The Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich from Whataburger features tender, crispy chicken strips tossed in sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, nestled in a toasted bun with fresh lettuce and creamy mayo, offering a delightful combination of smoky flavors and satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Sauce pan or mixing bowl
- Basting brush or spoon
- Toaster or grill press
- Sandwich assembly station
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Squeeze bottle (for mayo)
- Food warmer
- Serving trays or plates
Ingredients
- 3 crispy chicken strips
- 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 sandwich bun (sub roll or hoagie roll)
- 2 leaves fresh lettuce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt (optional, for seasoning chicken)
- Pepper (optional, for seasoning chicken)
- Flour (for dredging chicken, if making from scratch)
- Eggs (for dredging chicken, if making from scratch)
- Breadcrumbs or seasoned coating (for dredging chicken, if making from scratch)
When preparing the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich, use fresh lettuce leaves to maintain a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken strips. The honey BBQ sauce should be well-balanced between sweet and tangy to replicate the authentic flavor profile found in the original sandwich. If making chicken strips from scratch, ensure proper seasoning with salt and pepper, and use a consistent dredging process with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for even crispiness. Toasting the bun enhances the sandwich's structure and prevents sogginess from the sauce and mayonnaise. Your efforts in replicating these ingredient details will bring you closer to enjoying the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich from Whataburger's copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- If making chicken from scratch:
- Season chicken strips with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each strip in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs or seasoned coating.
- Fry chicken strips in deep fryer until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken strips using tongs and drain excess oil.
- Heat honey BBQ sauce in a saucepan or microwave-safe mixing bowl.
- Toss fried chicken strips in the warm honey BBQ sauce, coating them evenly with a basting brush or spoon.
- Slice sandwich bun and toast in toaster or on grill press until golden.
- Spread mayonnaise evenly on both sides of the toasted bun using a squeeze bottle or knife.
- Lay fresh lettuce leaves on the bottom half of the bun.
- Place the honey BBQ chicken strips on top of lettuce.
- Close the sandwich with the top bun.
- Slice sandwich in half if desired, using a knife and cutting board.
- Transfer the sandwich to a serving tray or plate.
- Serve immediately; use food warmer to keep sandwich warm if not serving right away.
Substitution
The Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich from Whataburger copycat menu brings together crispy chicken strips coated in sweet, smoky honey BBQ sauce, complemented by fresh lettuce and creamy mayonnaise on a toasted bun. If you don't have honey BBQ sauce on hand, you can mix regular BBQ sauce with a bit of honey or brown sugar as a substitute. For a healthier twist, baking the chicken strips instead of deep frying can still achieve a crispy texture while reducing oil usage. Using a sub roll or hoagie roll works perfectly, but you can also opt for brioche buns to add a slightly richer flavor. To keep your sandwich warm and fresh, assemble right before serving and use a food warmer if preparing multiple sandwiches at once.
Tips
Ensure the deep fryer is preheated to 350degF (175degC) before frying chicken strips for a crispy, golden texture. When coating chicken from scratch, properly dredge strips by flouring, dipping in beaten eggs, and coating with breadcrumbs to achieve even crispiness. Use a basting brush or spoon to evenly coat chicken strips with warm honey BBQ sauce, preventing sogginess. Toast your sandwich bun thoroughly and spread mayonnaise evenly to maintain a balanced flavor and prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
Nutritions
The Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich provides a balanced mix of macronutrients with protein-rich chicken strips coated in a crispy, breaded crust and slathered in honey BBQ sauce. The sandwich bun contributes carbohydrates for energy, while mayonnaise adds fats that help increase satiety. Fresh lettuce introduces dietary fiber and essential vitamins such as vitamin A and K to support your immune system and digestion. You can expect this meal to deliver a combination of protein, fat, and carbs that fuels your body while satisfying cravings for savory and sweet flavors.
Storage
Store leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Keep the toasted bun and chicken strips separate from the lettuce and mayo to prevent sogginess. Reheat the chicken strips in an oven or air fryer at 350degF for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness before assembling Your sandwich.
Variation or Alternatives
You can vary the cooking process by grilling the chicken strips instead of deep frying to achieve a healthier option with a smoky flavor. Substitute the sandwich bun with a whole wheat or brioche bun for added texture and nutritional value. For a different sauce profile, mix honey BBQ with a touch of chipotle or sriracha to add a spicy kick to your sandwich. Incorporate pickles or sliced red onions for extra crunch and tang, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
Allergies
The Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich contains common allergens such as wheat from the sandwich bun and possible gluten from the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs used in the chicken coating. Mayonnaise may contain eggs, which could trigger allergies, while the sandwich also has soy and dairy traces depending on the specific BBQ sauce and bread used. You should carefully check ingredient labels and consider any known sensitivities before consuming this sandwich to avoid allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich from Whataburger combines crispy, juicy chicken strips with a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors that delights your taste buds. The sandwich's fresh, toasted bun and melted cheese enhance its texture and richness, making each bite satisfying and flavorful. This menu item stands out for its unique blend of smoky BBQ and honey sweetness, appealing to fans of bold yet comforting flavors. Your attempt at a copycat version is worth it because replicating this iconic taste allows you to enjoy a beloved fast-food favorite fresh and customized at home.