No. 1 Chicken Favorite Homemade Chicken Strips

When my kids were little, I used to make them homemade chicken strips that we referred to as “No.1 Chicken.” It wasn’t just their favorite — they loved that the long strips of chicken, sliced from whole breasts, looked like the number one. So when I would say, "We are having No.1 Chicken," they knew exactly what I was referring to. What can I say, we are a very literal family.

I haven't come across many kids who didn't like chicken fingers, so I knew it was a dish I would have to learn to make for the family when I became a mom. I had one child willing to be daring and experiment with food, the other was a bit more particular. Thankfully, everyone loved No.1 Chicken. The kids loved it because it was delicious and easy to eat. I liked it because it was easy to make, not that time-consuming and I didn't have to spend time cutting them up so the kids could eat. The classic finger food.

Prep time was minimal. All I did was dip the chicken in an egg wash, then coat it in a breadcrumb mixture seasoned with parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of Greek seasoning, which had a mix of oregano, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Back then, I’d fry them in olive oil until golden, but today, I prefer to bake or air fry them for a lighter touch. Any which way, you have to flip them.

The kids loved dipping them in our homemade honey mustard sauce. It’s a quick and easy sauce I would mix up right before dinner, making just enough for dinner, balancing the sweet and tangy, made with honey, whole grain mustard, and Dijon — just thick enough to cling to every bite. They are also delicious cold the next day as a snack.

Now my kids are grown, but this recipe is a little slice of our family history. Whenever I make it, it feels like a warm hug from the past.

No.1 Chicken Strips Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp water

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil spray (for baking or air frying)

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

• 2 tbsp whole grain mustard

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tbsp honey

• Optional: pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon for balance

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into long strips, about the shape of the number one. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Set up Breading Station:

In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water.

In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Bread the Chicken:

Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.

Cook:

To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Lightly spray with olive oil. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

or

To Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange strips in a single layer, spray lightly with oil, and cook for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.

While the chicken cools slightly, make the sauce:

In a small bowl, stir together whole-grain mustard, Dijon, and honey until smooth and creamy but not too runny. Adjust to taste.

Serve:

Serve warm with honey mustard sauce on the side or cold as a delicious leftover.

These chicken strips are great for dipping - try your family's favorite dipping sauce and make a perfect family-friendly meal.

Try pairing them with a crisp salad, roasted potatoes, or even tuck them into wraps for a twist.

Author's Note: I am working on compiling a collection of recipes that my family has always enjoyed so I can pass these dishes along to the next generation, along with the stories of our past and how these meals brought us together.