292cd374
These Honey BBQ Chicken Strips combine the best of both worlds: crispy fried (or baked/air-fried) chicken with a sticky, flavorful honey barbecue glaze. The result is finger-licking delicious — sweet, smoky, and a little tangy with a satisfying crunch.
⏱ Prep Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Cook: 15–20 minutes
- Total: ~40 minutes
🛠 Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet or deep fryer (or air fryer/baking sheet)
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Saucepan (for BBQ sauce)
- Wire rack or paper towels (for draining)
🧂 Ingredients
For the Chicken Strips:
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute – see notes)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for a kick)
- 1 tbsp butter (adds richness)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Buttermilk Substitute: Use 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar; let sit for 10 minutes.
- BBQ Sauce: Use a smoky or spicy variety depending on your preference.
- Cornstarch: Helps the coating get ultra-crispy; you can omit if unavailable, but it’s recommended.
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine chicken strips with buttermilk. Let marinate at least 15–30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for best flavor).
2. Prepare Coating
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture. Press to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Place on a tray and let rest for 5–10 minutes (helps the breading adhere).
4. Cook the Chicken
Frying Method (Best Crunch):
- Heat oil in a skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
Oven Method (Healthier):
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place breaded chicken on a greased or lined baking sheet.
- Spray tops with oil and bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken in a single layer and spray with oil.
- Air fry 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, honey, butter, and hot sauce (if using).
- Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until warm and smooth (about 3–4 minutes).
6. Toss and Serve
- Toss hot chicken strips in the honey BBQ sauce or drizzle the sauce over the top.
- Serve immediately with ranch, celery, or your favorite sides.
📊 Nutrition Facts (per 3–4 strips, approx.)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 650mg
(Varies by cooking method and sauce choice)
💡 Tips
- Double dredge for a thicker, crunchier coating: dip once in flour, then back into buttermilk, then flour again.
- Let chicken rest 5–10 minutes after breading before frying for a better crust.
- Want extra sauce? Double the honey BBQ mix and serve some on the side.
- Add a dash of liquid smoke or chipotle powder to the sauce for deeper flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Spicy Honey BBQ: Add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Sticky Honey Garlic: Swap BBQ sauce for soy sauce and add garlic + ginger for an Asian twist.
- Boneless Wings Style: Cut chicken smaller and serve with toothpicks for party bites.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the flour and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for coating.
