Sweet Smoky Chicken Strips

This honey BBQ chicken strips recipe transforms ordinary chicken tenders into a sweet and smoky delight that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table. The combination of crispy coating and sticky-sweet sauce creates an irresistible dish that disappears quickly whenever I serve it.

I first made these chicken strips for a last-minute game day gathering, and they've become my most requested recipe whenever friends come over. The balance of sweet honey and smoky BBQ sauce converts even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders: 1 pound - Perfect for even cooking and easy handling
• All purpose flour: 1 cup - Creates the first layer of the crispy coating
• Breadcrumbs: 1 cup - Provides the ultimate crispy exterior
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon - Adds depth of flavor to the chicken
• Onion powder: 1 teaspoon - Creates savory undertones that complement the sweet sauce
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon - Brings a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish
• Salt and pepper: to taste - Essential for proper seasoning
• Eggs: 2 beaten - Acts as the glue between flour and breadcrumb layers
• Honey: 1/2 cup - Brings natural sweetness and helps the sauce cling to the chicken
• BBQ sauce: 1 cup - Choose a high quality sauce for the best flavor profile
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons - Use a good quality oil for better flavor when frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Season your chicken tenders thoroughly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure to coat each piece evenly for consistent flavor throughout. Let the seasonings sit on the chicken for at least 5 minutes to penetrate the meat.

Coat the Chicken:

Create a dredging station with three separate dishes. Place flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third. Dip each tender into flour ensuring complete coverage, then into the egg mixture allowing excess to drip off, and finally into breadcrumbs pressing gently to adhere. Place coated strips on a plate without overlapping.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place tenders in the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Alternatively, bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Make the Sauce:

In a small saucepan, combine honey and BBQ sauce over medium low heat. Stir frequently until the mixture is well blended and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily.

Coat the Chicken:

Transfer the cooked chicken strips to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the strips and gently toss until each piece is fully coated. Use tongs to ensure even coverage without breaking the crispy coating.

Serve:

Arrange the coated chicken strips on a serving platter. They pair beautifully with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping and traditional sides like coleslaw or french fries.

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The smoked paprika is my secret ingredient that transforms these from ordinary chicken strips to something truly memorable. My family has a tradition of making these for our annual Super Bowl party, and everyone positions themselves near the serving plate to grab seconds before they disappear.

Make Ahead Options

These chicken strips can be prepared in advance to make entertaining easier. You can bread the chicken up to 8 hours before cooking and store them covered in the refrigerator. The honey BBQ sauce can also be made a day ahead and gently reheated before tossing with the freshly cooked strips. For the best texture, always coat the chicken with sauce just before serving.

Customizing Your Sauce

The beauty of this recipe lies in how adaptable the sauce can be to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier version, add a tablespoon of hot sauce or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the honey BBQ mixture. If you prefer a tangier flavor, incorporate a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. For a deeper flavor profile, try adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of liquid smoke.

Baking vs. Frying

While the recipe gives instructions for both methods, each has its advantages. Frying produces the crispiest exterior and juiciest interior, perfect for an authentic restaurant style experience. Baking offers a healthier alternative with less oil and mess, making it ideal for family dinners. For the best of both worlds, try air frying at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, which delivers excellent crispiness with minimal oil.

Serving Suggestions

These honey BBQ chicken strips shine when paired with the right sides. Serve alongside a creamy macaroni and cheese for a comfort food feast, or with a crisp garden salad to balance the sweetness. For an appetizer spread, provide small dipping bowls of ranch dressing, blue cheese sauce, and extra honey BBQ sauce. Fresh celery and carrot sticks offer a refreshing crunch that complements the tender chicken.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I bake the chicken strips instead of frying?

Yes! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

→ What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Any BBQ sauce works, but a smoky or sweet BBQ sauce pairs best with the honey flavor.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the sauce and fried chicken separately, then combine and reheat before serving.

→ What can I use instead of chicken tenders?

You can use chicken breasts or thighs cut into strips as an alternative to tenders.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.