How to Make the Whataburger Honey Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich at Home (Easy & Delicious)

If you’ve ever bitten into the Whataburger Honey Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich, you know it’s more than just a sandwich, it’s a full-blown craving. That perfect combo of crispy chicken tenders, sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, gooey Monterey Jack cheese, and buttery Texas Toast? Yeah, it hits different.

But here’s the thing: what if you could recreate that fast-food favorite at home, easily, affordably, and with even more flavor?

You’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’re going deep into how to make the Whataburger Honey Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich at home, step by step. Whether you’re a die-hard Whataburger fan or just looking to impress your taste buds with a homemade copycat recipe that actually delivers, this one’s for you.

We’ll walk you through:

• Exactly what’s in the original sandwich
• How to build your own, from crispy chicken to melty cheese
• A DIY honey BBQ sauce (or how to upgrade a bottled version)
• And pro tips to make it taste like the real deal, or better

So grab your apron (and maybe a napkin), and let’s recreate this Whataburger classic, no drive-thru required.

What Is the Whataburger Honey Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich?

The Whataburger Honey Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich isn’t just a popular menu item, it’s a cult favorite. Originally introduced as a limited-time offering, this sandwich quickly earned permanent status thanks to the buzz from loyal fans across Texas and beyond.

🧡 What’s in it?

The original version includes:

• Three crispy chicken tenders – golden, crunchy, and juicy on the inside
• Two slices of thick Texas Toast – buttered and grilled to perfection
• Melted Monterey Jack cheese – creamy, mild, and melty
• Signature honey barbecue sauce – sweet, smoky, tangy, and finger-licking good

It’s that perfect sweet-meets-savory combo that keeps people coming back, or dreaming about how to recreate it at home.

🔥 Why Is It So Loved?

This sandwich checks every comfort food box:

• Texture contrast: Crunchy chicken + soft toast + melted cheese
• Flavor balance: Sweet BBQ, buttery bread, savory chicken
• Satisfying portion: It’s big, bold, and filling, no sides required (but we’ll recommend some later 👀)

Fans rave about it on Reddit, TikTok, and foodie blogs. And for those who don’t live near a Whataburger? The craving is real, which is exactly why a solid, homemade version is a must.

Ingredients You’ll Need (And Smart Substitutes)

Before you recreate the iconic Whataburger Honey Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich at home, let’s talk ingredients. The beauty of this sandwich is that it’s made with simple, familiar items, but with the right choices, you can make it taste spot-on (or even better than the original).

Here’s what you’ll need:

🍗 1. Chicken Strips (Crispy & Juicy)

The star of the show. You have two main options:

• Homemade chicken tenders – Use boneless chicken breast or thigh, breaded and fried (or air-fried) for crunch
• Store-bought frozen tenders – Faster, still delicious (look for crispy Southern-style)

🔄 Substitute Tip: For a leaner version, bake or air-fry instead of deep-frying. Want spicy? Add cayenne or hot sauce to the breading mix.

🍞 2. Texas Toast

Thick, buttery slices that hold up to all that sauce and melted cheese.

• Grab frozen Texas Toast from the store, garlic-free is best
• Or slice your own from a thick white bread loaf and butter each side before grilling

💡 Pro Tip: Toast it in a skillet with butter for restaurant-style crispness on the outside and softness inside.

🧀 3. Monterey Jack Cheese

Mild, melty, and slightly creamy, perfect for layering over hot chicken strips.

• You can also mix with Mozzarella or Provolone if Monterey Jack isn’t available
• Want a sharper flavor? Try Pepper Jack for a little heat

🍯 4. Honey Barbecue Sauce

The signature flavor that ties it all together.
Options:

• Make your own (recipe below, easy and better than bottled)
• Use store-bought honey BBQ sauce and enhance it with extra honey, smoked paprika, or liquid smoke

🧂 Optional Seasonings & Oil

• Cooking oil (if frying): Vegetable, peanut, or canola oil
• Chicken seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
• Butter for toasting the bread

✅ Ingredient Checklist (Quick Recap)

• Chicken tenders (homemade or frozen)
• Texas Toast
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Honey barbecue sauce
• Oil + seasonings + butter

How to Make the Whataburger Honey Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich at Home

Now that you’ve got the ingredients, it’s time to build the magic. This section walks you through the exact steps to make the Whataburger Honey Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich, from crispy chicken to melty cheese to saucy perfection.

Whether you’re using homemade chicken tenders or going the frozen route, this recipe is flexible, fast, and absolutely satisfying.

🔪 Prep Time: 10 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

🍽️ Total Time: ~35 minutes

🍔 Yields: 2 sandwiches

📝 Ingredients (For 2 Sandwiches)

• 6 crispy chicken tenders (homemade or frozen, cooked)
• 4 slices of Texas Toast (garlic-free)
• 4 slices of Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup honey barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade – recipe below)
• 1–2 tbsp butter (for toasting bread)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook Your Chicken Tenders

• Homemade: Bread and fry chicken tenders until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
• Frozen: Follow package directions, bake, air fry, or deep-fry for extra crisp.

🔥 Pro Tip: For extra crunch, double-dip the tenders in buttermilk and seasoned flour.

Step 2: Toast the Texas Toast

• Butter both sides of each bread slice.
• Toast on a skillet or griddle over medium heat until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.

👌 Want it extra buttery like Whataburger’s? Add a sprinkle of garlic powder and parsley to the butter.

Step 3: Warm the BBQ Sauce

• Heat honey barbecue sauce in a small saucepan or microwave until warm.
• If using homemade, prep it while the chicken cooks (see recipe in next section).

Step 4: Build Your Sandwich

• Lay down one slice of toasted bread.
• Add 3 hot, crispy chicken tenders.
• Drizzle or brush with warm honey BBQ sauce (go heavy if you love it saucy).
• Add 2 slices of Monterey Jack cheese.
• Top with another slice of toast.

🧀 Want the cheese fully melted? Cover the sandwich in the pan with a lid for 1–2 minutes on low heat.

Step 5: Slice, Serve, and Devour

Cut the sandwich diagonally (like the real deal), serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy your homemade Whataburger moment.

Honey Barbecue Sauce Recipe (Or How to Make It Taste Like Whataburger’s)

Let’s be real, the honey BBQ sauce is the soul of the Whataburger Honey Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich. It’s sticky-sweet, a little smoky, and perfectly tangy. The good news? You don’t need to buy anything fancy to make a sauce that tastes just like it.

Whether you want to whip up your own from scratch or doctor up a bottle you already have, here are two delicious options:

🍯 Option 1: Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe

📝 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (hickory or mesquite-style works best)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Optional: A few drops of liquid smoke for that extra smoky kick

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
2. Simmer over low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Taste and adjust: add more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or paprika for depth.

🍁 Pro Tip: Want it just like Whataburger’s? Use a base BBQ sauce that’s sweet and smoky, think Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ as a shortcut.

🛒 Option 2: Store-Bought Hack (Fast & Flavorful)

Already have BBQ sauce in the pantry? Here’s how to give it that Whataburger twist:

What you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1–2 tbsp honey
• A dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke

Mix together, warm it up, and it’s good to go.

✅ This hack works great when you’re short on time but still want that rich, layered flavor that defines the sandwich.

🔄 Make Ahead & Store It:

• Store any leftover sauce in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 1 week
• Use it for wings, nuggets, burgers, or dipping fries, don’t let it go to waste 😉

Tips for Making It Even Better

You’ve got the core recipe down, now it’s time to elevate it. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just someone chasing that perfect Whataburger flavor, these expert tips will help you create a sandwich that’s crispy, saucy, melty, and downright unforgettable.

🔥 1. Get That Chicken Extra Crispy

• Use a buttermilk marinade before breading your tenders. It tenderizes and adds flavor.
• Double-dip method: dip in seasoned flour → buttermilk → flour again. This gives it that craveable crunch.
• Let breaded tenders sit for 10 minutes before frying to help the coating stick.

🍞 2. Don’t Skip the Texas Toast Quality

• Not all Texas Toast is created equal. Look for thick-cut slices without garlic if buying frozen.
• For homemade: slice white sandwich bread at least 3/4-inch thick and butter both sides generously before toasting in a hot skillet.

🍽️ Try this: Add a pinch of garlic powder and parsley to the butter for that classic Whataburger vibe.

🧀 3. Layer the Cheese Like a Pro

• Use two slices of Monterey Jack per sandwich to mimic the melty overload.
• For a stretchy, gooey finish, place the cheese directly over the hot tenders before sandwiching.
• Want to take it up a notch? Toss in a slice of cheddar or Pepper Jack for flavor variation.

🔁 4. Use the “Steam-Melt” Hack

After assembling the sandwich:

• Return the sandwich to the skillet and let it warm gently over low heat.
• Add a few drops of water to the pan
• Cover with a lid for 1–2 minutes

This melts the cheese beautifully without drying out the toast.

🌶️ 5. Add Heat (If You Like It Spicy)

• Mix hot sauce into your BBQ sauce
• Swap in spicy chicken tenders or Pepper Jack cheese
• Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to the breading mix

🕒 6. Meal Prep or Make-Ahead Tips

• Make and freeze chicken tenders in batches
• Mix a double batch of the BBQ sauce, it keeps for a week
• Toast extra bread and store in a sealed bag for quick assembly

What to Serve with Your Whataburger Sandwich

Sure, the Whataburger Honey Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich is a star all on its own…
but pairing it with the right sides? That’s how you turn a good meal into a legendary one.

Here are the best sides, drinks, and finishing touches to complete your homemade Whataburger experience, whether you’re hosting a fast-food-style dinner night or just treating yourself.

🍟 1. Classic French Fries

You can’t go wrong here. Crispy, golden fries are a natural sidekick.

• Go full homemade with hand-cut russets, air-fried or deep-fried
• Or grab a bag of frozen fries (crinkle-cut or seasoned are perfect)

Tip: Sprinkle with garlic powder + seasoned salt for a “fast food fry” flavor.

🧅 2. Onion Rings

For that extra crunch and sweetness that complements BBQ flavors.

• Frozen ones are fine, just make sure to bake them until really crispy
• Want to make your own? Soak onion slices in buttermilk, dredge in flour + cornmeal, then fry until golden

🥒 3. Spicy or Sweet Pickles

Pickles cut the richness of the sandwich beautifully.

• Use dill chips for sharpness
• Sweet pickles if you want a little contrast
• Spicy pickles (like jalapeño bread & butter) for heat lovers

🥗 4. Coleslaw

Cool, crunchy, and creamy, it’s the ideal counterbalance to all that saucy, savory goodness.

• Classic mayo-based slaw or tangy vinegar-style both work
• Bonus points: Pile it on the sandwich for a Southern-style twist

🥤 5. Whataburger-Style Drink Pairings

Level up with drink options inspired by Whataburger’s menu:

• Sweet Iced Tea (classic)
• Creamy milkshakes, vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry
• Lemonade or Dr Pepper, because Texas

🍽️ Bonus: Make It a Platter!

Want to impress guests (or yourself)? Serve the sandwich with:

• Fries + pickles + slaw on a tray or cutting board
• Add a small bowl of honey BBQ for dipping
• Napkins… lots of napkins

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Fast Food Flavor, Homemade Love

There’s something seriously satisfying about recreating your favorite fast food sandwich at home, and the Whataburger Honey Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich hits all the right notes. It’s crispy, cheesy, saucy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or just want a killer chicken sandwich that doesn’t require a drive-thru line, this homemade version delivers.

Even better? You control the ingredients, the portions, and the flavor tweaks. Go extra saucy, make it spicy, swap in your favorite cheese, the possibilities are deliciously endless.

So now it’s your turn:
🧡 Fire up the skillet, gather your ingredients, and make your own copycat Whataburger masterpiece tonight.

If you loved this recipe:

• 📸 Snap a photo and tag it on social media, we’d love to see your sandwich creation!
• 💬 Drop a comment below with your own twist or serving suggestions
• 🍔 Check out our other fast food copycat recipes, your taste buds will thank you

🍴 Craving More Copycat Comfort Food?

If you loved this homemade Whataburger Honey Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich, you’re going to be obsessed with these reader-favorite recipes too:

• 🥣 Panera Chicken Tortilla Soup – warm, zesty, and perfect for cozy nights
• 🧄 Texas Roadhouse Green Bean Recipe – the savory side you didn’t know you needed
• 🍔 Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf Recipe – the ultimate hearty dinner remake
• 🌮 Costco Dinner Kit Chicken Taco – fast, fun, and family-friendly
• 🐟 Cheesecake Factory Miso Salmon – a lighter but flavor-packed favorite

👉 Dive into the full collection of copycat recipes on DeenRecipes.com and bring your favorite restaurant dishes to life, right from your kitchen!