Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Strips
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Strips. Perfectly tender chicken tenders are double-coated and fried to golden perfection, then coated in a homemade sweet and smoky barbecue sauce infused with honey. These irresistible strips are perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a delicious weeknight dinner. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and sides for a complete meal that everyone will love. Share the joy of homemade fried chicken with family and friends!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
2 lbs (Trimmed, cleaned)
All-Purpose Flour
1 cup (For coating)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (Spice)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Buttermilk
1 cup (For soaking)
Vegetable Oil
As needed (For frying)
Hickory-Flavored Barbecue Sauce
1 cup (Store-bought, such as Heinz)
Water
1/4 cup (For sauce)
Honey
2 tablespoons (Natural sweetener)
Ketchup
1 tablespoon (To taste)
Liquid Smoke
1 teaspoon (For flavor)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and ground pepper until well combined.
2
In a separate bowl, pour the buttermilk and set it aside.
3
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4
Coat each chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it into the buttermilk, and finally coat it in the flour mixture again for a crispy exterior.
5
Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil, frying in batches as needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook until the strips are golden brown, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove and let them drain on paper towels.
6
In a small saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce ingredients: hickory-flavored barbecue sauce, water, honey, ketchup, and liquid smoke. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat, cooking for 20 minutes and stirring frequently. Allow the sauce to cool slightly.
7
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a baking pan with non-stick spray.
8
Dip each fried chicken strip in the cooled barbecue sauce, then place them in the prepared baking pan.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to enhance the flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Strips?
They are tender chicken tenders that are double-coated and fried until golden, then tossed in a homemade sweet and smoky honey barbecue sauce and baked to perfection.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What cut of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of trimmed and cleaned chicken tenders.
How do I make the chicken coating crispy?
The chicken is double-coated by dipping it in seasoned flour, then buttermilk, and then back into the flour mixture again.
What spices are used in the flour mixture?
The flour mixture includes all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
What is the purpose of the buttermilk?
Buttermilk acts as a binding agent for the flour and helps tenderize the chicken while ensuring a thick, crispy crust.
At what temperature should I fry the chicken?
The vegetable oil should be heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) before frying.
How long does it take to fry the chicken strips?
Fry the strips for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
How should I drain the chicken after frying?
Place the fried chicken strips on paper towels to remove excess oil.
What ingredients are in the homemade BBQ sauce?
The sauce consists of hickory-flavored barbecue sauce, water, honey, ketchup, and liquid smoke.
How long should the barbecue sauce simmer?
The sauce should be simmered over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
Do I need to bake the chicken after frying?
Yes, after coating the fried strips in sauce, they are baked for 20 minutes to enhance the flavor and texture.
What is the oven temperature for the final baking step?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Should I grease the baking pan?
Yes, lightly spray the baking pan with non-stick spray before adding the sauced chicken strips.
What kind of barbecue sauce is recommended?
A hickory-flavored barbecue sauce, such as Heinz, is recommended for a smoky profile.
What does liquid smoke add to the recipe?
Liquid smoke provides an extra layer of deep, smoky flavor to the honey BBQ sauce.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 12 ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I use this recipe for game day?
Absolutely, these strips are described as perfect for game day, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners.
What type of oil is best for frying these?
Vegetable oil is the recommended choice for frying the chicken strips.
Is the barbecue sauce spicy?
The sauce is described as sweet and smoky rather than spicy, thanks to the addition of honey and hickory sauce.
Can I substitute the honey?
While honey provides a specific natural sweetness, you could experiment with maple syrup, though it will change the flavor profile.
How do I prevent the oil from cooling down during frying?
Fry the chicken in batches as needed to avoid overcrowding the pot, which keeps the oil temperature stable.
How do I know the chicken is done frying?
The strips should be golden brown and the internal temperature should reach a safe level after 4-5 minutes per side.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can simmer the sauce and let it cool slightly before dipping the fried chicken.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically categorized as an ultimate comfort food in the description.
What should I serve with these chicken strips?
You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and various sides for a complete meal.
How much honey is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of honey.
What is the preparation for the chicken tenders?
The chicken tenders should be trimmed and cleaned before you begin the coating process.
Does the recipe use ketchup?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of ketchup is included in the barbecue sauce mixture.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The sauce uses 1/4 cup of water to reach the desired consistency during simmering.