Few things are more satisfying than tender chicken strips coated in a glossy, sweet-and-smoky sauce. Honey BBQ chicken strips are the perfect combination of comfort food and crowd-pleaser. They’re juicy on the inside, lightly crispy on the outside, and covered with a sticky honey barbecue glaze that makes every bite irresistible.
This dish works beautifully as a quick family dinner, party food, or even a protein-packed snack. You can serve it with fries, salad, rice, or enjoy it on its own with your favorite dipping sauce. What makes it special is the balance between the sweetness of honey and the deep flavor of barbecue sauce, creating a taste that both kids and adults love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and quick to prepare
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
- Great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep
- Can be baked or pan-fried
- Suitable for adults and kids
Ingredients
For the Chicken Strips:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into long strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil for frying (or spray oil for baking)
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a slight tang)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into thick strips, making sure they are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Prepare the Breading Station
Set up three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken strip first in flour, then dip into eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Press gently so the crumbs stick well.
3. Cook the Chicken
Option A: Pan-Fry
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken strips for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
Option B: Oven-Bake
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place the coated strips on a lined baking sheet. Spray lightly with oil.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and smoked paprika.
Stir gently for 2–3 minutes until warm and smooth.
5. Coat the Chicken
Once the strips are cooked, toss them in the honey BBQ sauce until fully coated. You can also brush the sauce over them for a lighter glaze.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve honey BBQ chicken strips with:
- French fries or potato wedges
- Coleslaw
- Fresh garden salad
- Rice or mashed potatoes
- Extra BBQ or ranch dipping sauce
They are also great inside wraps or sandwiches.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Strips
- Use chicken breast or tenderloins for best texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Add chili flakes if you like a spicy kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy.
Conclusion
Honey BBQ chicken strips are a delicious mix of crispy texture and sweet-smoky flavor. They’re easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for busy days when you want something tasty without complicated steps. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to chicken recipes.