Craving the sweet and tangy flavor of Dairy Queen’s Honey BBQ Chicken Strips? This easy copycat recipe brings that crispy, saucy goodness straight to your kitchen, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game day snack!
If you’ve ever craved Dairy Queen’s Honey BBQ Chicken Strips, now you can make them right at home!
This copycat recipe delivers perfectly crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, making it an easy and delicious meal for dinner, game day, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing snack.
If you have been looking for easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Lemon Rosemary Roasted Chicken, Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana, or even Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Casserole.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Sweet and Tangy Flavor: Just like Dairy Queen’s signature Honey BBQ taste.
- Crispy and Juicy: Perfectly cooked chicken strips with a crunchy coating.
- Easy to Make at Home: No deep fryer needed—air fryer or oven works.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for dinners, game day, or parties.
- Kid-Approved: Everyone will fight over these tasty chicken strips!
Dairy Queen Honey BBQ Chicken Strips Ingredients
- Chicken Tenders: The main star of the dish, chicken tenders are lean, cook quickly, and provide the perfect canvas for the honey BBQ glaze.
- BBQ Seasoning: Essential for seasoning the chicken, enhancing its natural flavors before it’s coated with the BBQ mixture.
- Honey: The natural sweetness of honey balances the tanginess of the BBQ sauce, creating a sticky, caramelized exterior as it cooks.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the perfect adhesive for the cornflakes coating, ensuring it sticks to the chicken tenders evenly. The eggs also help seal the chicken’s moisture during cooking, making each bite tender and juicy.
- Cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a unique, crispy exterior to the chicken tenders, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. The cornflakes also add a subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the honey BBQ sauce.
- Honey: Honey not only adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating a glossy, sticky coating, but also balances the savory elements with its warm, mellow flavor.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce store bought or homemade.
How To Make Dairy Queen Honey BBQ Chicken Strips
Step One: Season the chicken tenders with BBQ seasoning to taste.
Step Two: Dip the coated chicken tenders into the egg wash, then roll in the cornflakes.
Step Three: Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking. Set air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F, using air fryer setting and set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flip the chicken tenders over halfway during the cooking process. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the chicken tender.
Step Four: Combine the BBQ sauce and honey in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step Five: Toss the cooked chicken tenders with the honey BBQ sauce.
Step Six: Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a serving plate. If using, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the tenders while they are still hot for them to stick. Allow the chicken tenders to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This short rest time lets the juices redistribute, making the tenders even more tender and flavorful.
Copycat Dairy Queen Honey BBQ Chicken Strips Recipe Tips
- Even Coating is Key – Make sure each chicken tender is fully coated in egg wash before rolling in cornflakes. This ensures a crisp, golden exterior.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer – Arrange tenders in a single layer. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of crisping it. Cook in batches if needed.
- Check Internal Temperature – Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part for safe, juicy results.
- Make the Honey BBQ Sauce Last Minute – Simmer the honey and BBQ sauce just before serving to keep it fresh and glossy.
- Customize Your Sweetness & Heat – Adjust the honey or add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for extra sweetness or mild spice.
- Prep Ahead for Busy Nights – Coat the chicken and freeze uncooked strips. When ready, air fry straight from frozen and toss in sauce.
- Serving Suggestions – Serve with fries, wedges, or a simple side salad. Extra sauce on the side lets everyone dip to their heart’s content.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Keep leftover cooked chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Place uncooked coated chicken strips on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months; cook straight from frozen in the air fryer.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or frozen chicken strips in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. This helps retain the crunch without making them soggy.
Copycat Dairy Queen Honey BBQ Chicken Strips Recipe Faqs
Can I make these chicken strips in the oven instead of an air fryer? Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the coated chicken strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Can I use regular flour instead of cornflakes for the coating? Absolutely! You can use flour or breadcrumbs, but cornflakes give the crispiest, signature texture like Dairy Queen’s chicken strips.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free cornflakes or breadcrumbs, and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
How do I store leftover cooked chicken strips? Store cooled chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze uncooked coated strips for up to 2 months.
Can I make the Honey BBQ sauce ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the sauce in advance and store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently before tossing with the cooked chicken.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch? Definitely! Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for the best results.
More Easy Recipes
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!
Copycat Dairy Queen Honey BBQ Chicken Strips Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders, or chicken strips
- 2-3 teaspoons BBQ seasoning
- 1/2 cup cornflakes
- 1 large egg, whisked
Honey BBQ Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
Serving:
- 1 teaspoon chives, diced
Instructions
- Season the chicken tenders with BBQ seasoning.
- Dip the coated chicken tenders into the egg wash, then roll in the cornflakes.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
- Set air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F, using air fryer setting nad set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flip the chicken tenders over halfway during the cooking process.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the chicken tender.
- Combine the BBQ sauce and honey in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Toss the cooked chicken tenders with the honey BBQ sauce.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a serving plate. If using, sprinkle the chives over the tenders while they are still hot for them to stick.
- Allow the chicken tenders to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This short rest time lets the juices redistribute, making the tenders even more tender and flavorful.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
Share this recipe
We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!
