Prepare to revolutionize your dinner rotation or elevate your game day spread with these utterly irresistible Honey BBQ Chicken Strips. Forget bland, dry chicken – these strips are marinated to perfection in rich buttermilk and infused with a sensational blend of seasonings before being coated in a crispy, golden crust. Each bite delivers a harmonious explosion of savory chicken, a delightful crunch, and that undeniably sticky, sweet honey barbecue glaze that keeps everyone coming back for more. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience designed to tantalize your taste buds and become an instant family favorite.
As parents often discover, chicken is a universal crowd-pleaser, especially when it resembles those coveted nuggets kids adore. But these aren’t just any chicken strips; we’re talking about colossal, flavor-packed strips that transcend the ordinary. The secret lies in a meticulous preparation process that guarantees unparalleled tenderness and a crispy exterior, culminating in a finger-licking honey-bbq coating. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or the biggest sporting event of the year, these chicken strips are poised to steal the show. Once you experience the delightful combination of succulent chicken and a tangy-sweet glaze, resistance truly is futile.
The Buttermilk Magic: Unlocking Unrivaled Tenderness
The foundation of truly exceptional chicken strips begins with the marinade, and for this recipe, buttermilk is non-negotiable. While chicken tenders are ideal for their natural shape and quick cooking, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be easily transformed by slicing them into uniform strips. The real magic, however, happens when these chicken pieces are immersed in buttermilk. This crucial first step is what sets our Honey BBQ Chicken Strips apart, infusing them with a tenderness that simply cannot be achieved through other methods.
Buttermilk, with its mild acidity, works wonders on poultry. Unlike harsher marinades that can dry out or toughen meat, buttermilk gently breaks down the protein fibers in the chicken. This process not only tenderizes the meat from the inside out but also helps it retain moisture during cooking, ensuring every strip remains incredibly juicy. Furthermore, the subtle tang of the buttermilk imparts a delicate flavor that complements the subsequent seasoning and the rich honey barbecue glaze beautifully. Aim for at least two hours of marinating time to allow the buttermilk to fully penetrate and work its charm, although an overnight soak will yield even more spectacular results. This essential step guarantees that your chicken strips will be so tender, they practically melt in your mouth.
Achieving the Ultimate Crispy Coating: The Double Dip Method
Once your chicken is wonderfully tender from its buttermilk bath, the next critical step is to give it a coating that can stand up to the luscious, sticky honey barbecue glaze. Our secret for an extra thick and supremely crispy exterior is the double-dip method. This involves a strategic sequence: coating the chicken first in seasoned flour, then dipping it back into buttermilk, and finally returning it to the flour mixture. This multi-layered approach creates a robust crust that not only provides an incredible crunch but also forms a perfect barrier to hold all that glorious, ooey-gooey glaze.
The initial flour dip establishes a dry surface for the second buttermilk layer to adhere to, which in turn creates a tacky base for a substantial second flour coating. This thicker coating is absolutely essential because the honey-bbq glaze is wet and robust. A flimsy crust would quickly become soggy, sacrificing that satisfying texture we crave. By double-dipping, we ensure the chicken strips maintain their delightful crispiness even after being bathed in the sticky-sweet sauce and baked to perfection. For those who enjoy a little heat, consider incorporating a dash of your favorite hot sauce or sriracha directly into the buttermilk mixture for the second dip or adding it to the honey-bbq glaze itself for an extra kick. This simple trick allows for fantastic customization, letting you tailor the spice level to your family’s preference.
From Pan to Oven: The Two-Step Cooking Process
The cooking process for these Honey BBQ Chicken Strips is a brilliant two-step method designed to yield optimal results: a quick pan fry for initial crispness and color, followed by a bake in the oven to fully cook the chicken and set the glorious glaze. After their double-dip coating, the chicken strips are gently placed into hot oil, typically heated to around 350-360°F (175-180°C). This initial fry is swift, focusing on developing that beautiful golden-brown color and a crisp exterior. It’s important to remember that we’re not aiming to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage; rather, we’re building the crust and locking in flavor. Each side only needs a few minutes until it achieves that desirable golden hue.
Once fried, it’s crucial to drain the excess oil from the chicken strips. A wire rack placed over a baking sheet is ideal for this, allowing air to circulate around all sides and keeping the strips crisp. Alternatively, paper towels can be used. This draining step prevents the final product from being greasy. With the frying complete, the next exciting phase begins: generously brushing on that incredible honey barbecue glaze. This step transforms the savory, crispy chicken into a sticky, sweet masterpiece. After glazing, the strips are transferred to a preheated oven to finish cooking through, typically for about 20 minutes, depending on their thickness. The oven heat not only ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy inside but also caramelizes and sets the glaze, creating that signature irresistible stickiness. The result is a batch of chicken strips that are sticky, sweet perfection, ready to impress!
Crafting the Irresistible Honey BBQ Glaze
The signature element that elevates these chicken strips to legendary status is undoubtedly the sticky, sweet, and tangy honey BBQ glaze. This simple yet profound concoction is what marries all the textures and flavors together, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. The base of the glaze is, of course, a good quality barbecue sauce. Choosing a sauce you genuinely enjoy is key, as its flavor profile will largely dictate the overall taste of your strips. From smoky and robust to tangy and zesty, the possibilities are vast.
To this, we add the golden nectar of honey, which provides natural sweetness and that sought-after stickiness that makes these strips so satisfyingly messy and delicious. The honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven, intensifying its flavor and creating a glossy sheen. An optional but highly recommended addition is a splash of apple cider vinegar. This component introduces a bright, acidic counterpoint to the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the barbecue sauce, balancing the flavors and preventing the glaze from being overly cloying. For those who crave a bit of heat, this is the perfect opportunity to customize your glaze. A tablespoon or two of hot sauce or sriracha can be stirred in to add a fiery kick, transforming the strips into a sweet-and-spicy sensation. Mix all these ingredients in a shallow bowl until thoroughly combined, ensuring a uniform consistency that will generously coat every inch of your crispy chicken. This glaze is truly the crown jewel, transforming tender, crispy chicken into an addictive treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Serving Suggestions and Customization Ideas
These Honey BBQ Chicken Strips are so incredibly tender and juicy, you might just find yourself tempted to devour the entire batch! But for those moments when you’re willing to share, or if you’re looking to build a complete meal, they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic companions include crispy French fries, creamy coleslaw, sweet corn on the cob, or a comforting bowl of mac and cheese. For a fresher contrast, a simple green salad or some crisp celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing are excellent choices.
Beyond side dishes, feel free to get creative with customization. As mentioned, adjusting the spice level of the glaze with hot sauce or sriracha is a fantastic way to cater to different palates. You could also experiment with different types of BBQ sauce for varied flavor profiles – from hickory smoked to a tangy Carolina mustard base. Consider a sprinkle of sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh cilantro over the finished strips for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal. These versatile chicken strips are perfect for casual family dinners, lively game day parties, or any occasion where delicious, crowd-pleasing food is a must. Get ready for rave reviews and empty plates!
More Delicious Chicken Dinner Recipes To Try
- Hearty Chicken and Noodles
- Aromatic Garlic Herb Roast Chicken
- Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- Comforting Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Quick Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
How To Make Honey Barbecue Chicken Strips
Print
Pin
Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 7 votes
Honey BBQ Chicken Strips
Sticky sweet Honey BBQ Chicken Strips are perfect for dinner or game day! Marinated in buttermilk and perfectly seasoned, these strips are hard to resist!
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: honey bbq chicken strips
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 415kcal
Author: Trish – Mom On Timeout
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 cups buttermilk, divided
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken strips with salt and pepper and marinate in 2 cups buttermilk for at least 2 hours.
- Bring oil to 350-360F (175-180°C) in a large frying pan, about 1 inch deep.
- Preheat oven to 350F (175°C).
- Combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow bowl and stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of buttermilk and hot sauce, set aside.
- Combine barbecue sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a shallow bowl, set aside.
- Remove the chicken strips from the first buttermilk marinade and shake off the excess.
- Dip each chicken strip first in the flour mixture, then in the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture, and then back into the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
- Gently place the coated strips in the hot oil and fry, turning over when golden brown on each side. Remember, the chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through completely at this stage.
- Drain the fried chicken strips on paper towels or on a wire rack. Repeat until all chicken has been fried.
- Gently dip the fried strips into the barbecue sauce and honey mixture, or use a brush to generously coat the mixture onto the strips. Shake off excess glaze.
- Place glazed chicken strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through and the glaze is set. Baking time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken strips.
- Note: For a spicier kick, increase the amount of hot sauce or sriracha in the honey-bbq glaze.