Table of Contents

Kentucky Fried Chicken Honey BBQ Chicken Strips: A Culinary Throwback

The aroma of sweet barbecue sauce mingled with crispy fried chicken instantly transports me back to childhood. Saturday afternoons meant cartoons, family time, and, if we were lucky, a trip to KFC. Those Honey BBQ Chicken Strips were the perfect balance of savory and sweet, a sticky, finger-licking treat that I’d devour in minutes, always wishing I had more. Recreating that familiar flavor in my own kitchen has been a delicious journey, a way to relive those carefree days and share a beloved classic with a new generation.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 10-12
Yield: 15-20 chicken strips
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken strips
2 ¾ cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cup buttermilk

For the Sauce:

1 cup barbecue sauce
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon liquid smoke

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowls
Deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot
Tongs
Small saucepan
Baking dish
Non-stick cooking spray
Whisk

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine 2 ¾ cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. This dry mixture will form the crispy coating for our chicken. Ensure there are no lumps of flour remaining.
In a separate bowl, pour 1 cup buttermilk. Buttermilk’s acidity tenderizes the chicken and helps the flour adhere properly, creating a superior crust.
Prepare your frying station. If using a deep fryer, heat the oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions, aiming for a temperature of around 350°F (175°C). If using a pot, add enough oil to reach a depth of about 3-4 inches. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature; maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for achieving crispy, evenly cooked chicken.
Now for the breading process. Take a chicken strip and dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Then, dip the floured chicken into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, dredge the chicken strip in the flour mixture once more, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres well. This double-coating technique creates a thick, satisfyingly crunchy crust.
Carefully lower the breaded chicken strips into the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the fryer or pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, unevenly cooked chicken. Fry the chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs to turn the chicken occasionally, ensuring even browning on all sides.
Remove the fried chicken strips from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps maintain their crispiness.
While the chicken is frying, prepare the Honey BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup barbecue sauce, ¼ cup water, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon ketchup, and 1 teaspoon liquid smoke.
Whisk the sauce ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they are well combined. Place the saucepan over low heat and simmer for approximately 20 minutes, stirring frequently. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, complex, and slightly thickened sauce. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before proceeding.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the chicken strips from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Individually dip each fried chicken strip into the warm Honey BBQ sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Place the sauced chicken strips on the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer to avoid overcrowding.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. This final baking step allows the sauce to caramelize and adhere to the chicken, creating that signature sticky, sweet, and smoky flavor.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Temperature is Key: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature during frying is critical. Use a thermometer and adjust the heat as needed.
Double Dredge: The double coating of flour ensures a crispy crust that holds up well to the sauce. Don’t skip this step!
Homemade BBQ Sauce: For an even more flavorful experience, consider making your own barbecue sauce from scratch. There are countless recipes online to suit your taste.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Prevent Soggy Chicken: Placing the fried chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil is vital for maintaining crispiness. Don’t let them sit directly on paper towels for too long.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Honey BBQ Chicken Strips hot, straight from the oven, with your favorite sides. Classic pairings include coleslaw, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and french fries. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce for added visual appeal.

Leftover chicken strips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but the crust will likely become less crispy. Reheating in an air fryer is also a great option to retain crispiness. Freezing is not recommended as it will significantly alter the texture of the breading.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	296.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	30 g	10%
Total Fat	3.4 g	5%
Saturated Fat	0.9 g	4%
Cholesterol	64.5 mg	21%
Sodium	325.1 mg	13%
Total Carbohydrate	40.6 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	1.2 g	4%
Sugars	11.6 g	46%
Protein	23.9 g	47%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Spicy BBQ: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the barbecue sauce for an extra kick.
Smoked Paprika: Incorporate smoked paprika into the flour mixture to enhance the smoky flavor.
Air Fryer: For a healthier alternative, cook the chicken strips in an air fryer instead of deep-frying. Adjust cooking time and temperature according to your air fryer model. Typically, air frying at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, yields excellent results.
Honey Mustard: Substitute the Honey BBQ sauce with a honey mustard sauce for a tangy and equally delicious variation.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken strips?
A: Yes, you can. Simply cut the chicken breasts into strips about 1-inch thick before breading and frying.

Q: How do I prevent the flour coating from falling off during frying?
A: Ensure the chicken is completely dry before breading and press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken. Also, don’t overcrowd the fryer, as this can lower the oil temperature and cause the coating to detach.

Q: Can I prepare the chicken strips ahead of time?
A: You can bread the chicken strips ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying. However, it’s best to fry them just before serving to ensure maximum crispiness.

Q: What type of oil is best for frying?
A: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all good choices for frying due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors.

Q: How can I make the sauce less sweet?
A: Reduce the amount of honey in the sauce or add a splash of vinegar to balance the sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Recreating these Kentucky Fried Chicken Honey BBQ Chicken Strips at home is a rewarding experience that brings back a wave of nostalgia. While I’ve loved perfecting this recipe, I’d love to know what you think! Feel free to share your own variations and experiences in the comments. These delicious chicken strips pair perfectly with crispy french fries and a tall glass of iced tea for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone. Get cooking and enjoy!

Kentucky Fried Chicken Honey BBQ Chicken Strips Recipe