-style bread crumbs, use plain panko bread crumbs or regular bread crumbs with a pinch of dried herbs.
• Honey Mustard Sauce: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before cutting and breading.
• Can I bake the chicken at a lower temperature? It’s best to bake at a high temperature (450°F) to achieve a crispy coating. Lower temperatures may result in a less crispy crust.
• How can I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to retain the crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these baked breaded chicken strips with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, BBQ sauce, or ketchup.
• Pair with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or crispy fries for a complete meal.
• Serve as a tasty appetizer or snack at a party or game day event.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Baked Breaded Chicken Strips are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. The honey mustard dip adds the perfect balance of tang and sweetness, making every bite even more irresistible. This easy-to-make recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike and offers a healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders. Perfect for any occasion, these chicken strips are quick, simple, and absolutely delicious!