Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip

These baked breaded chicken strips are a crispy and flavorful dish made with seasoned breadcrumbs and tender chicken breasts. Coated in a simple marinade of Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and garlic, these chicken tenders are baked for a healthier, less greasy alternative to fried chicken. Paired with a homemade honey mustard dip, this recipe is perfect for a family meal, appetizer, or snack. It’s easy to prepare, quick to cook, and great for meal prep. Serve with your favorite sides or enjoy as a tasty party treat. This recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a delicious, homemade chicken strip meal!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Strips:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (about 3 large breasts)
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste
• ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise (preferably 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 all seasoned bread crumbs)

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

• ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
• ⅓ cup honey
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ½ teaspoon poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Strips: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy clean-up.
   In a large bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and pressed garlic cloves. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the garlic to infuse into the marinade.
   In another bowl, place the bread crumbs.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts using paper towels. Trim off any excess fat and cut the breasts into 1-inch thick strips.
   Season the chicken strips lightly with sea salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Coat the Chicken Strips: Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Then, roll each chicken strip in the bread crumbs, making sure the chicken is evenly coated. Arrange the breaded strips on the prepared baking sheet. To ensure a crispy crust, avoid overcrowding the chicken strips on the baking sheet.
4. Bake the Chicken Strips: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the outside is golden brown and crispy.
5. Make the Honey Mustard Dip: In a medium bowl (or in a blender), combine the Dijon mustard, honey, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and well-blended. If desired, stir in poppy seeds for a bit of extra flair. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These baked breaded chicken strips are crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, making them a hit with both kids and adults. The simple marinade of Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and garlic ensures the chicken is flavorful, while the combination of seasoned Italian bread crumbs and panko crumbs gives a satisfying crunch. Paired with the sweet and tangy honey mustard dip, this dish is a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken tenders.

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Tips

• For Extra Crispiness: If you want your chicken strips even crispier, you can lightly spray them with cooking spray before baking.
• Marinating: Let the chicken strips marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb more flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can coat and bake them immediately.
• Chicken Thickness: If your chicken strips are too thick, slice them thinner for quicker and more even cooking.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Bread Crumbs: You can mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the bread crumbs for an extra cheesy flavor or use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a bit of heat.
• Dipping Sauce Variations: You can experiment with different types of mustard or use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dip for a lighter version.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cutting them into strips and marinating.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken strips and bread them ahead of time. Store the breaded chicken in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking. You can also freeze the breaded strips and bake them directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

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Serving Suggestions

These baked chicken strips are perfect served with the homemade honey mustard dip, and they go wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try pairing them with crispy French fries, roasted vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also serve them as a snack or appetizer at parties, alongside other dips like ranch or BBQ sauce. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh vegetable platter.