If there’s one dish that never disappoints whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend party, it’s Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip. Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and paired with a sweet-tangy sauce that always disappears far too quickly, these homemade chicken tenders are pure comfort food, made even better because they’re baked, not fried. The simple ingredients come together easily, and the result is a flavor-packed, crunchy coating that even picky eaters love — all complemented by a creamy honey mustard dip that you’ll want to drizzle on everything! Trust me, this dish is one you’ll want to keep in regular dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully unfussy, using everyday staples that each bring a special something to the table. From the duo of bread crumbs that create the ultimate crunch to the bold pop of Dijon mustard and the silky mayonnaise that ensures succulence, every ingredient works hard for maximum color, texture, and irresistible taste.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and bake up beautifully juicy as strips.
Sea salt and pepper: Essential for a simple but purposeful depth of flavor—don’t skip the seasoning!
Dijon mustard: This gives both the marinade and the dip a bright, peppery edge that lingers.
Mayonnaise (preferably real): Adds creaminess to the marinade and dip, helping keep your chicken perfectly moist.
Garlic cloves: Pressed fresh garlic infuses that savory aroma and complexity—adjust to taste if you’re a true garlic lover.
Bread crumbs (Italian-seasoned & panko): Combine both for a breading that melds flavor and crunch in every bite; all Italian-style bread crumbs work in a pinch.
Honey: The star sweetener in the dip that balances all that tang and salt with a mellow finish.
Poppy seeds (optional): Just a sprinkle for garnish gives your sauce a touch of elegance and a subtle pop.

How to Make Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high heat guarantees a golden, crispy crust without deep-frying. For effortless clean-up and perfect browning, line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil—trust me, your future self will thank you!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a spacious bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and pressed garlic cloves. Give it a good whisk and let it sit for a few minutes. Allowing the garlic to infuse creates a deeply flavorful marinade that makes these Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip truly unforgettable.

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station

In a separate bowl, add your bread crumbs. I love mixing equal parts seasoned Italian bread crumbs and light, airy panko—this combo yields irresistible texture and a subtle herby flavor. If you have only one type, that’s absolutely fine!

Step 4: Prep and Season the Chicken

Rinse and thoroughly pat dry your chicken breasts with paper towels. Trim any excess fat and slice each breast into even 1-inch thick strips. Consistent sizing ensures the chicken bakes evenly—no dry bites here! Sprinkle both sides of each strip lightly with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken Strips

Dip each chicken strip into the zesty marinade, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. Let any excess drip off, then dredge in the bread crumbs, pressing gently to make sure each piece is chock-full of flavorful crust. Space the strips evenly on your lined baking sheet so they crisp up and don’t steam.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Pop the tray into your hot oven and bake for 15-17 minutes. The chicken will cook through, the coating will turn golden brown, and the kitchen will start to smell absolutely delicious! They’re ready when the surface is crispy and a thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest strip.

Step 7: Make the Honey Mustard Dip

While the chicken bakes, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, and mayonnaise in a bowl (or blend for extra creaminess). Stir until the dip is velvety smooth, then, if you like, fold in poppy seeds for a fun, classy finish. Pop the dip in the fridge until the chicken is ready—chilled sauce next to hot, crispy strips is a match made in flavor heaven!

How to Serve Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or a quick dusting of paprika can really elevate the presentation of Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few lemon wedges to the platter for a bright burst that complements the honey mustard flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair these crispy chicken strips with oven-baked fries, sweet potato wedges, or a cheerful green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. A crisp coleslaw, steamed green beans, or even corn on the cob also create a vibrant, filling meal that highlights the best qualities of your Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style dinner, pile the chicken strips high on a platter with the honey mustard dip in the center. Want to get fancy? Serve on skewers for a party appetizer, or pick up some mini slider buns and let everyone make chicken strip sandwiches—just don’t forget the dip for spreading inside!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, store the cooled Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the dip in a separate covered jar or bowl so your breading stays as crispy as possible.

Freezing

These chicken strips freeze surprisingly well! Lay the fully cooked and cooled strips in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to two months, and reserve the honey mustard dip for fresh mixing after reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken strips in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes or until heated through and crisp-tender. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy. Let the dip come to room temperature while you rewarm the chicken for that just-made magic.

FAQs

Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken tenders are naturally the perfect size and can be swapped in directly. Just adjust the baking time by a couple of minutes since they’re usually thinner and will cook a tad faster.

What’s the difference between panko and seasoned bread crumbs?

Panko bread crumbs are lighter and flakier, creating more crunch, while Italian-seasoned ones add herby, savory flavors. Combining both gives Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip the ultimate crispy crust—feel free to use what you have, though.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the breading. Make sure your mustard and mayonnaise are also gluten-free for a worry-free meal.

Can I prepare the strips ahead of time?

You can! Bread the chicken strips and arrange them on the baking sheet, then cover and chill in the fridge for up to 8 hours. When you’re ready, pop them straight into the oven—add an extra minute or two to the bake time if starting from cold.

What else can I serve with the honey mustard dip?

This dip is a crowd-pleaser and goes far beyond chicken! Try it with roasted veggies, as a sandwich spread, or even for dunking pretzels. It’s a great staple to keep on hand.

Final Thoughts

Baked Breaded Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard Dip are the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, no matter their age or appetite. With that shockingly crispy, golden exterior and a dip you’ll want to eat by the spoonful, this recipe proves just how easy and delicious homemade comfort food can be. I can’t wait for you to make it your new go-to—happy cooking!