Before we dive into the details of the Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich, let’s talk about what to enjoy with it. The right sides can elevate any meal, and this sandwich is no exception. Here are a few pairings that work wonders to enhance your dining experience.
First up, you can’t go wrong with crispy French fries. They not only provide a satisfying crunch but also soak up extra BBQ sauce like a sponge, adding to the overall flavor. Another fantastic option is onion rings; their crunchy texture and savory flavor complement the sandwich beautifully, creating a delightful contrast.
For a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the honey BBQ sauce, consider serving a side of tangy coleslaw. Its crispness and acidity help cut through the richness of the sandwich. Pickles are another great choice; the tartness provides a refreshing bite that contrasts wonderfully with the sandwich’s flavors.
To wash it all down, a classic glass of sweet tea is the perfect accompaniment, embodying the essence of Southern dining. With these delicious pairings, your Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich experience will be truly satisfying!
Imagine biting into a sandwich where every layer tells a story. The crunch of fried chicken, the soothing sweetness of honey BBQ sauce, and the meltiness of cheese — it’s a symphony of flavors that wraps you in comfort.
If you’re craving something that satisfies that hunger while delivering a delightfully unique experience, the Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich might just be your ticket.
As a food enthusiast, let me share an adventure that revolves around this sandwich. I stumbled upon it during a road trip to Texas. The anticipation built like a kid waiting for ice cream. What was so special about this sandwich? Was it the local twist? Or perhaps the all-too-familiar charm of Southern hospitality? Spoiler alert: It was all that and more!
Let’s break down this culinary gem, explore how to recreate it, and discover why it’s a favorite for so many.
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What is the Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich?
The Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich is a culinary creation that combines crispy fried chicken strips drizzled with honey BBQ sauce, nestled between slices of thick Texas toast. The sandwich typically features creamy Monterey Jack cheese and is often garnished with fresh parsley. It’s simple yet bursting with flavor, embodying the essence of comfort food.
How Does It Taste?
Biting into this sandwich is like an explosion of flavors. At first, there’s the savory crunch of the chicken combined with the distinctive tang of the honey BBQ sauce, which is both sweet and smoky.
The cheese adds a creamy texture that binds the whole experience together. When you pair it with that thick-cut Texas toast, every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s comforting. It’s delightful!
Why You’ll Love This?
This sandwich serves multiple purposes. First, it satisfies a hunger for both flavor and comfort. Second, it’s versatile — you can modify it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to whip up at home! Whether you’re gathering with friends or keeping it casual at home, this sandwich is sure to steal the spotlight.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds of chicken tenders
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 2 1/2 cups of buttermilk
- Oil for frying
- 8 slices of thick-cut Texas Toast
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 8 slices of creamy Monterey Jack Cheese
- 4 tablespoons of honey BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
Step by Step Directions
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delectable sandwich. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken tenders. In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk this together until well combined. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
Once your chicken is marinated, you can prepare the breading. In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine. This will be the crispy coating for our chicken.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to submerge the chicken strips for frying. Aim for around 350°F.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Take each marinated chicken tender and dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour, so it doesn’t clump together during frying.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding, as this leads to uneven cooking. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Toast the Bread
While the chicken is frying, melt the unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat. Toast the thick-cut Texas toast in the pan until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich
Once the chicken is cooked, and the bread is toasted, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece. Place a chicken tender on one slice of the Texas toast, add a slice of Monterey Jack cheese, and drizzle with honey BBQ sauce. Top it with another slice of toast.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Slice the sandwich in half for easy handling. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Your Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich is ready to devour!
Tips on Making the Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich
To ensure a successful cooking experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Marinate Longer for Flavor: For a more flavorful chicken, try to marinate overnight.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent the temperature from dropping.
- Use a Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F.
- Experiment with Sauces: While honey BBQ is great, you can try other sauces like buffalo or ranch for a twist.
- Serve Fresh: Enjoy your sandwich right after assembling for the best texture.
Nutrition Information
whataburger honey bbq chicken strip sandwich recipe nutrition facts
How Do You Store This Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich?
If you have leftovers (which is rare), you can store the sandwich. Here’s how:
- Wrap It Up: Use aluminum foil or wax paper to wrap the sandwich tightly. This keeps it from drying out.
- Refrigerate: Place it in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 2 days.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to eat, consider reheating it in the oven for the best texture. Microwave if you’re in a hurry, but this may make the bread soggy.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in the Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich?
If you’re looking for alternatives or variations, here are five substitutes to consider:
- Grilled Chicken: Swap fried strips for grilled ones for a healthier option.
- Buffalo Sauce: For a spicy kick, consider using buffalo sauce instead of honey BBQ.
- Gluten-Free Flour: If gluten is your enemy, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for the breading.
- Vegan Chicken Strips: To make it plant-based, use vegan chicken strips for similar texture and flavor.
- Sourdough Bread: Use sourdough instead of Texas toast for a tangy twist.
Whataburger Honey Bbq Chicken Strip Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds of chicken tenders
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 2 1/2 cups of buttermilk
Oil for frying
- 8 slices of thick-cut Texas Toast
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 8 slices of creamy Monterey Jack Cheese
- 4 tablespoons of honey BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delectable sandwich. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Start by marinating the chicken tenders. In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk this together until well combined. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- Once your chicken is marinated, you can prepare the breading. In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine. This will be the crispy coating for our chicken.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to submerge the chicken strips for frying. Aim for around 350°F.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
- Take each marinated chicken tender and dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour, so it doesn’t clump together during frying.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
- Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding, as this leads to uneven cooking. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Toast the Bread
- While the chicken is frying, melt the unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat. Toast the thick-cut Texas toast in the pan until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich
- Once the chicken is cooked, and the bread is toasted, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece. Place a chicken tender on one slice of the Texas toast, add a slice of Monterey Jack cheese, and drizzle with honey BBQ sauce. Top it with another slice of toast.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Slice the sandwich in half for easy handling. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Your Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich is ready to devour!
Notes
- Marinate Longer for Flavor: For a more flavorful chicken, try to marinate overnight.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent the temperature from dropping.
- Use a Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F.
- Experiment with Sauces: While honey BBQ is great, you can try other sauces like buffalo or ranch for a twist.
- Serve Fresh: Enjoy your sandwich right after assembling for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. However, make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package or defrost them before marinating.
2. How spicy is the honey BBQ sauce?
The spiciness of honey BBQ sauce varies by brand. Most are quite mild and focus on sweet and smoky rather than heat. If you prefer it spicy, look for brands that advertise a spicy variant.
3. Can I make the chicken tenders in an air fryer?
Absolutely! To air fry, coat the chicken as described, spray with oil, and cook at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. What’s the best way to reheat the sandwich?
The oven is best for reheating. Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
5. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and toast ahead. Assemble the sandwich just before serving to maintain its fresh appeal.
6. What’s a great side drink to pair with this sandwich?
A classic sweet tea is a winner! If you’re looking for something different, try a lemonade or a cold beer to balance the flavors.
Conclusion
The Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich is a delightful concoction that brings comfort and joy with every bite. It’s richly flavorsome and versatile, making it a favorite for many. Whether it’s a quick dinner for one or a gathering with friends, this sandwich always impresses.
Next time you’re in the mood for something different, give this a shot. You just might find a new staple in your weekly rotation. Happy cooking!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more