Honey Mustard Crack Chicken Strips
These Honey Mustard Crack Chicken Strips are a delicious twist on classic chicken tenders, combining the sweetness of honey and the tang of Dijon mustard with a crispy Ritz cracker coating. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or snack, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients Overview
- 1 lb chicken breast strips:
Using chicken breast strips gives these tenders a juicy and tender texture. - 1/2 cup mayonnaise:
Adds moisture and helps the honey mustard mixture adhere to the chicken. - 1/4 cup honey:
Provides a sweet balance to the tanginess of the Dijon mustard. - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard:
Adds a flavorful and slightly spicy kick. - 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers:
The crackers create a buttery, crunchy coating. You can substitute with other buttery crackers if preferred. - Salt and pepper, to taste:
Enhances the flavors in the chicken.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup. - Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined. - Coat the Chicken Strips:
Dip each chicken strip into the honey mustard mixture, ensuring it is well-coated. Let any excess drip off. - Roll in Crushed Crackers:
Roll the coated chicken strip in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well. - Bake the Chicken Strips:
Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F) and the coating is golden brown and crispy. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken strips hot, with extra honey mustard sauce for dipping if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use Fresh Chicken Strips:
Fresh chicken will yield the juiciest results. You can also cut your own strips from whole chicken breasts. - Crush the Ritz Crackers Finely:
Smaller crumbs adhere better and create a more even coating. - Add a Little Paprika or Garlic Powder:
Mixing in some extra seasoning to the cracker crumbs can boost the flavor. - Flip the Chicken Halfway Through Baking:
For an evenly crispy coating, turn the strips over halfway through the baking time. - Serve with Additional Honey Mustard Sauce:
Set aside some of the honey mustard mixture for dipping, or make extra for drizzling over the finished strips.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerating Leftovers:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Freezing:
You can freeze the baked chicken strips. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until heated through. - Reheating:
To maintain the crispiness, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the coating soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used.
2. Is it okay to substitute regular mustard for Dijon?
Dijon mustard has a unique flavor, but yellow mustard can be substituted if needed.
3. Can I air fry the chicken strips?
Yes, air fry at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
The parchment paper should suffice, but lightly greasing will add extra crispiness.
5. Can I make the coating gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free crackers as a substitute.
