Picture this: golden, crispy chicken strips with a perfect crunch that gives way to juicy, tender meat, all drizzled with a glossy hot honey glaze that balances sweet and spicy flavors in perfect harmony. These Hot Honey Fried Chicken Strips are the ultimate comfort food that brings together the best of Southern fried chicken tradition with a modern twist that’ll have your taste buds singing.
Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner that the whole family will devour or looking for the perfect game day appetizer, these crispy chicken strips deliver on both flavor and convenience. Unlike complicated chicken strip meals that require hours of preparation, this recipe comes together quickly while still achieving that restaurant-quality crunch and flavor that makes fried chicken and fries a classic combination.
Recipe Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes (for marinating)
- Servings: 4-6 people
- Estimated Cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Hot Honey Fried Chicken Strips
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Breading:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Pinch of salt
For Frying:
- 6-8 cups vegetable oil (or enough for deep frying)
Equipment Required
- Large mixing bowls (2-3)
- Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
- Candy thermometer
- Wire cooling rack
- Paper towels
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
Recipe Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Cut your chicken breasts into uniform strips, about 1-inch thick for even cooking. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken strips to this mixture, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
While the chicken marinates, set up your breading station. In a large shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and thyme. This combination creates the perfect crispy coating that rivals any restaurant’s breaded chicken strips.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a heavy-bottomed pot, ensuring it’s at least 3 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C), using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Maintaining proper oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy chicken strips without greasiness.
Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, butter, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and salt. Whisk constantly until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Bread the Chicken Strips
Remove chicken strips from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. For extra crispiness, you can double-dredge by dipping back in buttermilk and flour mixture.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken Strips
Carefully lower 4-5 chicken strips into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The wet batter fried chicken technique ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside.
Step 7: Drain and Glaze
Transfer cooked chicken strips to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil. Immediately brush or drizzle with the hot honey glaze while the chicken is still hot, allowing the glaze to penetrate the crispy coating.
Step 8: Serve
Arrange the glazed chicken strips on a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining hot honey sauce. Serve immediately while the coating is at its crispiest.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
- Temperature control is key: Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature between 325°F-350°F
- Don’t skip the marinating: The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds incredible flavor
- Work in batches: Overcrowding the pot drops oil temperature and results in soggy chicken
- Double-dredge for extra crunch: For the crispiest coating, dip in buttermilk, flour, buttermilk again, then flour
Delicious Variations:
Air Fryer Chicken Strips Recipe Adaptation: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spray breaded chicken strips with cooking oil and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method reduces oil while maintaining crispiness.
Chicken Strips Baked Version: For a healthier option, bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping once. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet for even cooking.
Spice Level Adjustments: Reduce cayenne and hot sauce for milder strips, or add ghost pepper powder for extreme heat lovers.
Chicken Strips Dinner Ideas:
- Serve with crispy french fries for the classic fried chicken and fries combo
- Pair with coleslaw and biscuits for a complete Southern meal
- Slice and add to salads for a protein-packed lunch
- Use in wraps or sandwiches with pickles and ranch dressing
Storage and Reheating:
Store leftover chicken strips in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which makes the coating soggy.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 892mg
- Sugar: 18g
The Perfect Pairing Experience
These Hot Honey Fried Chicken Strips represent more than just another chicken strips recipes easy option – they’re a celebration of flavor contrast and textural perfection. The combination of the crispy, seasoned coating with the sweet-heat glaze creates a memorable dining experience that satisfies both comfort food cravings and adventurous palates.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, hosting a game day party, or simply craving restaurant-quality chicken strips at home, this recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results. The hot honey glaze elevates these strips from ordinary to extraordinary, making them suitable for both casual family meals and special occasions.
Have you tried making these Hot Honey Fried Chicken Strips? We’d love to hear about your experience! Did you adjust the spice level? Try any creative variations? Share your photos and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag us on social media when you make this recipe.
For more incredible chicken strip meals and creative dinner ideas, be sure to explore our collection of crispy chicken recipes. Your taste buds will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these chicken strips in an air fryer? Absolutely! These chicken strips work wonderfully in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, spray the breaded strips with cooking oil, and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This air fryer chicken strips recipe method uses less oil while still achieving excellent crispiness.
How do I keep the chicken strips crispy after cooking? To maintain crispiness, place cooked strips on a wire rack rather than paper towels, which can trap steam. If serving later, keep them warm in a 200°F oven. For reheating, use the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes rather than the microwave.
Can I prepare the chicken strips ahead of time? Yes! You can bread the chicken strips up to 4 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. You can also marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor. The hot honey glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and gently rewarmed before serving.
What’s the best oil for frying chicken strips? Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best for frying due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors. Avoid olive oil, which has a lower smoke point and can become bitter when heated to frying temperatures.
How can I make this recipe healthier? For healthier chicken strips baked version, use the oven method at 425°F or try the air fryer option. You can also reduce the honey in the glaze or substitute with a sugar-free alternative. Using buttermilk in the marinade adds flavor while keeping the chicken moist with less added fat.
Did you love this recipe? Share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to leave a comment below with your favorite variations!
