Sweet and Savory Honey BBQ Chicken Strips: A Flavorful Delight

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both irresistible and simple to make, Honey BBQ Chicken Strips are the perfect choice. These chicken strips feature a crispy, golden coating on the outside, while the inside remains juicy and tender. The sweet and tangy honey BBQ glaze adds a rich depth of flavor that elevates this dish to a whole new level. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even a casual party, these chicken strips are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? They are beginner-friendly, quick to prepare, and packed with flavor!

For those who enjoy comfort food with a twist, this recipe is a must-try. The combination of a crunchy exterior and the irresistible sauce brings the best of both worlds together. Plus, these strips can easily be adjusted to suit your personal taste preferences. Whether you prefer more heat or a bit more sweetness, the ingredients can be modified to make the sauce your own.

Ingredients and Preparation:
To make these Honey BBQ Chicken Strips, you’ll need a simple list of ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s everything you need to prepare this dish:

For the Chicken Strips:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch)
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy twist)

Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making Honey BBQ Chicken Strips is an easy process that comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into even strips. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to handle. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If you’re in a rush, you can skip the marinating step, but for maximum flavor, this step is highly recommended.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
   Set up three shallow dishes for breading the chicken strips. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, add the panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs if preferred). You’ll be dipping the chicken strips into the flour first, then the beaten eggs, and finally the breadcrumbs, so make sure you have everything in place for easy dipping.
3. Bread the Chicken:
   Coat each chicken strip with flour, ensuring it’s completely covered. Next, dip the floured chicken strip into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat this process for each chicken strip until all are breaded.
4. Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce:
   While the chicken strips are being breaded, you can make the honey BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce and honey. Stir the ingredients together over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and heated through. If you like a bit of tanginess in your sauce, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the mixture. Once the sauce is well combined, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
5. Fry the Chicken Strips:
   Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should reach around 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread or breadcrumb—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying. Carefully add the breaded chicken strips to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Coat with the Honey BBQ Sauce:
   While the chicken strips are still hot, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the honey BBQ sauce over them. Toss the strips gently until each one is coated with the sauce. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping if preferred.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Plate the honey BBQ chicken strips and serve them immediately. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course with some tasty sides.

Beginner Tips and Notes:

• Oil Temperature: One of the most important things to keep in mind when frying chicken is the oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cold, the chicken will absorb excess oil, making it greasy. A thermometer can help ensure the oil is at the ideal temperature.
• Coating the Chicken: For an extra-crispy coating, consider double-breading the chicken. After dipping the strips in the egg and breadcrumbs the first time, dip them back into the egg and breadcrumbs again. This extra layer ensures a crunchier texture.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: If you prefer not to fry the chicken, you can bake it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded chicken strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method reduces the oil content while still yielding crispy chicken.
• Storage: Leftover chicken strips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Sides: Honey BBQ Chicken Strips pair beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic combo, serve them with crispy French fries, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. If you’re looking for something lighter, a side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli works well.
• Dipping Sauces: While the honey BBQ sauce adds a wonderful glaze to the chicken, you can offer additional dipping sauces to cater to different tastes. Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo are excellent choices.
• Garnishing: For a decorative touch, garnish the chicken strips with freshly chopped parsley or sesame seeds. This adds a pop of color and enhances the dish’s visual appeal.

Engagement Features:

• Interactive Question: What are your favorite side dishes to serve with Honey BBQ Chicken Strips? Share your ideas in the comments below! We love to hear about your variations.
• Recipe Variations: Feel free to get creative with the sauce! You can try different barbecue sauces to match your personal taste, or add some chili flakes for a spicy kick. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of honey.
• Social Sharing: If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Post a photo of your chicken strips on social media and tag us. We’d love to see your creations!