Crispy Baked Chicken Stars with Honeymustard Dipping Sauce
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Making Meal Times Fun Again
Remember those days when getting the kids to eat felt like a Herculean task? Honestly, finding a kid friendly chicken dinner that pleases everyone can be a real challenge.
This recipe? It’s about to become your new best mate.
Brief Overview: Star Shaped Chicken Goodness
This baked panko chicken recipe transforms simple chicken into fun star shapes. A culinary win for your family! Originating from the desire to make easy family meals engaging, this recipe is straightforward and takes about 45 minutes.
It yields 4 servings, perfect for a small family.
Main Benefits: Healthy and Delicious
These baked chicken stars are a healthier take on chicken nuggets . Baking instead of frying significantly cuts down on the grease.
They're ideal for a quick weeknight dinner for kids or any occasion where you need a kid friendly chicken recipe .
What makes this recipe special? The fun shape, crunchy texture, and delightful honey mustard sauce .
Why This Chicken Recipe Rocks
Okay, so you're probably thinking, "Another baked chicken recipes ? What's so different?" Let me tell you, as a mum myself, I've been there.
Trust me, these chicken stars recipe are a game changer. They're not just healthy chicken recipes for kids , they're genuinely tasty.
Plus, who can resist a star shape?
This recipe is all about making mealtime less stressful. It's a lifesaver for chicken dinner ideas for picky eaters . And the honey mustard sauce ? It's the secret weapon.
It makes even the most stubborn little one gobble them right up. Honestly, it's a win-win.
Ingredient Rundown: What You Need
Now, let's talk ingredients. Don't worry, you probably have most of this in your cupboard already. We're keeping it simple and accessible, because who has time for complicated recipes after a long day?
So, gather your chicken breasts, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, and a few other bits and bobs. Get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible kid friendly chicken recipes ! You won't regret it.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, let's talk about what you'll need for this kid friendly chicken dinner . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. Nothing too fancy, just simple stuff that won't break the bank.
This isn't rocket science, just kid friendly chicken recipes that actually work.
Main Ingredients
Okay, here’s the shopping list. Remember, it's always best to use good quality chicken; you can taste the difference.
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Try to find chicken that looks nice and pink, not pale or grey.
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs. These are key for the perfect panko chicken .
- 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the honey mustard sauce, you'll want:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Seasoning Notes
Spices are where the magic happens, innit? Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are your base. Smoked paprika can create the best chicken stars recipe .
Don’t be shy, experiment a little. If you’re out of Dijon, some yellow mustard works in a pinch. Honey mustard sauce is the perfect partner for chicken.
Equipment Needed
Right, you don't need a whole kitchen full of kit to make this. Keep it simple.
- 3 shallow dishes or plates for your breading station
- A baking sheet. A must for yummy baked chicken recipes .
- Parchment paper (makes cleanup a breeze)
- Star shaped cookie cutters are optional. They're fun for the kid friendly chicken dinner .
- A small bowl for your sauce
That's it, honestly! So, let's get cooking, mate!. This recipe is all about making delicious, easy family meals , even if you've got chicken dinner ideas for picky eaters .
It's also a tasty option for healthy chicken recipes for kids . Who says quick weeknight dinners for kids can't be fun and healthy? This is great way to include baked chicken recipes .
Cooking Method: Baking Up Some Kid Friendly Chicken Dinner Stars!
Forget boring baked chicken recipes ! We're taking chicken to a whole new level. I'm sharing my secret weapon for getting even the fussiest eaters to gobble down their dinner: Crispy Baked Chicken "Stars" with Honey Mustard Sauce .
Honestly, this chicken stars recipe is a life saver.
Prep Steps: Ready, Steady, COOK!
Essential mise en place? Sorted! Chop those chicken breasts into bite sized pieces. Grab your flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. A little Parmesan too.
Top tip : Get the little ones involved here. My little terrors enjoy 'helping' me shape the chicken. It's a great way to get them excited about easy family meals .
Remember, wash your hands, folks. Safety first, especially with raw chicken!
Time saving tips? You bet. Buy chicken tenders instead of breasts. This saves on chopping time. You can also prep the breadcrumb mixture in advance.
Just store it in an airtight container. The honey mustard sauce can also be made ahead. It tastes even better after a day or two!
step-by-step Process: Turning Chicken into Culinary Gold
Alright, here's the magic:
- Preheat the oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Get that baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Shape those chicken pieces into stars. Cookie cutters are great, but hands work too!
- Set up your breading station. Flour, eggs, then panko breadcrumbs mixed with cheese and spices.
- Dredge, dip, and coat each chicken piece. Make sure that chicken piece is fully covered.
- Arrange on the baking sheet. Give them some space!
- Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20- 25 minutes .
- Whisk together your honey mustard sauce .
- Serve and enjoy!
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Trust me, a meat thermometer is your best friend.
Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen
Want that extra crunch? Toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet for a few minutes. It's a game changer!
The biggest mistake? Overcrowding the baking sheet. It steams the chicken instead of baking it. Avoid the soggy chicken nuggets !
make-ahead option? Bread the chicken stars, then freeze them. Bake straight from frozen. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time.
I learned this one the hard way - a quick and simple solution for those frantic quick weeknight dinners for kids moments.
These crispy chicken stars are perfect for picky eaters. They're fun, delicious, and relatively healthy chicken recipes for kids . Pair them with some steamed broccoli or sweet potato fries for a complete and balanced kid friendly chicken dinner .
Seriously, give this chicken stars recipe a go. You won't regret it. I promise your little ones will be asking for it again and again.
Plus, it's a fab way to sneak in some healthy chicken recipes for kids without the drama!
Recipe Notes: Chicken Stars for the Win!
Alright, let's talk shop about these kid friendly chicken dinner champions! Honestly, these Crispy Baked Chicken "Stars" are more than just a meal; they're a culinary adventure.
I mean, who can resist star shaped food? Am I right? It is important for the chicken stars recipe to be palatable for your family, and so let's discuss all the possibilities of it.
Starry, Starry Night: Serving Suggestions
Okay, so how do we make these baked chicken recipes really shine?
Plating and Presentation Ideas:
Think beyond just chucking them on a plate. Arrange these little stars in a constellation pattern. Serve them in a fun basket lined with colourful napkins.
Complementary Sides or Beverages:
Go for vibrant sides like steamed broccoli trees or sweet potato fries. A glass of milk or a small sparkling apple juice are the perfect kid-friendly beverages.
Keeping the Magic Alive: Storage Tips
Right, let's talk about storing these little beauties.
Refrigeration Guidelines:
Pop any leftover chicken stars in an airtight container. They'll happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .
Freezing Options (if applicable):
Fancy making a big batch of these bad boys? Freeze them! Place the baked and cooled chicken stars in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze for 1- 2 hours , then transfer to a freezer safe bag. They'll be good for up to 2 months .
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for 10- 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also use an air fryer for extra crispiness.
Remix Time: Variations
Want to mix it up with these healthy chicken recipes for kids ? Let's go!
Dietary Adaptations:
For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. If dairy is an issue, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps:
Try using different herbs in the breadcrumb mixture depending on the season. Fresh herbs from the garden are always a winner.
Nutrition Nutshell: Nutrition Basics
Let's get down to brass tacks. Each serving of these kid friendly chicken recipes is packed with about 35g of protein, great for growing kiddos.
The breadcrumbs add some carbs, and the honey mustard sauce gives it a touch of sweetness.
Key Health Benefits:
These baked chicken recipes are a healthier alternative to fried chicken nuggets. They're a good source of protein and can be a part of a balanced, easy family meals , especially when paired with veggies.
They are great as quick weeknight dinners for kids , for having all ingredients readily available.
Honestly, this kid friendly chicken dinner is a lifesaver. These chicken nuggets are a delicious, and fun way to get everyone excited about dinner.
They are especially great chicken dinner ideas for picky eaters or a great take on panko chicken and honey mustard sauce .
Give it a go and watch those little faces light up!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this kid friendly chicken dinner ahead of time?
You sure can! You can prepare the breaded chicken stars ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to keep them covered tightly. I wouldn't recommend baking them completely and then reheating, as they might lose some of their crispiness nobody wants soggy chicken!
My kids are super picky - what substitutions can I make to this recipe?
No worries, we've all been there! If your little ones aren't fans of honey mustard, try a simple ketchup or ranch dressing for dipping. You could also swap the parmesan in the breadcrumbs for a milder cheddar.
For the really fussy eaters, you can even skip the Italian seasoning and just use garlic powder and a bit of salt.
How do I store leftovers of this kid friendly chicken dinner?
Store leftover chicken stars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. An air fryer also works wonders for reheating these, keeping them nice and crunchy!
Is this Crispy Baked Chicken "Stars" recipe healthy for kids?
This recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken nuggets as it's baked, not fried. Baking significantly reduces the fat content, whilst still maintaining that lovely crispiness.
You can also serve it alongside nutritious sides like steamed vegetables or a colourful salad to make it a well rounded meal. Like all things, moderation is key, but this is certainly a better option than takeaway!
Can I freeze these chicken stars?
Absolutely! To freeze the chicken stars, place the breaded, uncooked chicken stars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen, but you'll need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Crispy Baked Chicken Stars With Honeymustard Dip
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 420 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
