Description
Succulent honey bbq chicken strips deliver a sweet and tangy flavor explosion that elevates classic comfort food. Crispy exterior and juicy meat promise a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Breading and Seasoning:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) buttermilk, divided
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Other Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Infuse chicken strips with tangy buttermilk, creating a tender and flavorful base that will enhance the meat’s texture and taste.
- Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper, then submerge completely in buttermilk. Add optional hot sauce for an extra kick. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the marinade to penetrate deeply.
- Create a robust seasoning blend by mixing flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan to 350-360°F, establishing the ideal temperature for achieving a crisp, golden exterior.
- Drain excess buttermilk from marinated chicken strips and thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture. For maximum crispiness, consider double-dredging by returning the floured strips to buttermilk and then back into the flour.
- Carefully lower the coated chicken strips into the hot oil, working in batches to maintain optimal oil temperature. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until a rich, golden-brown color develops.
- Transfer fried strips to a paper towel-lined surface to absorb excess oil and maintain their crispy texture.
- Whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar to create a glossy, sweet-tangy glaze that will elevate the chicken’s flavor profile.
- Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing for the final glaze and bake stage.
- Generously brush or dip each fried chicken strip in the honey BBQ glaze, ensuring complete coverage. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the glazed strips for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and the chicken to reach perfect doneness. The result will be a succulent, glossy honey BBQ chicken strip with a delightful balance of crispy exterior and tender interior.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the chicken’s flavor and tenderness, allowing buttermilk to break down proteins and create a more succulent texture.
- Double-coating chicken in buttermilk and flour creates an extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture and provides a satisfying crunch.
- Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, preventing greasy chicken and ensuring even cooking throughout the strips.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch, maintaining the same seasoning ratios for a similar crispy coating.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg