Crispy Chicken Strips with Smoky Maple Mustard Sauce

Posted on July 10, 2025

Crispy Chicken Strips with Smoky Maple Mustard Sauce

Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that will please both kids and adults alike? Look no further than these Crispy Chicken Strips with Smoky Maple Mustard Sauce. This recipe combines the crunchiness of breaded chicken strips with a delightful smoky mustard sauce that brings everything together in a perfect blend of flavors. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting a game night, or just craving something tasty, this dish is sure to impress.

Making crispy chicken strips at home is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant. The chicken strips are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in eggs, and then coated in breadcrumbs for extra crunch. The smoky maple mustard sauce is the perfect complement, adding a touch of sweetness and a hint of smokiness that elevates the dish. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Crispy Chicken Strips with Smoky Maple Mustard Sauce is not just about taste; it’s about convenience and versatility too. Here are a few reasons why this dish deserves a spot in your recipe collection:

  • Quick and Easy: Preparation takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
  • Kid-Friendly: Kids love chicken strips, and this homemade version is healthier than many store-bought options. Plus, they can help with the dipping process!
  • Customizable: Adjust the seasonings and sauce ingredients according to your taste preferences. Add more spice for a kick or more maple syrup for added sweetness.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store the extras in the fridge or freezer for quick reheatable meals throughout the week.
  • Great for Entertaining: Serve these chicken strips as an appetizer at your next gathering or game day party. Pair them with the smoky maple mustard sauce for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Now that you know why you’ll love this recipe, let’s talk about the delicious flavors you can expect. The crispy texture of the chicken strips combined with the rich, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce creates a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. This dish is not only filling but also brings a sense of comfort, making it the ideal choice for any occasion.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

There are countless chicken strip recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

  • Healthier Option: By making your chicken strips at home, you can control the ingredients, ensuring they are healthier than their fast-food counterparts. The use of lean chicken breast and minimal oil for frying contributes to a lighter meal.
  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices in the flour mixture enhances the flavor of the chicken, while the smoky maple mustard sauce adds an unexpected twist that keeps you coming back for more.
  • Versatile Pairing: These chicken strips can be served with a variety of sides, from salads to fries, making them a versatile addition to your meal planning. Try pairing them with a refreshing side salad or classic French fries for a complete meal.
  • Cook with Kids: This recipe is a great way to engage children in the kitchen. They can help with dredging the chicken and mixing the sauce, turning dinner prep into a fun family activity.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner, a party, or even a picnic, these chicken strips are sure to impress your guests.

With all these enticing reasons to try Crispy Chicken Strips with Smoky Maple Mustard Sauce, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious chicken strips and their accompanying sauce:

  • For the Chicken Strips:
    • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into strips
    • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
    • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • For the Smoky Maple Mustard Sauce:
    • 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup
    • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

Recommended Tools or Utensils

Having the right tools will ensure your cooking process is smooth and successful:

  • Three shallow bowls for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs
  • Large skillet for frying
  • Tongs for turning the chicken strips
  • Paper towels for draining excess oil
  • Whisk for mixing the sauce
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Now that you have all the ingredients and tools ready, let’s move on to the detailed recipe steps for these Crispy Chicken Strips with Smoky Maple Mustard Sauce.

Detailed Recipe Steps

  1. Prepare the Chicken Strips:

    In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add a flavorful crust to your chicken. In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl. This three-step dredging process is key to achieving a crispy texture.

  2. Coat the Chicken:

    Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring to shake off any excess flour. This step is crucial for achieving a good coating. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the strip in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat this process for all chicken strips. Make sure each strip is fully coated for maximum crispiness.

  3. Fry the Chicken Strips:

    In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop in a breadcrumb; it should sizzle immediately. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken strips in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Be mindful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy strips. Transfer the cooked strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  4. Make the Smoky Maple Mustard Sauce:

    While the chicken strips are frying, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar. This sauce is where the magic happens, so taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. You can add more maple syrup for sweetness or more mustard for a tangy kick.

  5. Serve:

    Serve the crispy chicken strips hot with the smoky maple mustard sauce for dipping. You can garnish with fresh herbs or serve alongside your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these chicken strips instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the chicken strips! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and cooked through.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey or even firm fish like cod. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fish will cook faster than chicken.

How do I store leftover chicken strips?

Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness!

What can I serve with crispy chicken strips?

These chicken strips pair wonderfully with a variety of sides like French fries, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve them with different dipping sauces for added flavor.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the smoky maple mustard sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Crispy Chicken Strips with Smoky Maple Mustard Sauce is a fantastic recipe that brings together the best of both worlds: crunchy chicken and a flavorful dipping sauce. It’s an easy, delicious, and versatile meal that you can whip up in no time. We hope you try this recipe and enjoy it as much as we do! Don’t forget to leave a comment with your thoughts, share this article with friends, and most importantly, indulge in these scrumptious chicken strips!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Crispy Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Dip or Spicy Beef Bites with Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce.

Also, don’t forget to explore more culinary inspirations on Pinterest!

Crispy Chicken Strips with Smoky Maple Mustard Sauce

Crispy Chicken Strips with Smoky Maple Mustard Sauce

These crispy chicken strips are perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, served with a delicious smoky maple mustard sauce for dipping.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing Bowls

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chicken breast cut into strips
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs
  • for frying Vegetable oil

Smoky Maple Mustard Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
  • Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
  • Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the strip in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat for all chicken strips.
  • In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken strips in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve the crispy chicken strips hot with the smoky maple mustard sauce for dipping.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for a few hours before breading.
Keyword chicken strips, fried chicken, sauce

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