Crispy Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Sauce

Introduction

Golden, crispy chicken strips are a universal favorite, offering a perfect balance of juicy tenderness and a crunchy coating.

Paired with a creamy honey mustard dipping sauce, these strips are an irresistible snack or main dish.

Whether enjoyed by kids or adults, this recipe is perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or even parties.

With a few simple ingredients and a foolproof method, you can create restaurant-quality chicken strips at home that are sure to impress everyone.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Strips:

1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders

1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour

1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

2 large eggs

Vegetable oil for frying

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

1/3 cup (80ml) mayonnaise

1/4 cup (60ml) Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Pinch of salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into strips, approximately 1 inch wide. In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken strips, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to tenderize and flavor the chicken.

Preparing the Coating

Prepare the Breading Stations:

In one bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.

In a second bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.

In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Dip each strip into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to create a crispy coating.

Frying the Chicken

4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test, drop a small breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
5. Fry the Chicken Strips: Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
6. Drain the Chicken: Remove the chicken strips from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Making the Honey Mustard Sauce

7. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference by adding more honey or mustard.

Serving Suggestions

8. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the crispy chicken strips on a platter, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a touch of color, and serve with the honey mustard dipping sauce on the side. Pair with French fries, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Crispy chicken strips are a beloved dish that combines irresistible flavors and textures. The crunchy exterior and juicy interior, paired with the sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, make this recipe a standout crowd-pleaser. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these homemade chicken strips elevate a classic comfort food into something truly special. Try this recipe, and watch these golden bites disappear in no time!