Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

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If you’re craving crispy, golden chicken tenders with an irresistible sweet and savory glaze, look no further than Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders!

This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Did you know that marinating chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce not only adds incredible flavor but also keeps the meat incredibly tender and juicy? With just a few simple ingredients and a straightforward technique, you can create restaurant-quality crispy chicken tenders that your whole family will love.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some tips to make this dish truly shine!

Ingredients for Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

To create the perfect batch of crispy, glazed chicken tenders, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast cut into tenders
• 1/2 cup buttermilk for marinating
• 1/2 tablespoon hot sauce adds heat and flavor
• 1 teaspoon paprika for the marinade
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder for the marinade
• 1 teaspoon onion powder for the marinade
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for the marinade
• 1/2 teaspoon salt for the marinade
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour for coating
• 1/2 cup cornstarch creates extra crispiness
• 1 teaspoon paprika for the coating
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder for the coating
• 1 teaspoon onion powder for the coating
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
• 1 teaspoon salt for the coating
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for the coating
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder enhances crispiness
• Oil for frying vegetable or canola oil works well
• 2 tablespoons butter for the honey BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup for the sauce
• 1/2 cup honey for the sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar for the sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar for the sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for the sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika for the sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for the sauce

Optional Ingredients

• Dipping sauces garlic Parmesan, ranch, or your favorite sauce

How to Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Here’s how to prepare your chicken tenders for frying:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Add the cut chicken tenders to a large bowl with the buttermilk, hot sauce, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well until all the chicken is evenly coated, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Making the Crispy Coating

While the chicken marinates, prepare the coating mixture:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using), 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder until fully combined.
2. Create Clumpy Coating: Add a few tablespoons of the chicken marinade directly to the flour mixture and rub it together between your fingers to create small flour clumps, which will give you that signature extra-crispy texture once fried.

Coating and Frying the Chicken

Once your chicken and coating are ready, it’s time to fry:

1. Coat Each Tender: Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk mixture and coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating firmly onto all sides to ensure a thick, crispy crust forms.
2. Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches and heat it to exactly 350 degrees Fahrenheit, using a thermometer to ensure accuracy.
3. Fry Until Golden: Carefully add the coated chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, and fry for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the coating turns golden brown and crispy, then use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Making the Honey BBQ Sauce

The glaze is what makes these tenders truly special:

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, making sure it doesn’t brown.
2. Add Sauce Ingredients: Add the ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to the melted butter.
3. Combine and Warm: Stir continuously over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce is smooth, well blended, and warmed through, then remove it from the heat.

Assembly: Bringing It All Together

Once your chicken is fried and your sauce is ready, it’s time to combine:

1. Transfer to Bowl: Place the hot, crispy chicken tenders into a large bowl or platter.
2. Pour and Coat: Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the chicken tenders and gently toss until they are evenly and generously coated with the glaze.
3. Serve Immediately: Transfer to a serving platter and serve right away while the chicken is still hot and crispy, with your choice of dipping sauce on the side.

Variations and Customizations

One of the great things about Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders is their versatility!

• Spice Level: Increase the cayenne pepper in the coating for a spicier version, or skip it entirely if you prefer a milder profile.
• Sauce Adjustments: Make the honey BBQ sauce tangier by adding more vinegar, or sweeter by increasing the honey, depending on your taste preference.
• Alternative Proteins: Try this same technique with turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or thick fish fillets like cod or tilapia.
• Baked Version: For a lighter option, place the coated chicken tenders on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, then toss with the sauce before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These honey BBQ chicken tenders pair beautifully with crispy baked sweet potato fries or a fresh side salad for balance.

For beverages, serve with ice-cold lemonade, iced tea, or a cold cola to complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the sauce.

Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, you’ve created golden, crispy chicken tenders coated in a delicious sweet and savory honey BBQ glaze that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or any time you want something satisfying and impressive.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your dipping sauces, spice levels, and side dishes, as there are countless ways to customize this recipe to suit your preferences.

Try it today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor without compromising texture, though even 30 minutes yields excellent results.

What oil is best for frying these chicken tenders?

Vegetable oil or canola oil work best because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor that won’t interfere with the honey BBQ taste.

Can I make this recipe without frying?

Yes, place the coated chicken tenders on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, then toss with the sauce before serving.

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