Spicy Honey Chicken Strips are a recipe born out of a craving for something bold yet sweet. One rainy evening, I found myself staring into my pantry, hoping for inspiration. With a bottle of honey in one hand and chili flakes in the other, I realized I had the perfect combination for a new dish. Spicy Honey Chicken Strips would not only satisfy my hunger but also awaken my taste buds with a fiery kick paired with a touch of golden sweetness. That evening marked the beginning of a recipe I would return to time and time again.
The Ingredients That Make It Shine
Creating Spicy Honey Chicken Strips is simple, requiring just a handful of common ingredients. You’ll need boneless chicken strips, honey, chili flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, soy sauce, and a splash of vinegar for balance. To coat the chicken, a mixture of flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper adds crispiness. Every ingredient plays its part, ensuring each bite delivers a perfect mix of spice, sweetness, and crunch. It’s amazing how everyday pantry staples can come together to create something so unforgettable.
Cooking with Care
The cooking process for Spicy Honey Chicken Strips is as enjoyable as eating them. After coating the chicken, they’re fried until golden brown and perfectly crispy. While the chicken rests, a quick sauce is made by heating honey, soy sauce, chili flakes, and garlic in a pan until it bubbles into a glossy glaze. Tossing the crispy chicken into the hot sauce creates a sticky, spicy finish that clings to every strip. The kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of sweet and smoky spices, making it impossible to wait for the first taste.
The Dish That Brings People Together
Spicy Honey Chicken Strips are more than just a dish; they’re a crowd-pleaser. Whether served with a side of rice, over a salad, or as an appetizer, they always leave people asking for the recipe. I’ve brought these to gatherings, served them at family dinners, and even made them for a solo night in, and they’ve never disappointed. The combination of heat, sweetness, and crunch is universal, making this recipe a go-to whenever I want to create something memorable.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Spicy Honey Chicken Strips
- Proper Oil Temperature: Always preheat the oil to 350°F (175°C) before frying. Use a thermometer for accuracy to avoid soggy or undercooked chicken.
- Prevent Overcrowding: Fry in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the skillet lowers the oil temperature and affects crispiness.
- Double Coating for Extra Crunch: If you prefer ultra-crispy chicken, double-dip the tenders in the flour mixture. This creates a thicker coating.
- Drizzle Hot Honey While Warm: Glaze the chicken strips immediately after frying to allow the flavors to meld and stick to the crispy coating.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: If you prefer a lighter option, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
- Buttermilk Substitute Tip: For a tangier flavor, let the buttermilk substitute (milk + vinegar or lemon) sit for 5 minutes to curdle before using.
- Spice Mix Customization: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your palate. Add chili powder for more heat or reduce paprika for a milder flavor.
Spicy Honey Chicken Strips
4
15
minutes6
minutes450
kcal5
minutes26
minutesGet ready to elevate your meal with these Spicy Honey Chicken Strips! Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these chicken strips are marinated in a flavorful blend and coated for ultimate crunch. Drizzled with a mouthwatering hot honey glaze, each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet and heat. Ideal for weeknight dinners, game days, or any occasion where finger foods steal the show. Quick to prepare and irresistibly tasty, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients
- Protein
1/2 lb chicken tenderloins trimmed of any connective tissue
- Marinade
1 cup buttermilk
- Coating
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
3/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Sauce
1/4 cup hot sauce
1/4 cup honey
- For Frying
Vegetable oil as needed
- Alternative Ingredients:
Buttermilk: Substitute with 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
All-purpose flour: Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option
Cornstarch: Replace with arrowroot powder if preferred
Hot sauce: Substitute with sriracha or your favorite chili sauce
Honey: Use maple syrup as a vegan alternative
Vegetable oil: Avocado oil or canola oil can be used for frying
Directions
- Prepare the Seasoning Mix – In a small bowl, thoroughly combine salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. This blend will infuse the chicken with rich flavors, ensuring each tender is well-seasoned.
- Marinate the Chicken – Place the chicken tenderloins in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the buttermilk and add half of the prepared spice mix. Gently stir to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Coat the Chicken – In a separate large zippered bag or another mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and the remaining spices. Dip each marinated chicken tender into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess buttermilk. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated, creating a crispy exterior. For extra crunch, you can dip the tenders a second time in the flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken – Heat the vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil, frying for approximately 3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Use an instant read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve – Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. While still hot, drizzle with the hot sauce and honey mixture, ensuring each tender is evenly glazed. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin A: 150IU
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Calcium: 80mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ- Spicy Honey Chicken Strips
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free version.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
Can I prepare the chicken strips ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken up to 12 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Coat and fry the tenders just before serving for the best texture.
What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?
Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing complements the spicy honey glaze. You can also serve with sriracha mayo or a tangy barbecue sauce for variety.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Slice chicken breasts into strips of similar size to tenderloins for even cooking. Adjust frying time slightly to ensure doneness.
