Oh, the joy of crispy chicken strips—it’s like a childhood comfort with a grown-up twist, right? Imagine the crunch, the savory warmth, and then there’s the sauce, that creamy honey mustard concoction dancing on your taste buds. This dish is a delightful contradiction—simple yet decadent, just like that time I discovered a forgotten candy bar in the back of the pantry during a Netflix binge.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a large oven-safe cooling rack with olive oil spray, placing it on top of a rimmed baking sheet.
- In a shallow dish, mix together flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another dish, beat eggs until smooth. In a third dish, combine crushed cornflakes or panko with dried parsley.
- Take one chicken strip at a time and coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture, then dip it into the eggs to cover both sides.
- Press the chicken strip into the cornflake mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated and the crumbs adhere firmly.
- Place the coated chicken strips onto the prepared cooling rack, ensuring there is space between each piece for even cooking. Lightly spray the strips with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the internal temperature of the thickest piece reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
- Allow the chicken strips to cool for a few minutes to enhance the crispiness of the coating, then season with additional salt if desired.
- For the dipping sauce, mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl, adding salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Ingredients
- baked chicken strips with honey mustard sauce:
- Chicken breasts
- Flour
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Eggs
- Crushed cornflakes (or Panko bread crumbs)
- Dried parsley (optional)
- Olive oil cooking spray
- Mustard
- Honey
- Greek yogurt
- Light mayonnaise
Nutritional Values
Calories 1740 | Calories from Fat 270 | Fat 30g | Saturated Fat 5g | Cholesterol 760mg | Sodium 6695mg | Potassium 3060mg | Carbohydrates 180g | Fiber 5g | Sugar 15g | Protein 170g | Vitamin A 3425IU | Vitamin C 42.5mg | Calcium 110mg | Iron 52mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare these chicken strips without using buttermilk?
- Absolutely. The recipe skips the buttermilk soak and instead uses a simple dredging method with flour, eggs, and cornflakes or Panko crumbs. This not only simplifies the process but also helps the coating stick better to the chicken.
- What is the best way to ensure the chicken strips are crispy when baked?
- To achieve maximum crispiness, it’s crucial to use a wire cooling rack placed on a baking sheet. This setup allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, preventing any soggy spots. Additionally, lightly spraying the chicken with olive oil spray before baking enhances the crispy texture.
- Can I substitute Panko breadcrumbs for cornflakes in the coating?
- Yes, you can use Panko breadcrumbs as an alternative to cornflakes. However, the original recipe suggests that cornflakes provide a more flavorful coating, though both options are effective.
- Is the honey mustard sauce essential, and are there any alternatives?
- While the honey mustard sauce adds significant flavor, if it’s not to your taste, you can substitute it with other sauces like barbecue or light ranch dressing to complement the chicken strips.
- What are some side dishes that pair well with these chicken strips?
- Some great pairings include coleslaw, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, macaroni salad, or baked sweet potato fries. These sides add variety and complement the flavors of the chicken strips nicely.
Tips
- Use a wire cooling rack on a baking sheet to ensure even cooking and prevent a soggy bottom. This allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken strips, resulting in a crispier coating.
- Opt for cornflakes over Panko breadcrumbs for the coating if you prefer more flavor. If using cornflakes, crush them into tiny pieces to ensure they adhere well to the chicken.
- Lightly spray the chicken strips with olive oil cooking spray before baking to enhance the crispiness of the coating.
- If making the honey mustard sauce, consider using Fage Greek yogurt for its thicker consistency, which contributes to a creamier and richer sauce.
Equipment
- Oven-Safe Cooling Rack: Used to allow hot air to circulate around the chicken for even baking and a crispy texture.
- Olive Oil Cooking Spray: Essential for lightly coating the chicken strips to enhance crispiness.
- Baking Sheet with Rim: To catch any drippings and provide stability for the cooling rack.
- Shallow Dishes: For organizing the dredging and coating process (flour, eggs, and cornflakes/panko).
