Crispy Baked Chicken Strips with Creamy Parmesan Dip: A Healthy, Kid-Friendly Family Favorite
This conversation is sponsored by Horizon Organic. The opinions and text are all mine.
As the leaves begin to turn and the school bells ring once more, many of us find ourselves swept up in the whirlwind of back-to-school season. For parents, this often means a hectic schedule filled with school pickups, homework battles, and extracurricular activities. My own household is no exception; with one enthusiastic 5th grader and a slightly less thrilled 7th grader heading back to classes, and football practices kicking off, our evenings have become a race against the clock. Practices nearly every day of the week, often at different fields, mean I’m constantly on the go, navigating school zones and sports complexes. By the time my older kids finish practice around 7:30 PM, they are, without fail, absolutely ravenous. If a quick, satisfying, and wholesome dinner isn’t ready or easily prepared, the infamous “hangry” monster makes a swift appearance.
It’s not just the older ones who need a delicious and nutritious meal in a hurry. My two younger munchkins also look forward to dinner, and like many kids, they adore chicken nuggets. However, as a parent, I’m always mindful of what goes into their growing bodies. Let’s be honest, many traditional fried chicken nuggets offer little in terms of genuine nutritional value. They are often processed, high in unhealthy fats, and lack the wholesome goodness I strive to provide for my family. This constant quest for convenient yet healthy meal solutions led me to perfect a recipe that truly satisfies everyone: crispy baked chicken strips paired with an irresistible creamy parmesan dip. This dish is not only a fantastic alternative to less healthy options but also a meal that consistently earns rave reviews from both my children and my husband, making it a true family favorite.
Why Baked Chicken Strips Are the Ultimate Weeknight Solution
In our busy lives, finding meals that are both quick to prepare and genuinely good for you can feel like a culinary challenge. That’s where baked chicken strips truly shine. Unlike their fried counterparts, these strips are cooked in the oven, significantly reducing the amount of added fat while still achieving a wonderfully crispy exterior. This simple cooking method locks in moisture, ensuring the chicken remains tender and flavorful. What’s more, baking allows for a much lighter coating, avoiding the heavy, greasy feel often associated with fried foods. This makes them a healthier choice that I can feel good about serving my family, knowing they are getting lean protein without unnecessary calories or unhealthy oils.
Beyond the health benefits, baked chicken strips are incredibly versatile. They can be seasoned in countless ways, offering endless possibilities for flavor profiles to keep dinner exciting. For this particular recipe, we’re focusing on a classic, crowd-pleasing combination that everyone loves. The process is straightforward, requiring minimal active cooking time, which is essential when juggling homework help and evening commitments. The simplicity also means less mess to clean up afterwards, a bonus for any busy parent! They are perfect for dipping, whether into our signature creamy parmesan dip or other favorites like ketchup, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard, appealing directly to children’s preferences for interactive meals. Plus, they make fantastic leftovers for school lunches the next day, further simplifying meal planning.
The Magic of Quality Ingredients: Featuring Horizon Organic
The secret to truly delicious and wholesome meals lies not just in the recipe itself, but in the quality of the ingredients you choose. When it comes to feeding my family, especially with organic dairy products, I consistently turn to Horizon Organic. Their commitment to providing healthy, organic milk, cheese, and other dairy products has made them a trusted name in our pantry for years. For over two decades, Horizon Organic has been a leader in the organic dairy industry, and that legacy of quality and care is something I deeply value as a mom.
In this baked chicken strip recipe, Horizon Organic milk plays a crucial role in creating the perfect coating. It acts as the binder, allowing the flavorful breading to adhere beautifully to each chicken strip, ensuring a uniform crispness. Using organic milk not only contributes to the overall wholesome nature of the meal but also adds a rich, subtle creaminess that enhances the texture and taste of the chicken. It’s a simple swap that makes a big difference in both flavor and nutrition.
Crafting the Irresistible Creamy Parmesan Dip
While the crispy baked chicken strips are undoubtedly the star of the show, they truly come alive when paired with our homemade Creamy Parmesan Dip. This dip isn’t just an accompaniment; it’s a flavor explosion that elevates the entire meal, making it an instant hit with both kids and adults. The secret to its velvety texture and rich taste? Horizon Organic sour cream. Using organic sour cream ensures a fresh, clean flavor profile, free from artificial additives, which is something I always prioritize for my family.
The dip is a delightful blend of tanginess from the sour cream, sharp saltiness from powdered parmesan cheese, and a subtle kick from Dijon mustard, all perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper. It’s incredibly easy to whip up while the chicken is baking, requiring just a few minutes of mixing. The result is a smooth, luscious dip that complements the savory chicken strips beautifully, adding a creamy, umami-rich layer of flavor. It transforms a simple plate of chicken into an exciting meal experience, encouraging even the pickiest eaters to clean their plates. The vibrant taste and smooth texture make it absolutely irresistible, proving that healthy eating can also be incredibly delicious and enjoyable.
Getting the Kids Involved: Fun in the Kitchen
One of my favorite aspects of making these baked chicken strips is the opportunity to get my children involved in the cooking process. Cooking together is not just about preparing food; it’s a wonderful way to teach valuable life skills, foster independence, and create lasting family memories. My boys especially love the hands-on steps involved in this recipe, transforming it from a chore into a fun, interactive activity. They enjoy measuring ingredients, but their absolute favorite parts are coating the chicken.
The process is designed to be kid-friendly. We set up a simple assembly line: first, dipping the chicken strips into the seasoned flour mixture, then a quick dunk in the Horizon Organic milk, and finally, a generous roll in the breadcrumb and parmesan coating. These tactile steps are incredibly engaging for little hands and minds. It’s amazing how much more enthusiastic children are about eating a meal when they’ve had a hand in preparing it. They take pride in their work, and suddenly, even the “healthy” food becomes exciting. This involvement also helps them understand where their food comes from and appreciate the effort that goes into creating a nutritious meal. It’s a win-win: I get help in the kitchen, and they gain confidence and a greater connection to what they eat.
Meal Prep & Serving Suggestions for Busy Evenings
These baked chicken strips are incredibly adaptable, making them perfect for those unpredictable weeknight dinners. To further streamline your cooking process, consider some simple meal prep tips. You can cut the chicken into strips and prepare the breading mixtures ahead of time, storing them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. On the day of, it’s a quick assembly, dip, coat, and bake. This pre-preparation can shave precious minutes off your dinner routine, especially on evenings when time is truly of the essence.
When it comes to serving, these chicken strips are versatile enough to pair with a variety of side dishes. For a balanced meal, consider serving them alongside a vibrant green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or sweet potatoes. A simple side of brown rice or quinoa can also add a hearty element. For a quicker option, a pre-packaged salad mix or steamed frozen vegetables work perfectly. The creamy parmesan dip is a must-have accompaniment, but you could also offer other dips to cater to different preferences, such as a sugar-free BBQ sauce or a homemade honey mustard.
Leftovers, if there are any, are fantastic for packing into school lunchboxes the next day. They taste great cold, or can be quickly reheated. This recipe truly offers a delicious and practical solution for any family looking for healthy, easy, and kid-friendly meal options during the busy back-to-school season and beyond.
Conclusion: A Winning Recipe for Every Family
In the juggle of school, sports, and daily life, a delicious and nutritious meal that pleases everyone is a treasure. These Baked Chicken Strips with Creamy Parmesan Dip check all the boxes: they are healthy, incredibly easy to make, and universally loved by both kids and adults. By choosing quality ingredients like Horizon Organic milk and sour cream, you’re not only ensuring a delicious outcome but also providing your family with wholesome goodness. This recipe is a testament that busy weeknights don’t have to mean compromising on taste or nutrition.
So, why not add this recipe to your regular dinner rotation? It’s perfect for fueling active kids after practice or simply enjoying a relaxing family meal together. Make sure to connect with Horizon Organic on their social channels for more inspiration and valuable coupons to help you make healthy choices. You can find them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Get ready to enjoy a stress-free, delicious dinner that everyone at your table will applaud!
Baked Chicken Strips with Creamy Parmesan Dip
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 1/2 – 2″ strips
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup powdered parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 cup Horizon Organic milk
- 1/4 cup Horizon Organic sour cream
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. powdered parmesan
- 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- S & P to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray, or line with parchment paper.
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Combine bread crumbs and parmesan cheese on a plate and set aside.
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Mix together flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in a bowl and set aside.
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In another bowl, pour milk and set aside.
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Take chicken strips and dredge in flour mixture. Next, dip in milk and then roll in bread crumb/parmesan. Place breaded chicken onto prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken.
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Give chicken a quick spray with cooking spray and then place in preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink inside.
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While chicken is cooling off, mix together sour cream, parmesan, dijon and salt & pepper. Serve with chicken strips and enjoy!
This conversation is sponsored by Horizon Organic. The opinions and text are all mine.