Lina: Samad, you have to admit nothing beats crispy Manitoba chicken and a side of honey dill sauce.
Samad: Totally. It’s like every Prairie potluck rolled into one golden, juicy bite. And hey, this is one of the most loved Manitoba chicken recipes for a reason!
Lina: Yup! Simple, crunchy, and that sweet-savoury dip? Legendary. Perfect for Canadian families craving some cozy Prairie flavour.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Manitoba Chicken Recipe
Samad: So, what makes Manitoba-style chicken special?
Lina: It’s that perfect combo crispy breading, juicy meat, and the iconic honey dill dip that started right here in Winnipeg.
Samad: Plus, it’s a great option for weekday dinners, weekend guests, or game nights. Totally family-friendly, totally delicious.
Ingredients
Lina: Alright, let’s grab our ingredients. Nothing fancy here just the Prairie basics.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)
For the Honey Dill Dip:
- ½ cup mayo
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp dried dill
- Pinch of salt
Samad: Can’t go wrong with that list. And hey, if you’re in Manitoba, you know dill is basically its own food group.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Lina: First things first cut your chicken into strips or leave them whole. Toss them in a bowl with buttermilk and a cracked egg.
Samad: Let it sit for 30 minutes. Or if you’ve got time, pop it in the fridge for 2 hours for max tenderness.
2. Make the Honey Dill Dip
Lina: This part’s so easy, even Samad can’t mess it up.
Samad: Rude. But also true. Just whisk the mayo, honey, dill, and a pinch of salt. Chill it till serving time.
3. Bread the Chicken
Lina: In a separate bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Take each piece of marinated chicken, coat it well in the flour mixture, and set aside.
Samad: Pro tip double dip if you want extra crunch. Flour > buttermilk > flour again.
4. Fry to Golden Perfection
Lina: Heat about an inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F (that’s 175°C for our UK and Aussie friends).
Samad: Fry in batches for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve and Dip!
Lina: Serve hot with a side of fries, coleslaw, or even over a salad if you’re feeling fancy.
Samad: And don’t forget that honey dill dip. It’s the Prairie cherry on top.
Make It a Manitoba Meal
Lina: Wanna go full Manitoba? Pair this chicken with perogies, coleslaw, and a cold glass of Manitoba craft beer.
Samad: Or serve it with roasted veggies and mashed potatoes for a hearty winter dinner. Your call.
Why Manitoba Chicken is Special
What sets Manitoba chicken recipes apart is their homestyle preparation and emphasis on simple, honest ingredients. Think grain-fed poultry, garden herbs, and root vegetables all coming together in dishes that warm the soul.
One such example is the beloved Canadian Living Chicken Pot Pie Recipe. This dish brings flaky pastry and creamy chicken filling together for a cozy dinner perfect for cold nights.
Can You Freeze Manitoba Chicken?
Samad: Absolutely! This recipe is super freezer-friendly.
Lina: Just make sure to cool the fried chicken completely, then pop it into an airtight container or freezer bag.
To Reheat:
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes
- Or air-fry for 8–10 minutes until crispy again
Samad: And yep, you can freeze the honey dill dip too but it’s better made fresh.
Tips & Variations
Lina: Want to switch it up?
- Use chicken tenders for kid-friendly portions
- Add cayenne to the flour for a spicy kick
- Try panko instead of flour for extra crunch
Samad: Oh, and if you’re air-frying instead of pan-frying, spray with oil first for that golden look!
FAQs About Manitoba Chicken Recipes
1. What is honey dill sauce made of?
Lina: Classic Prairie mix mayo, honey, and dried dill. That’s it!
2. Can I bake instead of fry?
Samad: Totally. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes. Just drizzle a little oil or spray first.
3. Is Manitoba chicken spicy?
Lina: Not by default! But you can make it spicy by adding chili powder or hot sauce to the marinade.
4. What side dishes go with it?
Samad: Fries, potato wedges, salad, coleslaw, roasted veggies or just whatever’s in your fridge!
5. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Lina: Yup, you can swap in your fave GF blend, but the texture might be a bit different.
Wrapping It Up
Lina: We hope this recipe brings a little Prairie love to your kitchen.
Samad: And don’t forget the best meals are the ones shared with family.
Crispy Manitoba Chicken with Honey Dill Dip
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- oil for frying canola or vegetable
Honey Dill Dip
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp dried dill
- salt pinch
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk and egg. Add chicken and marinate for 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat marinated chicken in flour mixture.
- Heat oil in skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Mix dip ingredients and chill.
- Serve chicken hot with honey dill dip.
