Honey BBQ Chicken Strips

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Strips:

2 lbs chicken tenders
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

1 cup barbecue sauce
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken tenders in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator.

Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).

Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.

Fry the Chicken: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken strips in batches for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine barbecue sauce, honey, and butter. Stir until melted and well combined.

Coat the Chicken: Toss the fried chicken strips in the honey BBQ sauce until evenly coated.

Serve: Enjoy immediately with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce!

Notes:

For a spicier version, add more cayenne to the flour mixture or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
These can also be baked at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or air-fried at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.