If you love bold flavors, crispy textures, and crave-worthy sauces, this Crispy Chicken Strip Sandwich is calling your name.
It’s everything you want in comfort food: crunchy chicken, smoky bacon, creamy honey BBQ sauce, and all the fixings loaded into a soft brioche bun.
It’s my go-to when I want something quick, indulgent, and totally delicious.
Why I Love This Recipe
The sauce is everything – Sweet, tangy, smoky, and totally addictive.
Crispy in every bite – From the chicken to the bacon to the toasted bun.
Fast and flexible – Use store-bought tenders or homemade.
Perfect balance of textures – Creamy, crunchy, juicy, fresh.
Crowd-pleaser – Great for game days, casual dinners, or late-night cravings.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
For the Sauce
Mayonnaise – Smooth and creamy base.
Smoky BBQ sauce & honey – Sweet and smoky combo.
Yellow & Dijon mustard – Tangy kick with depth.
Lemon juice – A touch of brightness.
For the Sandwiches
Breaded chicken tenders – Crispy, juicy center of the sandwich.
Crisp bacon – Smoky, salty crunch.
Brioche hot dog buns – Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet.
Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles – Fresh layers for crunch and flavor.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Double the sauce – You’ll want extra for dipping or drizzling.
Use an air fryer – Makes chicken crispier and faster.
Warm the buns – A quick toast adds texture and elevates the sandwich.
Drain bacon well – Keeps the sandwich from getting greasy.
Layer smart – Put saucy and crunchy layers where they shine.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Strip Sandwiches
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Whisk mayo, BBQ sauce, honey, mustards, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
Chill in the fridge while prepping the rest.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Bake or air-fry the chicken tenders until crispy and golden.
Toast the buns lightly if desired.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Fry or air-fry the bacon until crisp, then drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread sauce inside both sides of the bun.
Add chicken tenders, bacon, shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, onion, and pickles.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Add a twist of cracked black pepper and drizzle with more sauce if you like.
Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
Waffle fries or curly fries – The classic combo.
Coleslaw – Crunchy and creamy side that complements the richness.
Pickle spears – Extra tang!
Corn on the cob – Especially grilled with butter.
Iced tea or soda – Refreshing sips to balance the flavors.
Variations / Substitutions
Spicy version – Add hot sauce to the BBQ mix or use spicy chicken.
Grilled chicken – For a lighter version.
Buns swap – Use sub rolls, ciabatta, or even toasted sourdough.
Add cheese – A slice of pepper jack or cheddar works great.
Make it meatless – Use plant-based chicken strips and vegan mayo.
Storage & Leftovers
Sauce – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Chicken & bacon – Can be cooked ahead and reheated before assembling.
Fully assembled sandwiches – Best enjoyed fresh to keep the textures.
Reheat tip – Warm the chicken and bacon in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
FAQs
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge.
What kind of chicken strips should I use?
Any crispy, breaded variety—store-bought or homemade. Air-fried works best for crunch.
Can I use regular hot dog buns instead of brioche?
Sure, but brioche adds a soft, buttery richness that elevates the sandwich.
Is this sandwich spicy?
No, it’s smoky-sweet. But you can easily make it spicier by adding hot sauce or jalapeños.
Can I skip the bacon?
Yes, but it adds great flavor and texture.
A vegetarian alternative like crispy tempeh can work too.
How can I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Make sure the bacon is well-drained and don’t over-sauce the inside of the bun.
What’s the best way to toast the buns?
Pop them in the air fryer or oven for 1–2 minutes, or toast on a skillet with a little butter.
Final Thoughts
This sandwich is a flavor bomb. The smoky honey BBQ sauce brings everything together—from the crunch of the chicken to the salty bacon and tangy pickles.
It’s messy in the best way, satisfying in every bite, and definitely a recipe that’ll go on repeat in your kitchen.
Perfect for game night, weekend lunch, or anytime you want something bold and comforting.
