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Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

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  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders feature tender, juicy chicken breast marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, then coated in a crispy flour and cornstarch mixture and fried until golden. The chicken is tossed in a homemade honey BBQ sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

These tenders are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you want restaurant-quality chicken with crispy coating and incredible taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, making sure it doesn't brown.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Transfer to Bowl: Place the hot, crispy chicken tenders into a large bowl or platter.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

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Find it online: https://ladysavor.com/honey-bbq-chicken-tenders/