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.
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
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.