Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe

When you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping, Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip are an absolute must-try. These strips are everything: golden, juicy, and bursting with flavor, with a tangy-sweet sauce that’s totally irresistible. Best of all, they’re baked (not fried!) and come out of your oven perfectly crunchy, so you can happily serve these for a weeknight dinner, a game day snack, or as party finger food everyone will devour. If you’ve been searching for a foolproof chicken strip recipe, this one is about to be your new go-to!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip are straightforward, but each one plays a special part in creating that signature crunch and bold flavor. Don’t skip any element—each brings something important, from juiciness and tenderness to the bold pop of the honey mustard dip.

• Chicken breasts: Use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the juiciest strips that cook quickly and evenly.
• Sea salt and pepper: Season lightly to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken and balance the crust spices.
• Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth to both the marinade and the honey mustard dip, making each bite pop.
• Mayonnaise: Real mayonnaise is key for a creamy marinade that locks in moisture; it’s also the secret to that silky dip!
• Garlic cloves: Pressed garlic gently infuses the marinade, giving every bite subtle aromatic warmth.
• Bread crumbs (Italian-style & panko): Italian-style bread crumbs bring herby, savory notes, while panko adds unrivaled crunch.
• Honey: Sweet honey is essential for the dip, balancing out the sharpness of the mustard with luscious sweetness.
• Poppy seeds (optional): Sprinkled on the dip, they add a delightful burst of visual fun and a mild nutty bite.

How to Make Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by heating your oven to 450°F (230°C), setting the stage for perfectly baked chicken strips. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil—this simple step guarantees easy clean-up and helps the breaded strips crisp up evenly as they bake.

Step 2: Mix Up the Flavorful Marinade

Whisk together Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and freshly pressed garlic in a large bowl. Give the mixture a few minutes to sit and let the garlic infuse its essence—this time lets the flavors entwine so your chicken strips soak up every bit of deliciousness.

Step 3: Ready the Breading Station

Pour your blend of bread crumbs into a shallow bowl for dredging. Using a mixture of panko and Italian-style bread crumbs delivers maximum crunch and flavor, giving your Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip their signature texture.

Step 4: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Rinse the chicken breasts, pat them completely dry, and trim any excess fat. Slice each breast into 1-inch thick strips for even cooking, then season each piece with sea salt and pepper, ensuring every bite is as tasty as the last.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken Strips

Dip each seasoned chicken strip into the marinade, making sure it’s thoroughly coated. Then, dredge the strip in the bread crumbs, pressing lightly so the coating sticks. Arrange the breaded strips on your lined baking sheet, giving each piece space so they can crisp up beautifully.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Bake the coated strips in the hot oven for 15-17 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust with piping-hot, juicy chicken inside. Don’t be tempted to overbake—just a few extra minutes can dry them out, so keep a close eye as they finish cooking.

Step 7: Whip Up the Honey Mustard Dip

While your chicken bakes, stir together Dijon mustard, honey, and mayonnaise for the creamiest, tangiest honey mustard dip ever. If you love a bit of whimsy, toss in the poppy seeds just before serving for a charming finishing touch to Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip.

How to Serve Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor on your platter. A sprinkle of poppy seeds on the dip itself adds a little flair and makes it look extra special for guests (or just for fun!).

Side Dishes

These chicken strips pair beautifully with crispy oven fries or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For something a bit lighter, try serving with roasted veggies or coleslaw to keep things crisp and refreshing next to the irresistible Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the strips in a spiral on a large platter and place the honey mustard dip in the center. If you’re making these for a kid’s lunch, tuck the strips into a bento box with veggie sticks and a little container of dip. Or go all out and assemble sliders with the strips tucked inside soft buns, a swipe of dip, and a few pickle chips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Store the strips and the dip separately for the best texture and freshness—this keeps your chicken crisp and the sauce silky smooth for the next round.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the fully baked and cooled chicken strips on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months and are perfect for quick, satisfying meals on busy days—you’ll just need to reheat and enjoy!

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat your Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 8-10 minutes directly from the fridge or 15 minutes from frozen. Microwave reheating will work in a pinch, but the oven is best for recreating that just-baked crunch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken tenders are a time-saving alternative and work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the baking time shorter by 2-3 minutes since they cook a little faster, resulting in equally delicious Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip.

What if I don’t have panko bread crumbs?

No worries! If you only have Italian-style bread crumbs, use them for the whole batch. The panko adds extra crunch, but seasoned bread crumbs will still give your strips a lovely golden crispness.

Can I make the honey mustard dip ahead of time?

Definitely! Mix up the honey mustard dip a day or two before serving and store it covered in the fridge. In fact, the flavors get even better as they meld together. Just give it a quick stir before serving alongside your strips.

How do I make these gluten free?

For a gluten-free version of Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip, simply use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed rice cereal in place of regular bread crumbs. Double-check your Dijon mustard and mayonnaise labels to ensure they’re gluten free as well.

Can I air fry the chicken strips instead?

Yes, you can! Arrange the coated strips in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll come out golden and crisp, ready for dunking in honey mustard goodness.

Final Thoughts

If you love food that’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and packed with vibrant flavor, you’ll adore these Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip. They’re easy to make, full of satisfying crunch, and covered in that dreamy sauce. Don’t wait to share this recipe with your loved ones—get ready for empty plates and plenty of dipping!

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