Honey BBQ Chicken Strips

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Introduction

Recipe:

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing chicken recipe that combines sweet and smoky flavors, honey BBQ chicken strips are a perfect choice. These crispy and delicious chicken strips are coated in a delectable honey BBQ sauce, making them an ideal appetizer or main dish. They’re not only easy to make but also a winner for family meals or parties. With a combination of crispy breading and finger-licking sauce, these chicken strips are sure to be a hit.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

For the Chicken Strips:

– Chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
– All-purpose flour
– Salt
– Ground black pepper
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Paprika
– Buttermilk
– Eggs
– Panko breadcrumbs
– Oil for frying

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

– Butter
– Honey
– Brown sugar
– Barbecue sauce of your choice
– Hot sauce (optional)

Prep Time

Preparation Steps:

Prep time involves coating the chicken strips for frying and preparing the honey BBQ sauce. Start by seasoning and breading your chicken strips with a combination of flour, seasonings, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Allow the pieces to rest while you prepare the sauce by melting butter and combining it with honey, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and optional hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cooking Duration:

Cook time for the chicken strips will usually take around 10-15 minutes. Heat your frying oil to the proper temperature and fry the strips until they are golden brown and crispy. Simultaneously, ensure your honey BBQ sauce is thickened and ready to toss with the strips.

Total Preparation Time:

From prep to table, the total time for making honey BBQ chicken strips should take about 30-40 minutes, depending on your frying and sauce-making pace.

Yield:

This recipe typically yields enough chicken strips for four servings. It’s easy to adjust the ingredient quantity for smaller or larger portions, making it suitable for both intimate family dinners and larger gatherings.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

– Cut chicken breasts into evenly sized strips, approximately 1 inch wide. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Station

– In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
– In a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until slightly beaten.
– In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Strips

– Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides.
– Dip the floured chicken strip into the beaten eggs, coating completely.
– Finally, coat the chicken strip in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat with all chicken strips and place them on a plate or tray.

Step 4: Preheat Oil

– Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to reach a depth of about ½ inch. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches approximately 350°F.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken Strips

– Working in batches, carefully place the breaded chicken strips into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.
– Fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
– Remove the chicken strips from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce

– In a medium saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
– Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce is warmed through and well combined.

Step 7: Toss the Chicken in Sauce

– Place the fried chicken strips into a large mixing bowl.
– Pour the prepared honey BBQ sauce over the chicken strips.
– Gently toss the chicken strips until they are thoroughly coated in the sauce.

Step 8: Serve

– Transfer the honey BBQ chicken strips to a serving platter.
– Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds.
– Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes or dipping sauces.

Notes

Cooking Tip

– To ensure the chicken fries evenly, maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F. Use a food thermometer to monitor the heat.

Baking Option

– If you prefer baking over frying, preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the breaded chicken strips on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage

– Leftover chicken strips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Make-Ahead Tip

– You can bread the chicken strips in advance and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours before frying or baking.

Adjusting Spice Level

– The cayenne pepper in the honey BBQ sauce is optional. Adjust the quantity or omit it entirely based on your spice preference.

Cook Techniques

Preparing the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into strips to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Use a sharp knife and aim for similar-sized pieces. This will also help the coating adhere better.

Creating the Seasoned Flour Mixture

Combine flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to create a lightly seasoned coating mix. This helps to flavor the chicken while ensuring crispiness during cooking.

Dredging the Chicken

Dip the chicken strips into the flour mixture first for an even base coating. Proceed to dip in the egg mixture, which acts as a binding agent, followed by another layer of the seasoned flour to achieve a thicker, crisp coating.

Frying the Coated Chicken Strips

Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan and make sure it reaches the correct frying temperature. Fry the chicken strips in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch until golden brown and fully cooked inside.

Making the Honey BBQ Sauce

Mix honey with barbecue sauce in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, frequently stirring to combine the flavors. The sauce should become smooth and slightly thickened.

Tossing the Chicken in Sauce

After frying, transfer the chicken strips to a large bowl and immediately toss them with the honey BBQ sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.

Serving the Chicken Strips

Serve freshly coated chicken strips immediately to retain their crispiness. Pair with additional sauce on the side for dipping if desired.

FAQ

Can I bake the chicken strips instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the chicken strips for a healthier option. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I make the coating extra crispy?

For an extra crispy coating, use a double-dredging method: flour, egg mixture, and then another layer of flour. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying.

What type of oil should I use for frying?

Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil for frying the chicken strips.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used, but they may result in slightly smaller strips. Thighs are also juicier and more flavorful as an alternative.

How do I store leftover chicken strips?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.

Can I freeze the chicken strips?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken strips. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the honey BBQ sauce?

Yes, if you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey in the sauce. Taste and adjust according to your preference.

How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

What can I serve with honey BBQ chicken strips?

Serve the chicken strips with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. They also pair well with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

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Conclusion

The Honey BBQ Chicken Strips are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, offering a satisfying bite that will quickly become a family favorite. Their crispy exterior combined with the rich honey BBQ sauce makes them the perfect dish for any occasion, be it a casual dinner or a party appetizer. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Honey Garlic Shrimp

For a seafood twist, try making honey garlic shrimp. It brings a similar sweet and tangy flavor profile as the chicken strips and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Experiment with more BBQ-inspired recipes by preparing flavorful pulled pork sliders. Serve alongside coleslaw for a delicious and crowd-pleasing meal.

Crispy Fried Onion Rings

As a side dish, crispy onion rings would complement the chicken strips perfectly, adding another layer of crunch and flavor.

Garlic Parmesan Fries

Pair the chicken strips with garlic parmesan-seasoned fries for a delicious and indulgent combination.

Sweet Honey Cornbread

Balance out the savory notes of the chicken with sweet honey cornbread—a perfect pairing for any barbecue meal.

Classic Caesar Salad

Add a lighter touch to your meal by serving a crisp Caesar salad on the side for added freshness and balance.
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