Craving a snack that’s both sweet and smoky, yet irresistibly crunchy? These Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Strips are about to become your new go-to recipe for game nights, family dinners, or simply satisfying a fried-chicken craving without the mess of deep frying. Tender chicken strips are soaked in a tangy buttermilk marinade, coated in a crisp panko breadcrumb crust, and finished off in the oven for golden perfection. Each bite delivers that signature crunch, followed by an explosion of flavor from the sticky honey BBQ glaze that clings to every ridge. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or entertaining friends, this recipe hits all the right notes: it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve at weekend gatherings.
As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I get a thrill out of recipes that marry simple ingredients with big results—and this one definitely checks the box. The marinade keeps the chicken supremely juicy, while the oven-baked method means you can skip the fryer but still get that coveted crispiness. With an intermediate difficulty level, you’ll flex your culinary muscles just enough to feel proud, without the stress. Prep time clocks in at about 15 minutes, cooking time around 25 minutes, and a quick hour of rest in the fridge does wonders for maximum flavor. Clocking in around 500 calories per serving, these strips work as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner superstar—and they can even be prepped ahead for busy days. Ready to dive in? Let’s break down what you’ll need!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CRISPY HONEY BBQ CHICKEN STRIPS
Before we dive into the steps, let’s chat about the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays a special role in creating those crunchy chicken bites that are sweet, smoky, and downright addictive. From the tang of the buttermilk to the caramelized glaze, here’s why each component is essential:
- Chicken breast: Lean and tender, sliced into uniform strips for even cooking and maximum surface area to hold that glorious crust.
- Buttermilk: Acidity helps tenderize the meat and infuses each strip with moisture, ensuring juicy chicken from edge to edge.
- Garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory note that complements the sweetness of the honey glaze.
- Onion powder: Enhances depth and richness in every bite, balancing out the smoky BBQ sauce.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and vibrant color to the marinade, hinting at the flavor to come.
- Salt: Seasons the meat and helps draw out moisture for better marinade absorption.
- Black pepper: A subtle kick that brightens the flavor profile without overwhelming the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the first layer of dredge, helping the breadcrumb coating stick and creating an evenly crisp shell.
- Breadcrumbs (panko preferred): Extra crunchy texture that holds up beautifully in the oven and creates those coveted crispy edges.
- Honey: Natural sweetness that caramelizes into a glossy glaze and beautifully balances the tang of the BBQ sauce.
- BBQ sauce: Infuses smoky, savory richness and combines with honey to form an addictive sticky coating.
- Olive oil: A light drizzle encourages even browning and helps achieve that golden crunch in the oven.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and gives an extra boost of crispiness without excess oil.
HOW TO MAKE CRISPY HONEY BBQ CHICKEN STRIPS
Let’s walk through the process of transforming simple ingredients into crunchy, honey-glazed perfection. The method is straightforward but packed with flavor-boosting techniques, from marinating to caramelizing.
1. In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture vigorously until fully blended and aromatic.
2. Add the chicken strips to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring each piece is completely submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for the deepest flavor infusion.
3. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Set up a dredging station by placing the flour in one shallow dish and the breadcrumbs in another.
5. Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Dredge each strip first in the flour, shaking off any extra, then dip it back into the buttermilk before pressing it firmly into the breadcrumbs until well coated.
6. Arrange the coated strips on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them so they don’t touch. Drizzle with olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up as they bake.
7. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the crust is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
8. While the strips bake, prepare the glaze: in a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and BBQ sauce. Stir constantly until the mixture is warmed through and smooth.
9. Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately toss the strips in the honey BBQ glaze, ensuring every nook is coated.
10. Return the glazed strips to the baking sheet and bake an additional 5 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize slightly.
11. Let the chicken strips rest for a few minutes before serving, so the glaze sets just right and the beef stays juicy.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CRISPY HONEY BBQ CHICKEN STRIPS
Once your Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Strips are out of the oven, the real fun begins: deciding how to serve them! These golden-crisp bites pair beautifully with a variety of sides and dips, making them endlessly versatile for appetizers, lunches, or even a full dinner spread. Whether you’re layering them into sandwiches, tossing them atop salads, or simply piling them high on a platter, these chicken strips are guaranteed to get devoured first.
- Classic Snack Platter: Arrange the strips on a large board with ramekins of ranch, blue cheese, and extra BBQ sauce. Garnish with fresh celery sticks and carrot slices for crunch and color.
- BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Load toasted brioche buns with a handful of shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, and several glazed strips. Add a dollop of coleslaw for tangy creaminess.
- Loaded Green Salad: Top mixed greens with chopped strips, cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of honey-mustard dressing. Sprinkle with crispy onions or croutons for extra texture.
- Family Dinner Feast: Serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes and a side of grilled corn on the cob. Finish with a sprinkling of fresh parsley or chives for brightness.
HOW TO STORE CRISPY HONEY BBQ CHICKEN STRIPS
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or you plan ahead for meal prep!), proper storage is key to preserving that crunchy texture and sticky glaze. Follow these tips to keep your chicken strips tasting fresh and delicious, whether you’re popping them back in the oven or reheating them in a snap.
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container: Allow the strips to cool completely, then layer them in a shallow container separated by parchment paper. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze Individually: Flash-freeze the baked strips on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat in the Oven: For best results, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chilled or thawed strips on a baking sheet and heat for 8–10 minutes to re-crisp the crust and warm through.
- Incorporate into Meal Prep: Slice leftover strips and add to grain bowls, tacos, or wraps. The added crunch and flavorful glaze make any quick meal shine.
CONCLUSION
From marinating in tangy buttermilk to coating in golden panko crumbs and finishing with a sticky honey BBQ glaze, this recipe for Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Strips has everything you need to create a crowd-pleasing dish that’s tender inside and satisfyingly crunchy outside. We’ve walked through every detail: why each key ingredient matters, step-by-step instructions for achieving that perfect bake, creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal, and foolproof storage tips for keeping leftovers fresh. Whether you’re an adventurous home cook or someone who loves easy recipes with a flavor punch, these chicken strips deliver on all fronts. Take pride in impressing guests at parties or simply treat yourself to a comforting dinner that tastes a million bucks without requiring a deep fryer.
Feel free to print this article or save it for later reference—your next movie night or family gathering will be all the better for having this recipe on hand. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section addressing common questions about ingredient swaps, cooking times, and glaze variations, so you can customize to your taste. If you give these Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Strips a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a comment or question if you need any troubleshooting tips, tweaks, or just want to share your success. Your feedback and kitchen stories always make my day, and I’m here to help make your cooking adventures both delicious and fun.
Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Strips
Description
These chicken strips are tender inside, golden-crisp outside, and coated in a sticky honey BBQ glaze that’s sweet, smoky, and utterly addictive. Perfect for dipping or starring in your next meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by marinating the chicken strips. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to blend.
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Add the chicken strips to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Lightly spray the paper with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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In two separate shallow dishes, place the flour in one and the breadcrumbs in the other.
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Remove the marinated chicken strips from the buttermilk and allow excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each strip in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it back into the buttermilk before coating it with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well.
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Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other. Drizzle the strips with olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up while baking.
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Bake the chicken strips in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, turning them halfway through for even cooking.
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While the chicken is baking, prepare the honey BBQ glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and BBQ sauce. Stir constantly until warmed through and mixed well.
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Remove the chicken strips from the oven and immediately toss them in the honey BBQ glaze, ensuring each strip is well coated.
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Return the coated chicken strips to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze slightly.
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Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Note
- For extra flavor, add spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mixture.
- You can serve these with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or additional BBQ sauce.
- Feel free to substitute the chicken strips with chicken thighs for juicier bites.
- These chicken strips can also be frozen after baking for quick reheating on busy days.
