Whataburger’s Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich is a beloved menu item that has captured the hearts and taste buds of fast food enthusiasts across Texas and beyond. This iconic sandwich combines crispy chicken tenders with a sweet and tangy honey barbecue sauce, all nestled between two slices of toasted Texas toast. The sandwich features a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with crispy chicken, smooth barbecue sauce, and melted Monterey Jack cheese creating a satisfying culinary experience.
The Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich has become a staple on the Whataburger menu, offering a unique alternative to traditional burger options. Its popularity stems from the generous portion size and the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. The use of Texas toast as the bread adds a distinctly regional touch, further cementing its status as a Lone Star State favorite.
History and Origin
Whataburger introduced the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich in 2001, marking a significant addition to their menu. This new offering coincided with an important milestone for the Texas-based fast food chain.
The same year, the 77th Texas Legislature officially recognized Whataburger as a “Texas Treasure.” This designation acknowledged the company’s long-standing presence and cultural impact in the Lone Star State.
Whataburger’s roots trace back to 1950 when Harmon Dobson founded the first restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation led to the creation of various specialty items over the years.
The Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich quickly became a popular menu item, joining other beloved offerings like the Whataburger Patty Melt. Its introduction reflected the company’s efforts to diversify its menu and cater to evolving customer tastes.
Today, the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich remains a staple on Whataburger’s menu. It continues to be enjoyed by customers across the chain’s numerous locations, which now span multiple states beyond its Texas origins.
Description of the Sandwich
The Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich combines crispy chicken strips, sweet and tangy sauce, melted cheese, and thick Texas toast. This popular menu item offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
Bread Components
The sandwich is built on two slices of thick Texas toast. This bread is made from enriched wheat flour, water, and high fructose corn syrup. It’s lightly toasted to achieve a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a soft interior.
The Texas toast is often brushed with a bun oil mixture. This blend typically includes butter and garlic salt, enhancing the bread’s flavor and texture. The result is a sturdy yet tender base that holds up well to the sandwich’s other components.
Protein
At the heart of the sandwich are crispy chicken strips. These are made from tender chicken breast meat, typically cut into long, thin pieces. The chicken is coated in a seasoned flour mixture before frying.
The breading often includes all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Some recipes suggest marinating the chicken in buttermilk before breading to enhance tenderness and flavor. The strips are fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
Sauce and Seasonings
The signature element of this sandwich is the honey BBQ sauce. This sauce combines the sweetness of honey with the tangy, smoky flavors of barbecue sauce. It often includes vinegar and paprika to add depth and complexity.
The sauce is generously applied to the chicken strips, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Its sticky consistency helps bind the sandwich components together. The balance of sweet and savory notes complements the crispy chicken and rich cheese.
Cheese
Monterey Jack cheese is the preferred cheese for this sandwich. It’s mild in flavor with a slightly sweet and buttery taste that pairs well with the honey BBQ sauce. The cheese is typically melted over the chicken strips, creating a creamy layer that adds richness to each bite.
Monterey Jack also has excellent melting properties, forming a gooey texture that helps hold the sandwich together. Its subtle flavor doesn’t overpower the other ingredients but enhances the overall taste profile.
Garnish
While the Whataburger version doesn’t typically include additional garnishes, some homemade versions add extras for flavor and texture. Pickles are a popular choice, offering a tangy crunch that contrasts with the sweet sauce and soft bread.
Fresh herbs like parsley can add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Some recipes suggest adding crisp lettuce or sliced onions for extra crunch and flavor. These optional garnishes can customize the sandwich to individual preferences.
Nutritional Information
The Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich packs a significant caloric punch and contains a mix of macronutrients. It also provides some micronutrients, though it’s high in sodium and certain allergens.
Caloric Content
The Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich contains 890-910 calories per serving. This represents a substantial portion of the average daily calorie intake for most adults.
To burn off these calories, one would need to walk for approximately 130 minutes or run for 79 minutes. The sandwich alone accounts for about 45% of a 2000-calorie diet.
Macronutrients
Fat makes up 43% of the sandwich’s calories, with 42 grams per serving. Of this, 11 grams are saturated fat.
Carbohydrates contribute 40% of the calorie content. The exact carbohydrate amount is not specified in the available data.
Protein accounts for 17% of the calories. While the precise protein content is not provided, it likely comes primarily from the chicken strips.
Micronutrients
The sandwich contains sodium, though the exact amount is not specified. Given its fast food nature, it’s likely high in sodium.
Iron is present in the sandwich, but the quantity is not detailed in the available information.
Some vitamins may be found in the sandwich, particularly from enriched flour used in the Texas Toast. These could include niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, and folic acid.
Allergen information is crucial for some consumers. The sandwich contains wheat, soy, and potentially other common allergens.
Dietary Considerations
The Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich contains several allergens. These include wheat, soy, and milk products. Individuals with sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution.
Nutritionally, this sandwich is high in calories and fat. It contains 890-910 calories, with 42-43% coming from fat. The sandwich also provides a significant amount of protein.
For those tracking macronutrients, the sandwich breaks down as follows:
- Fat: 42-43%
- Carbohydrates: 40%
- Protein: 17-18%
The high calorie content may be a concern for those managing their weight. To burn off the calories from this sandwich, one would need to walk for approximately 130 minutes or run for 79 minutes.
Weight Watchers members should note that this item likely carries a high point value due to its calorie and fat content. Exact PointsPlus values are not provided in the available information.
The sandwich contains high fructose corn syrup and enriched flour, which may be considerations for those monitoring their sugar and refined carbohydrate intake.
Cooking Technique
Creating the Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich involves several key steps. The process requires careful preparation of the bread, proper frying of the chicken strips, and skillful assembly of the final sandwich.
Preparing the Bread
Texas Toast forms the foundation of this iconic sandwich. Slice thick slices of white bread, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Brush each slice with melted butter on both sides. Toast the bread on a griddle or in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
For added flavor, some recipes suggest spreading a thin layer of bun oil on the griddle before toasting. This creates a subtle savory taste that complements the chicken and sauce.
Frying the Chicken
Start by preparing the breading mixture. Combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk. Dip chicken strips in buttermilk, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place breaded chicken strips into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove chicken strips and drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly before assembling the sandwich.
Assembling the Sandwich
Place a slice of toasted Texas Toast on a clean surface. Add a slice of Monterey Jack cheese. Layer 2-3 crispy chicken strips on top of the cheese. Drizzle generously with honey BBQ sauce, ensuring even coverage.
Top with another slice of Monterey Jack cheese. This helps the sandwich hold together and adds extra creaminess. Place the second piece of Texas Toast on top to complete the sandwich.
For presentation, cut the sandwich diagonally and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while the chicken is still hot and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
The Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich pairs well with classic side dishes. Crispy French fries complement the sandwich’s flavors and textures perfectly.
For a crunchy alternative, onion rings offer a delightful contrast to the tender chicken strips. Their golden-brown exterior and savory taste enhance the overall meal experience.
A refreshing beverage helps balance the sandwich’s rich flavors. Consider options like iced tea, lemonade, or a carbonated soft drink to quench your thirst.
For those seeking a lighter option, a side salad provides a fresh counterpoint to the hearty sandwich. Choose a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the sweetness of the honey BBQ sauce.
To complete the meal, add a dessert like a milkshake or fruit pie. These sweet treats round out the dining experience on a satisfying note.
For sharing, consider ordering extra Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwiches and cutting them into smaller portions. This allows everyone to sample the popular menu item without committing to a full sandwich.
Variations and Customizations
The Whataburger Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. One popular variation is using grilled chicken instead of fried strips for a healthier option.
For those who enjoy extra heat, adding jalapeños or spicy sauce can kick up the flavor. Cheese lovers might opt for extra Monterey Jack or try a different cheese variety like pepper jack.
Vegetarians can recreate the sandwich using plant-based chicken substitutes while maintaining the signature honey BBQ sauce flavor.
Some customers prefer to adjust the sauce-to-chicken ratio. Adding more honey BBQ sauce creates a sweeter, tangier experience, while using less keeps the focus on the crispy chicken texture.
Experimenting with bread choices can also transform the sandwich. Whole wheat Texas toast or a brioche bun can offer interesting flavor and texture contrasts.
For a low-carb version, wrapping the chicken strips and sauce in lettuce leaves provides a fresh, crunchy alternative to bread.
Adventurous eaters might try mixing the honey BBQ sauce with other condiments like ranch or buffalo sauce for a unique flavor profile.