Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Whataburger Review + Recipe: Taste, Calories, and How to Make It

If you’ve ever taken a bite of the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Whataburger and thought, “This is dangerously good,” you’re definitely not alone. This sandwich has built a loyal fan base, and for good reason. With its juicy chicken strips, rich honey BBQ sauce, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and buttery Texas Toast, it’s the kind of fast food that makes a lasting impression.

Whether you’re here because you’re craving it, curious about the calories, or trying to recreate that bold BBQ flavor at home, you’re in the right place. In this deep dive, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich from Whataburger, from how it tastes, to what’s in it, how many calories you’re working with, and even how to make a spot-on copycat version in your own kitchen.

By the end, you’ll know if it’s worth the trip to Whataburger, or if your homemade version might just steal the spotlight. Let’s dig in!

🍗 What Is the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich at Whataburger?

The Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Whataburger isn’t just another fast food item, it’s a full-on flavor bomb that Whataburger fans wait all year for. This sandwich takes crispy, tender chicken strips and drenches them in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, then tops it off with melted Monterey Jack cheese, all stacked between two slices of thick, buttery Texas Toast. It’s bold. It’s messy. And it’s absolutely delicious.

This sandwich tends to come and go on the menu, often showing up as a limited-time offering, which only adds to its hype. When it’s back, it sparks a wave of social media buzz, late-night drive-thru runs, and cravings that hit out of nowhere. Some Whataburger fans have even dubbed it the best menu item ever, and we can’t blame them.

Whether you’ve never tried it or you’re a longtime fan trying to relive the magic, understanding what goes into this sandwich helps set the stage for the copycat recipe later on. Spoiler alert: recreating it at home is easier than you might think.

😋 Taste Test Review: Is the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Worth It?

Let’s get real, when you unwrap the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Whataburger, the first thing that hits you is the smell. That sweet, smoky BBQ sauce practically announces itself. It’s rich, bold, and clings to the crispy chicken strips in the best way possible. The toasted Texas Toast is buttery and thick, almost like it’s giving you a hug before you even take a bite.

🧠 Flavor Breakdown:

• Sweet & Smoky BBQ Sauce: It’s the star. This isn’t your average BBQ, it’s got that sticky-sweet honey flavor balanced with just enough smokiness to make it craveable.
• Chicken Strips: Crispy outside, juicy inside. Thick and hearty, not the soggy kind you sometimes get in other fast food joints.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a creamy, mellow contrast to the tangy sauce.
• Texas Toast: Golden, buttery, and pillowy, perfectly holds everything together without getting soggy too fast.

This isn’t a “grab-it-and-go” sandwich, it’s big, messy, and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent, like a comfort food fix you didn’t know you needed.

🆚 Compared to Other Fast Food BBQ Sandwiches:

Let’s be honest, BBQ chicken sandwiches can be hit or miss. Compared to options like KFC’s BBQ offerings or Chick-fil-A’s grilled BBQ sandwich, Whataburger’s version brings bolder flavor and better texture, thanks to the Texas Toast and thick-cut chicken strips. It feels more handcrafted, even though it’s straight out of the drive-thru.

⚖️ Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Whataburger Calories & Nutrition

While the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Whataburger delivers big on flavor, it also comes with a hefty calorie tag, which is worth knowing whether you’re counting macros or just curious about what you’re biting into.

According to Whataburger’s nutritional info, here’s what you’re working with:

📊 Nutrition Facts (Approximate):

Nutrient	Amount per Sandwich
Calories	920–940 kcal
Total Fat	43–47g
Saturated Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	85–90g
Sugars	20g
Protein	38–42g
Sodium	2,100mg+

🧠 What Does That Mean for You?

Let’s keep it real: this sandwich is not light. It’s rich, indulgent, and packs nearly half your daily recommended sodium in one go. That said, it’s also protein-heavy and filling, making it more of a meal than a snack.

If you’re trying to keep it lighter:

• Ask for light sauce
• Skip cheese (if you must)
• Pair with a side salad instead of fries

But hey, sometimes you just want to go all in. And this sandwich is definitely a “treat yourself” kind of deal.

🏠 How to Make the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Whataburger Copycat Recipe at Home

Can’t make it to Whataburger? No worries, this copycat Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Whataburger recipe brings the magic straight to your kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to pull off, and honestly? When you make it fresh at home, it might be even better.

This version stays true to the original: crispy chicken strips, thick buttery Texas Toast, sweet honey BBQ sauce, and melty Monterey Jack cheese. Let’s get into it.

🍞 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for 2 sandwiches (but feel free to scale up for a crowd):

• 4 crispy chicken strips (frozen or homemade)
• 4 slices of thick Texas Toast (buttered for toasting)
• 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s + a drizzle of honey works great)
• 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tbsp butter (for toasting the bread)
• Optional add-ons: jalapeños, pickles, crispy onions.

🔥 Pro Tip: Want to go extra homemade? Make your own chicken strips using buttermilk-marinated tenders breaded in seasoned flour, then fried or air-fried until golden.

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken Strips:
   • Follow package directions if using frozen, or cook fresh strips until golden and cooked through.
2. Toast the Texas Toast:
   • Butter both sides and toast in a skillet or on a griddle until golden brown. You want a crisp outside with a soft bite.
3. Heat the BBQ Sauce:
   • Warm the honey BBQ sauce in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. For an extra touch of sweetness, stir in a small spoonful of honey to balance the smoky flavor.
4. Assemble the Sandwich:
   • Lay two chicken strips on one slice of toast.
   • Spoon generous honey BBQ sauce over the chicken.
   • Add 2 slices of Monterey Jack cheese on top.
   • Place the second slice of toast on top. Press gently.
5. Melt the Cheese:
   • Pop the whole sandwich in the oven (350°F for 3–5 min) or cover with a lid in a skillet until cheese melts.

🧠 Pro Tips to Nail the Flavor

• Use fresh Texas Toast from the bakery section, it makes all the difference.
• Double-layer the BBQ sauce: add a little under the chicken and a little more on top.
• Try smoked Monterey Jack for a deeper BBQ vibe.
• Add crispy onions or pickles for texture contrast.

What It Looks Like vs. Copycat Version

One of the best parts about making your own Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Whataburger at home? Seeing how close you can get to the real deal, and honestly, you might even surprise yourself.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the original Whataburger sandwich and the homemade version from our copycat recipe:

🔍 Side-by-Side Breakdown:

	Whataburger Original	Homemade Copycat
🧀 Cheese	Melted Monterey Jack, sometimes uneven	Fully melted, edge-to-edge, with that gooey pull
🍗 Chicken	Crispy, but can vary depending on freshness	Always hot, crispy, and freshly made
🍞 Bread	Buttery Texas Toast, slightly soft after wrapping	Toasted to golden perfection, served immediately
🍯 Sauce	Thick, sweet, but sometimes unevenly spread	Double-layered honey BBQ sauce, fully coated
📸 Presentation	Comes wrapped, slightly squished from transport	Picture-perfect (if you don’t eat it too fast 😄)

Frequently Asked Questions

📝 Final Thoughts: Is It Better at Whataburger or at Home?

So, what’s the final verdict on the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Whataburger experience?

If you’re on the go and need a quick, flavor-packed meal, the drive-thru version absolutely delivers. It’s sweet, smoky, satisfying, and hits the spot every single time, especially when it makes one of its highly anticipated returns to the menu.

But if you’ve got a little time and you love putting your own twist on things, the homemade copycat version might just win. You control the crunch, the cheese melt, the sauce ratio, everything. Plus, it’s fresher, hotter, and you can level it up with extras like jalapeños, smoked cheese, or even crispy onions.

Bottom line? There’s no wrong choice here, just two seriously delicious ways to enjoy one of Whataburger’s most iconic sandwiches.

🍽️ Your Turn!

Have you tried the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Whataburger or made it at home?
👇 Drop a comment below, share your own twist on the recipe, or tag us in your foodie photos on Instagram!

🍽️ Hungry for More Comfort Food Classics?

If this Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Whataburger recipe hit the spot, you’re going to love these reader-favorite meals packed with flavor and easy-to-make magic:

• 🥣 Crock Pot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup rich, comforting, and perfect for chilly nights
• 🍔 Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole a hearty Texan twist on the classic dinner combo
• 🫕 Cheeseburger Dip Crock Pot all the flavors of your favorite burger in dip form
• 🥘 Crock Pot Picadillo savory, saucy, and simmered to perfection
• 🍞 Cornbread Casserole with Ground Beef cheesy, meaty, and southern-inspired comfort on a plate

💡 These recipes are simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your weekly rotation.