Honey mustard chicken strips are a crowd-pleasing favorite, offering a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. These crispy, golden-brown strips are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a fun game-day snack. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making perfect honey mustard chicken strips, from choosing the right chicken to creating that irresistible dipping sauce.
What Makes Honey Mustard Chicken Strips So Popular?
The enduring appeal of honey mustard chicken strips lies in their versatility and delicious flavor profile. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce is simply irresistible. They're easy to customize to suit different preferences – you can adjust the spice level, add different herbs and spices, or even experiment with breading techniques. Furthermore, they're incredibly convenient, making them a go-to option for busy weeknights.
How to Make the Perfect Honey Mustard Chicken Strips
Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious honey mustard chicken strips:
Ingredients:
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Egg Wash: 2 large eggs, beaten
- Oil: Vegetable oil, for frying
- Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips.
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in the flour mixture again.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a drop of breading should sizzle immediately), carefully add the chicken strips in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain the Chicken: Remove the chicken strips from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and yellow mustard until well combined.
- Serve: Serve the hot chicken strips immediately with the honey mustard sauce for dipping.
What are some variations for Honey Mustard Chicken Strips?
You can easily customize your honey mustard chicken strips to suit your taste preferences. Here are some popular variations:
- Spicy Honey Mustard: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Parmesan Honey Mustard: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 clove of minced garlic to the breading mixture.
- Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Strips: For a healthier option, bake the chicken strips in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Honey BBQ Chicken Strips: Replace the honey mustard sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce.
What is the best way to store leftover honey mustard chicken strips?
Leftover honey mustard chicken strips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet, oven, or microwave until warmed through.
How many calories are in honey mustard chicken strips?
The calorie count for honey mustard chicken strips varies depending on the ingredients and cooking method. A typical serving of fried honey mustard chicken strips can range from 250-350 calories per serving. Baked versions will generally be lower in calories.
Can I make honey mustard chicken strips ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken strips ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. This can save you time on busy weeknights. However, it's best to fry them just before serving to maintain their crispy texture.
Are honey mustard chicken strips healthy?
While not the healthiest option due to the frying process, honey mustard chicken strips can be part of a balanced diet. Opting for baking instead of frying significantly reduces the fat and calorie content. Using lean chicken breast and controlling portion sizes also contributes to a healthier outcome.
This comprehensive guide provides a delicious recipe and answers frequently asked questions about honey mustard chicken strips, making it a valuable resource for home cooks of all levels. Enjoy!
