There’s something irresistible about biting into a golden, crisp chicken strip coated in a sweet and tangy glaze that just begs for more. Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Strips are that magical fusion of crunchy, savory goodness and sticky-sweet barbecue essence. As soon as you take your first bite, you’ll notice how the delicate panko crust snaps under your teeth, then gives way to tender, juicy chicken that’s been lovingly seasoned with a blend of paprika, salt, and pepper. Beyond the crunch and the chew, the luscious honey barbecue sauce we drench these strips in brings a rich, smoky sweetness that lingers on the palate long after you’ve cleaned your plate. Whether you’re flipping on the TV for a big game, setting up a family movie night or welcoming friends for an impromptu get-together, these strips are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The way that honey and barbecue sauce meld together creates a harmony of flavors that feels both comforting and playful, reminding me of childhood cookouts with sticky fingers and laughter echoing through the backyard.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newbies alike. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of about 20 minutes, you can have a piping-hot plate of crispy honey BBQ chicken strips on the table in under an hour. And since there’s no resting time required, it’s ideal for those evenings when your appetite is roaring but you don’t want to spend all day cooking. As a beginner-friendly dish that serves beautifully as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner, it adapts to any occasion and pleases every palate. For a healthier twist, you can swap out frying for baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes—just make sure to flip the strips halfway for an even crisp. No matter which method you choose, each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory notes that will leave everyone reaching for more. I’ve experimented with barbecue sauce flavors—smoky hickory, spicy chipotle, and even fruity peach—to find the ultimate combo for my taste buds, and every variation has been a hit. Trust me, once you taste this recipe, it will earn a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation and make regular appearances at game nights or family dinners!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CRISPY HONEY BBQ CHICKEN STRIPS
Before diving into the kitchen, let’s take a look at the pantry staples and fresh ingredients that make this recipe shine. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s building that unforgettable crisp or delivering the sticky-sweet barbecue glaze we all crave.
- Chicken breasts
Lean, boneless, skinless chicken provides a tender and juicy base for these strips. Slicing them into uniform pieces ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness in every bite.
- All-purpose flour
This pantry staple forms the first layer of crust. It helps the egg wash adhere to the chicken and gives structure to the panko coating, ensuring a crunchy exterior.
- Salt
A simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and balances the sweetness of the honey BBQ sauce.
- Black pepper
Adds a subtle, warm heat to the flour mixture, creating depth and complexity in every crispy bite.
- Paprika
Brings a hint of smokiness and vibrant color to the crust, complementing the barbecue sauce’s rich tones.
- Eggs
When beaten with a splash of water, eggs act as a binding agent, helping the panko breadcrumbs cling to the chicken strips.
- Water
Thins out the egg mixture, creating an even coating that locks in moisture and ensures the breadcrumbs adhere properly.
- Panko breadcrumbs
These Japanese-style crumbs deliver an extra-light, ultra-crispy texture that’s impossible to resist.
- Oil for frying
A neutral oil with a high smoke point (like vegetable or canola) ensures the chicken cooks evenly to a perfect golden-brown without burning.
- Honey
Offers natural sweetness and a luscious viscosity that helps the barbecue sauce stick to every strip.
- Barbecue sauce
Contributes tangy, smoky, and savory notes that marry beautifully with honey for that signature sticky glaze.
- Unsalted butter
Enriches the sauce, rounding out flavors and adding a silky finish.
HOW TO MAKE CRISPY HONEY BBQ CHICKEN STRIPS
Ready to transform these simple ingredients into a plate of irresistible chicken strips? Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Use a whisk or fork to mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed and the flour takes on a warm, reddish hue.
2. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs with the water until well combined and slightly foamy. This egg wash will help the panko adhere and create a moist interior.
3. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish, spreading them into an even layer so each strip can pick up a full coat of crumbs.
4. Dredge each chicken strip in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess to prevent clumping and ensure a light, crispy crust.
5. Dip the floured chicken strips into the egg mixture, turning to coat each piece thoroughly. Allow excess egg to drip off so the panko doesn’t become soggy.
6. Finally, coat the chicken strips with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere firmly and form a uniform layer.
7. Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy, or test by dropping in a small breadcrumb—if it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.
8. Fry the chicken strips in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through with no pink center.
9. Remove the strips and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil and maintain their crispiness.
10. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, barbecue sauce, and butter. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and warm.
11. Toss the fried chicken strips in the honey BBQ sauce until each piece is fully coated in that sticky glaze.
12. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture, while the crust is still crackling and the sauce is warm.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CRISPY HONEY BBQ CHICKEN STRIPS
Elevate your plate with fun, flavorful accompaniments that highlight the crunchy, sticky-sweet magic of these chicken strips. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or sitting down to a family dinner, these ideas will make every bite even more memorable.
- Ranch dipping sauce
Provide a cool, creamy contrast by serving a bowl of chilled ranch alongside the strips. The tangy herbs in the ranch beautifully balance the sweetness of the honey BBQ glaze.
- Fresh coleslaw
A vibrant slaw made with crisp cabbage, shredded carrots, and a light vinaigrette brings brightness and crunch to the plate. The acidity helps cut through the richness of the fried chicken.
- Mini slider buns
Transform your chicken strips into party-worthy sliders by tucking them into soft, toasted buns with a slather of extra sauce, crunchy pickles, and a leaf of crisp lettuce.
- Charred corn on the cob
Grill or roast corn until lightly charred and serve with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and lime juice. This side dish adds smokiness that echoes the barbecue flavors in the chicken.
HOW TO STORE CRISPY HONEY BBQ CHICKEN STRIPS
If you have leftovers (though they rarely stick around!), proper storage ensures you can enjoy that same crunchy-sweet experience later. Here are a few tips to maintain freshness, texture, and flavor.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container
Let the strips cool completely, then place them in a shallow, airtight container. If possible, separate the sauce from the chicken to prevent sogginess. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for longer storage
Arrange cooled, sauceless strips in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze for 1–2 hours. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing excess air. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer
Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet (or directly in the air fryer basket) and heat for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method restores the crisp crust without drying out the chicken.
- Store sauce separately
Pour any extra honey BBQ sauce into a small jar or container and refrigerate. Gently rewarm on the stovetop or in the microwave before tossing with reheated chicken strips.
CONCLUSION
We’ve taken a simple lineup of everyday ingredients and transformed them into Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Strips that deliver an unforgettable taste experience—golden, crackling panko coating giving way to tender chicken, all wrapped in a luscious honey-barbecue glaze. This beginner-friendly recipe shines as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner, taking only 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time. Whether you choose to fry for maximum crunch or bake for a lighter approach, you’ll end up with a plate of crowd-pleasing bites perfect for game nights, family dinners, or casual entertaining. The blend of paprika, salt, and pepper in the flour provides just the right seasoning, while the honey and barbecue sauce meld into a sweet, smoky, and savory harmony that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Feel free to print out this article and save it for easy reference whenever the craving strikes. You’ll also find a handy FAQ section below to troubleshoot any questions you might have while making these strips. If you try this recipe, please drop a comment, share your favorite sauce combinations, or ask any cooking questions. I love hearing your feedback, stories, and tips—after all, cooking is most fun when we learn from each other. Enjoy every crunchy, sticky-sweet bite!
Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Strips
Description
These crunchy honey BBQ chicken strips feature a light panko crust and a luscious honey-barbecue glaze, delivering sweet, smoky, and savory bites everyone will love.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
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In another shallow dish, beat the eggs with the water until well combined.
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Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
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Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
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Dip the floured chicken strips into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
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Finally, coat the chicken strips with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the breadcrumbs adhere well.
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Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
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Fry the chicken strips in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove the strips and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
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In a small saucepan, combine the honey, barbecue sauce, and butter. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth and heated through.
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Toss the fried chicken strips in the honey BBQ sauce until fully coated.
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Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Note
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Panko breadcrumbs are used for extra crispiness but can be substituted with regular breadcrumbs if unavailable.
- Experiment with different barbecue sauce flavors to find your favorite combination.
- These chicken strips are great for dipping in ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- To make this dish healthier, you can bake the chicken strips at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
