Honey BBQ Baked Chicken Strips

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Looking to elevate your dining game? Make these crispy baked chicken strips covered in a crunchy corn flake coating and tossed in a warm, sweet honey BBQ sauce. With a quick prep time of 10 minutes and just 20 minutes in the oven, this hearty main dish serves up to 4, delivering 20 irresistible strips of full flavor. Enjoy crispy texture paired with the perfect balance of smoky and sweet barbecue flavors, better than takeout!

Fatiha
Updated on Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:19:05 GMT
A tray of fried chicken with a dipping sauce. Pin it
A tray of fried chicken with a dipping sauce. | zestplate.com

This crispy honey BBQ baked chicken has revolutionized our family dinner routine by delivering takeout flavor without the guilt. The secret lies in the crunchy corn flake coating that gets wonderfully crisp in the oven instead of the fryer, while the sticky sweet honey BBQ sauce creates that irresistible glaze we all crave.

I first created this recipe when my kids were begging for takeout during a busy weeknight. The look on their faces when they tasted these homemade strips told me everything I needed to know. Now they request "mom's special chicken" at least twice a month.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into strips creates the perfect tender interior with maximum surface area for that crunchy coating
  • All purpose flour: Helps the egg mixture adhere better to the chicken for the perfect base layer
  • Eggs and milk: Create the essential binding layer that helps the corn flakes stick perfectly to each piece
  • Corn flakes cereal: Provides that signature crispy texture that makes these strips irresistible look for name brand for best results
  • Spice blend: Salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika adds depth to the coating without competing with the sauce
  • BBQ sauce: Forms the foundation of our glaze use your favorite store bought brand for consistent results
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and that sticky quality that makes the sauce cling beautifully to each piece
  • Ketchup: Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity for the perfect flavor profile

How To Make Honey BBQ Baked Chicken

Prep Your Station:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Take time to organize your breading station in order flour egg mixture corn flake coating to create an efficient workflow.
Flour Coating:
Place your chicken strips in a medium bowl with the flour and toss them thoroughly. Make sure each piece is completely coated as this first layer is crucial for helping the remaining ingredients adhere. Shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping in the next steps.
Prepare The Corn Flake Mixture:
Combine the crushed corn flakes with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the coating. The finer you crush the corn flakes the more even your coating will be but leave some larger pieces for extra crunch.
Egg Wash:
Whisk the eggs and milk together until completely smooth and uniform. This mixture acts as the glue that will hold the corn flake coating to the chicken. Make sure your bowl is wide enough to easily dip the chicken strips.
Breading Process:
Working with one piece at a time dip each flour coated chicken strip into the egg mixture allowing excess to drip off. Then roll it in the corn flake mixture pressing gently to help it adhere. Place each completed piece on your prepared baking sheet with space between them for even browning.
Baking Technique:
Bake for a total of 20 minutes flipping each piece at the 10 minute mark. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness on all sides. Look for a golden brown color and internal temperature of 165°F to ensure doneness.
Sauce Preparation:
While the chicken bakes combine BBQ sauce honey and ketchup in a small saucepan. Heat over medium low heat for 6 to 7 minutes stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly as it warms but not reduce too much.
Final Assembly:
Allow the chicken to cool for 3 to 4 minutes after removing from the oven. This brief rest helps the coating set. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated. Serve immediately for the perfect balance of crunch and sauce.
A tray of fried chicken with sauce. Pin it
A tray of fried chicken with sauce. | zestplate.com

My favorite part of this recipe is the moment when the warm honey BBQ sauce hits the crispy chicken creating that beautiful glaze. It reminds me of the first time I made these for my husband who declared them better than any restaurant version he had ever tried. That moment of pride still makes me smile every time I prepare this dish.

Make Ahead Options

These chicken strips can be prepped ahead of time to make dinner even quicker. Bread the chicken strips up to 8 hours before cooking and store them uncovered in the refrigerator on a baking sheet. This actually helps the coating adhere better and creates an even crispier exterior. The sauce can also be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before tossing with the freshly baked chicken.

Clever Substitutions

If you need a gluten free version you can substitute the all purpose flour with rice flour or gluten free all purpose flour. For the corn flakes look for a certified gluten free brand or substitute with crushed rice cereal. The chicken is equally delicious with turkey breast tenderloins which offer a leaner alternative with similar texture. For a spicier version add a tablespoon of hot sauce to your egg mixture and a teaspoon of cayenne to your corn flake coating.

Serving Suggestions

These honey BBQ chicken strips pair wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw potato salad or mac and cheese. For a lighter meal serve them atop a crisp green salad with ranch dressing. They also make excellent appetizers for game day when cut into smaller pieces and served with extra dipping sauce on the side. My family loves them in wraps for lunch the next day with lettuce tomato and a drizzle of ranch dressing.

A close up of some fried chicken with a barbecue sauce. Pin it
A close up of some fried chicken with a barbecue sauce. | zestplate.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I get crispy baked chicken strips?

To achieve crispy baked chicken strips, use crushed corn flakes as the coating and bake at 400°F, flipping halfway for even browning.

→ Can I make the honey BBQ sauce in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the honey BBQ sauce up to 2 days ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and warm it up before tossing with the chicken.

→ What are some substitutes for corn flakes in the coating?

If you don’t have corn flakes, you can use panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even pretzels for a crunchy coating.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well for this dish; just ensure they are boneless and cut into strips for even cooking.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free flour and gluten-free corn flakes in place of regular ones, while making sure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free as well.

Honey BBQ Baked Chicken

Crispy baked chicken tossed in honey BBQ sauce for a sweet, savory delight.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (20 chicken strips)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
02 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 3 large eggs
04 1/4 cup whole milk

→ For the coating

05 5 cups corn flakes cereal, crushed
06 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
08 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 1/2 teaspoon paprika

→ For the honey BBQ sauce

10 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
11 1/2 cup honey
12 1/2 cup ketchup

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Put the chicken strips in a medium bowl and add the flour. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated with flour.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.

Step 04

Whisk the eggs and milk together in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 05

Dip each flour-coated chicken strip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Then roll generously in the corn flake mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.

Step 06

Place the breaded chicken strips on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping them over at the 10-minute mark for even browning.

Step 07

While the chicken bakes, combine BBQ sauce, honey, and ketchup in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 08

Remove chicken from oven and let it cool for 3-4 minutes. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Serve right away.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large baking sheet
  • Medium bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Small saucepan

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (flour)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains dairy (milk)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Total Fat: 12.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35.2 g
  • Protein: 30 g