Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Strips

There are multiple stars in this dish, and each one plays its role perfectly. The chicken strips are coated in a crispy, golden crust that gives way to tender, juicy chicken inside. They’re bold, garlicky, and made even better when paired with the cool, tangy creaminess of the dill feta dip. Every bite is balanced—crispy, creamy, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent.

I love using chicken breasts and cutting my own strips because you get more value and control over the size and texture. You can absolutely use pre-cut chicken strips, but this simple extra step makes a difference. Whether you're making these for dinner, game day, or just because you're craving something crispy and comforting, this recipe delivers every time.

From my kitchen to yours.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced in half, then cut diagonally into strips

Marinade

• 1 ½ cups buttermilk

• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Breading

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

• Pinch black pepper

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

Creamy Dill Feta Dip

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sour cream

• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic

• 2 teaspoons fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the sliced chicken strips in a large bowl. Add the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and smoked paprika. Mix to coat the chicken fully. Let it marinate while you prepare the breading, or longer if time allows. The longer it sits, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and smoked paprika. Mix well. Add a small splash of buttermilk from the marinade into the flour mixture and mix with your hands or a fork until small clumps form. These clumps create that extra crispy texture when fried.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large pot or deep pan, heat oil to 350°F. Maintaining the proper temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly and becomes perfectly crispy.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Remove each strip from the marinade and dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. Set aside on a plate until ready to fry.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the chicken strips into the hot oil, working in batches if needed. Fry for 5–6 minutes, turning if necessary, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Dill Feta Dip

Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, garlic, dill, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and feta cheese to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Tips for the Best Chicken Strips

• Adding buttermilk to the flour mixture creates crispy texture and craggly edges.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying—this keeps the oil temperature stable.

• Use a thermometer if possible to maintain 350°F for best results.

• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after frying to keep the coating crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these chicken strips hot with the creamy dill feta dip on the side. For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle with hot honey garlic sauce just before serving. Pair with fries, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

This is one of those recipes that feels elevated but is easy enough to make any night of the week—and one you’ll keep coming back to.