Pan-Seared Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken pieces pan-seared to golden perfection and served with a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce, perfect for kid-friendly snacking. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 25 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, large eggs into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl, beat 2 large eggs in a second bowl, and put 1 cup panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
  3. Step 3: Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add chicken nuggets in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp yellow mustard, 2 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp mayonnaise until smooth to make the honey mustard dipping sauce.
  6. Step 6: Serve the warm chicken nuggets with the honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce?

American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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