Crispy, saucy, sweet, and smoky — these Honey BBQ Chicken Strips are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re cooking up a quick weeknight dinner or hosting game day snacks, this recipe delivers on bold flavor and satisfying crunch without being complicated. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast and pleases everyone at the table.
Forget frozen tenders — these homemade chicken strips are so much better. Tender chicken breast pieces are seasoned, breaded, baked or air-fried until perfectly crisp, then tossed in a sticky honey barbecue glaze that clings to every bite. The result is a crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside strip that’s full of flavor and ready in under 45 minutes.
What sets this recipe apart is the sauce. A quick mix of your favorite BBQ sauce and honey gives you a glaze that’s just the right balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet. It’s the kind of coating that makes you lick your fingers after every bite.
And while you can fry these chicken strips, baking or air frying gives them all the crunch with way less mess — and no greasy aftertaste. They stay juicy thanks to the simple breading method that locks in moisture while crisping up the outside.
This recipe is also kid-approved and adult-loved. It’s great for picky eaters who love crispy chicken but better than anything you’ll find in a freezer bag. You can serve them with fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or just a pile of napkins and a dipping sauce or two.
The breading is simple — seasoned flour and a quick egg wash. Nothing fancy, but the results are golden brown and irresistibly crunchy. You can even prep them ahead of time and just reheat when you’re ready to sauce and serve.
These chicken strips aren’t just a meal — they’re an experience. The kind of food that feels casual but tastes special. They’re perfect for parties, weekend dinners, or anytime you’re craving something crispy and saucy.
Want to make them even better? Add a touch of hot sauce to the glaze for a little kick, or toss in some garlic powder and smoked paprika to the breading for extra depth. It’s a super adaptable recipe.
And they reheat surprisingly well. Just pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness. They’re also great cold, straight from the fridge — if there are any leftovers.
You don’t need a deep fryer or a bunch of ingredients. Just a few pantry staples, some chicken, and a killer sauce. From there, it’s a quick bread, bake, and toss — and dinner is done.
Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or even in a wrap or salad. However you plate them, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
If you’ve been looking for a new go-to chicken recipe that’s as fun as it is delicious, these Honey BBQ Chicken Strips are it.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray or oil (for baking or air frying)
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- ¼ cup honey
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (or air fryer to 375°F).
- In one bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken strip into flour, then egg, then back into flour to coat.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or in air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes (or air fry 12-15 minutes), flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, mix BBQ sauce and honey in a saucepan over low heat until warmed and combined.
- Toss cooked chicken strips in the sauce to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately with extra sauce or your favorite dip.
Tips:
- Cut chicken into equal-sized strips for even cooking.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch if desired.
- For spicier sauce, add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Crispy and saucy with big flavor.
- Oven or air fryer friendly.
- Great for parties, snacks, or dinner.
- Ready in under 45 minutes.
These Honey BBQ Chicken Strips are crispy, juicy, and coated in a sweet, smoky glaze that makes them totally addictive. Easy to bake or air fry, they’re a fast and flavorful win for any meal.
