Recipe for Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders: A Delicious and Easy Guide

Honey BBQ chicken tenders are a mouthwatering dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the tangy, smoky flavors of BBQ sauce. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a game day snack, or simply want to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe will guide you through creating perfectly crispy and flavorful chicken tenders. The following recipe is easy to follow, with detailed steps to ensure that your chicken tenders come out perfectly every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• 1 lb of chicken tenders
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Vegetable oil for frying (or baking for a healthier option)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken Tenders

Start by preparing your chicken tenders. If you’re using whole chicken breasts, cut them into strips about 1 inch wide to create your tenders. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.

2. Seasoning the Flour

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This seasoned flour will be the first layer of coating, adding depth to the flavor of the chicken tenders.

3. Preparing the Egg Wash

In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. The egg wash will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken, ensuring a crispy outer layer.

4. Coating the Chicken

Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the seasoned flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the flour-coated chicken tender into the egg wash, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick well.

For an extra crispy coating, you can repeat the process: dip the breadcrumb-coated chicken back into the egg wash and then into the breadcrumbs again.

5. Frying the Chicken Tenders

In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles, the oil is ready.

Carefully place the chicken tenders into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).

Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

6. Making the Honey BBQ Sauce

While the chicken tenders are frying, you can prepare the honey BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey and BBQ sauce. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or BBQ sauce as needed.

7. Coating the Chicken in Honey BBQ Sauce

Once the chicken tenders have drained, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the chicken tenders and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Honey BBQ chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As an appetizer: Serve the tenders with extra honey BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
• In a sandwich: Place the tenders on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and pickles for a delicious chicken sandwich.
• With sides: Pair the tenders with coleslaw, potato salad, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Over a salad: Slice the tenders and serve them over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese for a hearty salad.

Baking Option for a Healthier Alternative

If you prefer a healthier version of honey BBQ chicken tenders, you can bake them instead of frying. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Follow the same steps for coating the chicken tenders in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
3. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking oil to help them crisp up.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Once baked, coat the tenders in the honey BBQ sauce as described above.

Tips for the Perfect Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

• Marinate for extra flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least an hour before coating them. This will make the chicken even more tender and flavorful.
• Double-coat for extra crunch: For an extra crispy coating, double-coat the chicken tenders by dipping them in the egg wash and breadcrumbs twice.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time by coating them and then freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, fry or bake them directly from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Adjust the sauce to your liking: If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey BBQ sauce.

Conclusion

Honey BBQ chicken tenders are a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to satisfy any craving for sweet and savory flavors. This recipe offers the perfect balance of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

Whether you’re frying or baking them, these chicken tenders are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Follow this recipe to create a meal that is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying, every time.

Frequently Asked Questions