When it comes to crowd-pleasing snacks or a quick dinner option, these Spicy Chicken Strips with homemade honey mustard dipping sauce are an absolute winner. These strips are tender, juicy, and coated in a perfectly spiced crust that delivers just the right amount of heat. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and ideal for sharing. Paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, they’re the perfect balance of spicy and sweet, making them a go-to for game nights, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week.
The spicy coating on these chicken strips is a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a few other seasonings, giving each bite a burst of flavor with a bit of a kick. The strips are baked or air-fried, making them a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken without sacrificing flavor or crunch. The honey mustard dipping sauce brings it all together with its rich, sweet, and slightly tangy profile that mellows the spice of the chicken and adds a whole new layer of deliciousness.
What’s great about this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, make the strips extra crispy with a double-coating technique, or even prepare them in advance and reheat as needed. This recipe is quick to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Spicy Chicken Strips:
• 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt thinned with milk)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works well for extra crunch)
• ½ cup flour
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil spray or cooking spray
For the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a tangy kick)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken strips in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge) to tenderize the chicken and allow the spices to stick.
2. Preheat the Oven (or Air Fryer): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. If using an air fryer, preheat to 380°F (190°C).
3. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs, flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Coat the Chicken Strips: Remove each chicken strip from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge the strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat evenly. Place the coated strips on the prepared baking sheet or air fryer basket.
5. Bake or Air-Fry: Lightly spray the chicken strips with olive oil or cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. For air frying, cook at 380°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking by adding more honey or mustard.
7. Serve: Arrange the chicken strips on a plate and serve hot with the honey mustard dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these chicken strips less spicy?
Yes! Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance. You can also leave it out entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can use plain yogurt thinned with a bit of milk as a substitute for buttermilk. The acidity helps tenderize the chicken, so it’s still a good alternative.
Can I make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Can I freeze these chicken strips?
Yes, the cooked chicken strips can be frozen. Simply allow them to cool, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Can I fry these chicken strips instead of baking or air frying?
Yes! For a more traditional approach, you can deep fry the chicken strips in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
These Spicy Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce are a great way to enjoy a restaurant-style treat at home. The crispy, spicy coating combined with the sweet and tangy dipping sauce makes each bite incredibly satisfying. Serve them for a snack, appetizer, or main course, and watch them disappear from the plate! Enjoy every flavorful bite.
