Honey BBQ chicken strips

Let’s get cooking! Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, golden-brown Honey BBQ chicken strips, the sweet and tangy sauce clinging to every juicy bite. These aren’t your average chicken strips; they’re a symphony of flavor, a testament to culinary genius (or at least, a pretty good recipe).

My grandma used to make something similar, but hers involved a secret ingredient…a dash of her own special brand of chaotic energy. This recipe, thankfully, avoids that particular addition, focusing instead on pure, unadulterated deliciousness. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or just because you deserve a little treat.

These Honey BBQ chicken strips are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

They’re incredibly easy to make, even for a culinary novice.

The sweet and savory flavor profile is addictive and balanced.

They look stunning on a plate, making any meal feel special.

Ingredients for Honey BBQ chicken strips

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Chicken Breast Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy preparation and consistent cooking. Cut them into strips about 1 inch thick.

All-Purpose Flour This will create a crispy coating for your chicken strips.

Honey Use a high-quality honey for the best flavor. Local honey is always a good choice.

Soy Sauce Adds a savory umami depth to the sauce. Low sodium soy sauce is a healthier option.

Apple Cider Vinegar Provides a nice tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the honey.

Garlic Powder A classic seasoning that adds depth of flavor to the sauce.

Onion Powder Enhances the savory notes of the dish.

Paprika Adds a subtle smokiness and a beautiful reddish hue to the sauce.

Black Pepper Freshly ground black pepper is always best!

Vegetable Oil For shallow frying or baking.

Agar-Agar Powder A plant-based alternative to agar-agar, creating a slightly thicker, more glossy sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Honey BBQ chicken strips

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch thick strips. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in the agar-agar powder and cook for another minute, ensuring it’s fully dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

In a shallow dish, place the seasoned chicken strips. In a separate dish, pour the all-purpose flour. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the coated chicken strips in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken strips in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving dish. Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken strips, ensuring each strip is nicely coated.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Serve immediately. These Honey BBQ chicken strips are delicious on their own, or with a side of your favorite vegetables or a simple salad. Enjoy!

Recipe Card for Honey BBQ Chicken Strips

This section would contain a detailed recipe card with exact measurements for all ingredients and clearer step-by-step instructions. (Note: Due to the limitations of this text-based format, a visual recipe card cannot be created here.) However, the information provided above gives you a good starting point for creating your own! Remember to adjust cooking times based on your oven and stovetop.

Tips and Variations for Honey BBQ Chicken Strips

For extra crispy chicken, try double-dredging the strips in flour. Let the coated chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This allows the flour to adhere better and results in a crispier exterior. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce. For a healthier option, bake the chicken strips instead of frying them. You can also use different types of vinegar, such as rice vinegar or white vinegar, for a slightly different flavor profile. Get creative and experiment! Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to your liking. Ultimately, the best Honey BBQ chicken strips are the ones you enjoy the most.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, marinate the chicken strips in the honey BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes. Then, bake or pan-fry them until cooked through and slightly caramelized. Finally, toss them again in the sauce for extra flavor and glistening goodness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment! Swap chicken for turkey or beef. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or a dash of cayenne for a kick. Consider adding some chopped bell peppers or onions to the marinade for extra texture and sweetness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Honey BBQ chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or gently reheat in a pan on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking; this ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender texture.
• Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes intensifies the flavor. Seriously, you’ll thank me later.

My kids absolutely devoured these Honey BBQ chicken strips at our last family picnic. They fought over the last one, a scene worthy of a medieval banquet!

The Recipe

: Honey BBQ Chicken Strips

This recipe is designed for around 4 servings. Adjust quantities based on your hungry crowd.

Ingredients

:

For the Chicken:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving (optional):

Sesame seeds

Chopped green onions

Instructions

:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This is your Honey BBQ marinade.

2. Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer (up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).

3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Alternatively, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil.

4. If baking, arrange the marinated chicken strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.

5. If pan-frying, cook the chicken strips in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

6. Once cooked, transfer the chicken strips to a bowl and toss gently with a little extra honey BBQ sauce for a glistening finish.

7. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Honey BBQ chicken strips!

Making it Extra Special

:

For a fun twist, try adding a few pinches of chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick. Or, if you have some leftover grilled pineapple, chop it up and add it to the marinade for a sweet and tangy flavor bomb. These Honey BBQ chicken strips are incredibly versatile!

Troubleshooting

:

If your chicken is drying out, ensure you’re not overcrowding the pan or oven. Reduce cooking time slightly if necessary. A little extra honey BBQ sauce can also add moisture.

Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and flavors to create your own perfect Honey BBQ chicken strips masterpiece!

Conclusion for Honey BBQ chicken strips:

Making Honey BBQ chicken strips is a surprisingly simple process that yields fantastic results. The recipe provides a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors, and the chicken strips are wonderfully tender and juicy. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main course, or a satisfying snack, these Honey BBQ chicken strips are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Remember to store leftovers properly and enjoy the deliciousness! They’re perfect for meal prepping and adaptable to your favorite sides.

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FAQs:

How long do Honey BBQ chicken strips last?

Honey BBQ chicken strips, properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, will generally last for 3-4 days. After that, the deliciousness might start to wane, and you risk those tasty little morsels becoming less than optimal. Freezer storage is your friend here! Pop them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll happily hang out for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to thaw them properly before reheating—no one likes a hockey puck of chicken.

Can I make these Honey BBQ chicken strips ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making these Honey BBQ chicken strips ahead of time is a great way to save time. Prepare the chicken strips and the sauce, but hold off on baking or frying them until you’re ready to eat. Store the chicken separately from the sauce in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just bake or fry as directed. This is particularly helpful for parties or busy weeknights.

What can I serve with Honey BBQ chicken strips?

These Honey BBQ chicken strips are incredibly versatile! Serve them with classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. For a more adventurous palate, try pairing them with sweet potato fries, grilled corn on the cob, or even a vibrant quinoa salad. The sticky, sweet BBQ sauce complements so many flavors; feel free to get creative! The possibilities are as endless as your appetite.

Are Honey BBQ chicken strips suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, Honey BBQ chicken strips are perfect for meal prepping! Once cooked, they store wonderfully in the fridge or freezer. Prepare a large batch on the weekend, and you’ll have quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just pack them up in individual containers and grab one when you’re ready to go. This saves you time and ensures you have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in minutes.