If you’re craving a dish that’s crunchy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, you’re in for a real treat with this Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe. It’s a foolproof way to enjoy chicken strips that are perfectly baked to golden crispiness, paired with a creamy, tangy honey mustard dip that you’ll find yourself dunking again and again. Healthy, delicious, and downright comforting, this recipe quickly becomes a staple for casual dinners, game nights, or whenever you want something totally satisfying but fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe lies in a few simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role—from tender chicken breasts providing juicy bites, to Dijon mustard adding subtle tang, and crispy bread crumbs delivering that irresistible crunch.
- 2 lbs chicken breast: Use about 3 large chicken breasts, trimmed and sliced for even cooking and perfect texture.
- Sea salt & pepper: The essentials that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering it.
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard (for coating): This adds a slight tanginess that helps the breading stick and boosts flavor.
- 2 cups bread crumbs: Choose plain or seasoned bread crumbs for a crispy, golden crust that bakes beautifully.
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard (for the dip): Sharp and pungent, forming the base of the luscious honey mustard dip.
- 1/3 cup honey: Adds just the right amount of natural sweetness to balance the mustard’s tang.
- 1/3 cup real mayonnaise: Gives the dip a creamy, rich texture and helps bind the flavors together.
- 2-3 small garlic cloves (pressed): Infuses the dip with aromatic depth and savory warmth.
- 1/2 tsp poppy seeds (optional): A little crunch and visual appeal that makes the honey mustard dip extra special.
How to Make Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Strips
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into even, bite-sized strips to ensure they cook thoroughly and uniformly. Season these strips lightly with sea salt and pepper for a perfectly seasoned base.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken with Mustard
Next, generously brush each chicken strip with the Dijon mustard. This tangy layer not only intensifies the flavor but helps the bread crumbs cling tightly for a crisp finish.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Strips
Press each mustard-coated strip into the bread crumbs, making sure every inch is covered well. This is the moment where your strips begin to transform into irresistible golden nuggets.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
Arrange the breaded strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-17 minutes. Flip them halfway through to bake evenly until they’re crispy outside and juicy inside.
Step 5: Prepare the Honey Mustard Dip
While the chicken is baking, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and pressed garlic cloves in a bowl. Sprinkle in the optional poppy seeds if you’re feeling fancy, and set it aside for dipping delight.
How to Serve Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your plate by adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives over the chicken strips. It adds a burst of color and a fresh aroma that beautifully balances the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with a crisp side salad for a light contrast, or opt for classic fries or roasted veggies to keep things comforting yet nutritious. Mashed potatoes also make an excellent companion for soaking up that honey mustard dip.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the strips on a wooden board with small bowls of the honey mustard dip and other dips like ranch or spicy ketchup. You can also thread the strips onto skewers for easy sharing at parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them gently to maintain that lovely crispness without drying out the chicken.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the breaded chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll keep well for up to one month and make a ready-to-bake snack or meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, place the strips on a baking tray and warm them in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This method revives the crispy texture much better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and tend to stay juicier, but keep in mind they may require slightly longer cooking times and will offer a different texture.
What kind of bread crumbs work best for this recipe?
Plain or panko bread crumbs work wonderfully here. Panko will give an extra crunch while plain bread crumbs are more traditional and still delicious.
Is the honey mustard dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free, but be sure to choose gluten-free bread crumbs if you need the whole dish to be gluten-free.
Can I make the honey mustard dip ahead of time?
Yes! The dip can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative or use avocado mayo. All other ingredients are naturally dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe is one of those delightful discoveries that feel like a treat without any complicated cooking steps. Whether for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or an anytime snack, these crispy, flavorful strips paired with a perfectly balanced dip will quickly become a family favorite. Give it a try—you’re going to love how satisfying and easy it is!
Print
Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Breaded Chicken Strips recipe is a delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken strips, featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy breadcrumb layer and served with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dip. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish that satisfies both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Chicken Strips
- 2 lbs chicken breast (about 3 large chicken breasts)
- Sea Salt & Pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 2–3 small garlic cloves, pressed
- 2 cups bread crumbs
Honey Mustard Dip
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim chicken breasts and slice them into strips. Season the strips with sea salt and pepper. Spread 1/3 cup Dijon mustard evenly over the chicken strips, ensuring each strip is well coated. Press the garlic cloves to release their flavor and mix into the mustard coating or apply separately.
- Bread the Chicken: Place the bread crumbs in a shallow dish. Dip each mustard-coated chicken strip into the bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well, forming an even crust around each strip.
- Bake the Chicken Strips: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lay the breaded chicken strips on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased rack. Bake for approximately 17 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy, turning halfway if needed for even baking.
- Prepare the Honey Mustard Dip: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup Dijon mustard, 1/3 cup honey, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, and 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds if using. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness or tanginess according to taste.
- Serve: Once the chicken strips are baked and slightly cooled, serve them with the honey mustard dip on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation.
- You can substitute regular mayo with low-fat or vegan mayo depending on dietary preference.
- Poppy seeds in the dip add a nice texture and visual appeal but are optional.
- Chicken strips can also be seasoned with smoked paprika or herbs for variation.
- Ensure chicken strips reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee safe consumption.
