Crispy “Honey” Mustard Chicken

This Whole30 crispy “honey” mustard chicken tastes just like sweet and sour take out but it’s healthier! It’s a sweet, tangy, and savory dish featuring tender chicken coated in a crunchy exterior that’s lightly fried in avocado oil to a golden finish. The chicken bites are then smothered in a glaze made of Dijon mustard, ghee, puréed dates, and coconut aminos. If you are lucky enough to have leftovers it’s even delicious cold! Try some of our other favorite Asian inspired dishes like this Egg Roll In a Bowl , Chicken Lo Mein, or Gluten-Free Fried Rice with Shrimp.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect weeknight dinner: You will love how easy this crispy “honey” mustard chicken is and that it is ready in 30 minutes.

The sauce is sticky and gooey: and the chicken is crispy, tender and finger licking good and much healthier that traditional take-out!

It’s Paleo and Whole30: Having no gluten, grains, dairy, or soy sauce, it is the perfect dish if you need to keep it Paleo or Whole30 friendly.

Ingredients You Will Need

Chicken thighs: are a flavorful, juicy cut of meat that can be cooked in many ways, such as baking, pan-frying, or air frying. I like Grass Roots Coop for my meat purchases.

Arrowroot powder: (or flour), a versatile thickening agent in recipes, serves as an excellent alternative to cornstarch or flour without impacting the flavor of a dish.

Cassava flour: made from the root vegetable cassava is the perfect gluten-free substitute for wheat or other flours.

Garlic powder: is best for when you want a milder flavor that will also coat meats easier for sautéing or quickly frying.

Salt: always salt in moderation in accordance with your dietary preferences.

Ghee: adds a rich, nutty flavor. I love Fourth and Heart ghee.

Dates: are a sweet, chewy stone fruit from the date palm tree.

Dijon mustard: known for its sharp, tangy flavor and complex heat.

Coconut aminos: is a gluten free and soy-free alternative to traditional soy sauce.

Avocado oil: is extracted from the pulp of the avocado. It is delicious and nutritious and easy to use.

Sesame seeds: are tiny, nutrient-dense oil seeds having a rich, nutty flavor.

Instructions

In a large bowl: combine the arrowroot, cassava flour, garlic powder, salt, and water. Whisk till combined, it will be thick.

Add the chicken pieces to the mixture: stirring to coat them well.

Heat the oil in a large pan: it should be a bit more than coated.

Fry the chicken: without moving till golden brown. Flip and cook other side.

Move to a plate: lined with paper towels.

Meanwhile: in a saucepan, combine the ghee, puréed dates, Dijon mustard, and coconut aminos cooking on low till sauce is bubbly. It will be thick.

Add the chicken pieces: to the sauce and coat well.

Garnish: with sesame seeds (optional).

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcrowd the pan: cooking in batches if you need to so the chicken pieces do not stick together and have room to get that beautiful golden, crispy coating.

Recipe Variations

Soy sauce: can be used instead of coconut aminos if you do not need the recipe to be Paleo or Whole30 friendly.

Honey: is a great alternative for the puréed dates and the dish will still be Paleo but not Whole30.

Storage Tips

You can store this crispy “honey” mustard chicken in the fridge for 4 days when placed in an airtight glass container.

FAQ’s About Crispy “Honey” Mustard Chicken

What type of mustard is best?

Dijon mustard is preferred for its sharp, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the dates. Stone-ground or whole-grain mustard can be used for more texture, if desired.

What goes well with this dish?

Pair it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts to soak up the sauce. Cauliflower rice is another great option.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs tend to stay more moist, while breasts may dry out faster. If using breasts, ensure they are pounded to an even thickness.