Description
Honey BBQ Chicken Strips are a delectable combination of tender, marinated chicken coated in a crispy, seasoned crust and finished with a sticky, sweet, and smoky honey barbecue glaze. Perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or any gathering, these chicken strips offer a balance of flavors and textures that are sure to please everyone. With a hint of optional heat from hot sauce or sriracha, this dish can be customized to suit various taste preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose 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
- Marinate the Chicken:
Season the chicken strips with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Place them in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, and pour 2 cups of buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Add the hot sauce if using. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor. - Prepare the Flour Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, combine 2 cups of flour with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasoning. - Heat the Oil:
Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large frying pan and heat it to 350-360°F. - Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Coat each strip in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. For an extra crispy crust, dip the chicken back into the remaining 2 cups of buttermilk (mixed with hot sauce if desired), then into the flour mixture again. - Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the coated chicken strips in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each strip for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack to drain excess oil. - Make the Honey BBQ Glaze:
In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (if using). Stir until smooth. - Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. - Glaze and Bake the Chicken:
Dip each fried chicken strip into the honey BBQ glaze or brush it on generously. Place the glazed strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is slightly caramelized.
Notes
- Customizing Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, add more hot sauce or sriracha to the honey BBQ glaze.
- Serving: These chicken strips are best served hot, accompanied by sides like coleslaw, fries, or cornbread. For added flavor, offer extra dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Reheating: To reheat leftover chicken strips without losing their crispiness, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.