There’s something undeniably irresistible about the combo of crispy, tender chicken strips paired with a tangy, sweet honey mustard sauce. It’s like a match made in heaven. These Honey Mustard Chicken Strips are the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over again. Whether you’re craving something savory and sweet for dinner or need a quick appetizer for a gathering, these chicken strips will always hit the spot. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish has it all:
- Crispy and Tender: The chicken strips are perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside.
- Sweet and Tangy: The honey mustard sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with a little zing.
- Quick and Easy: You can have these chicken strips on the table in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or some sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love these!
Ingredients in Honey Mustard Chicken Strips
Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful chicken strips:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for juicy strips that cook quickly.
- Flour: Helps create a light, crispy coating for the chicken.
- Breadcrumbs: Gives the chicken a golden, crunchy texture.
- Eggs: Acts as the binding agent to help the breading stick to the chicken.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the chicken before breading.
- Honey: The sweet element that gives the sauce its signature flavor.
- Mustard: Both Dijon and yellow mustard work great, depending on your flavor preference.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: For frying the chicken strips to perfection.
Instructions
Let’s make some crispy, tangy goodness:
Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into strips. Season the strips with salt and pepper on both sides.
Set Up the Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip first in the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to make sure they stick well.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken strips in batches. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the honey, mustard, and garlic powder in a small bowl until smooth and combined.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the crispy chicken strips with a generous drizzle of honey mustard sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 320
How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Strips
These chicken strips are super versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Crispy Fries: Serve with golden fries for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad is a perfect contrast to the richness of the chicken strips.
- Veggies: Roasted or steamed veggies like carrots, broccoli, or asparagus make for a well-rounded meal.
- Rice: Serve with fluffy rice for a filling and satisfying dinner.
- Sweet Potato Fries: For a little extra sweetness, serve with sweet potato fries or wedges.
Additional Tips
- Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce.
- Prep Ahead: Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just fry it up when you’re ready to serve.
- Use a Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Oven Method: For a healthier option, bake the breaded chicken strips at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A1: Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store the leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the coating crispy.
Q3: Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts?
A3: Absolutely! Chicken tenders are a great option and will cook even faster.
Q4: Can I make the honey mustard sauce in advance?
A4: Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Q5: Can I fry the chicken in advance?
A5: You can! Just reheat the cooked chicken strips in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again.
Q6: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A6: Yes! Bake the breaded chicken strips at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes for a lighter version.
Q7: Can I freeze the chicken strips?
A7: Yes! Freeze the breaded chicken strips before frying them. When ready to cook, fry them straight from the freezer for a few extra minutes.
Q8: Can I make the sauce spicier?
A8: Yes! Add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha to the honey mustard sauce for an extra kick.
Q9: How long should I cook the chicken?
A9: Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q10: Can I make this with other proteins?
A10: Yes! This recipe works great with chicken thighs or even shrimp if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
These Honey Mustard Chicken Strips are everything you could want in a dish—crispy, juicy, sweet, and tangy. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or serving them up at your next gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients and get ready for some seriously delicious bites!
Print
Honey Mustard Chicken Strips
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy, tender chicken strips coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze, all made in the air fryer for a quick and delicious meal. Perfect for dipping!
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Honey Mustard Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. - Marinate the Chicken:
Coat the chicken strips in the honey mustard mixture and let them marinate for 15-20 minutes. - Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). - Cook the Chicken:
Arrange the chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Serve:
Serve the chicken strips hot with extra honey mustard sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg