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Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders Recipe

4.5 from 135 reviews

These Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are crispy, golden fried chicken tenders tossed in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or a delicious main dish, they combine a perfectly seasoned breading with the rich taste of honey and barbecue sauce for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Breading

  • 2 pounds chicken tenders
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

Sauce and Cooking

  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the flour.
  3. Make Egg Wash: In another bowl, crack the two eggs and add the tablespoon of milk. Whisk together until fully combined and slightly frothy.
  4. Prepare Breadcrumbs: Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish, spreading them out evenly for easy coating.
  5. Coat Chicken in Flour: Take each chicken tender and dredge it first in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
  6. Dip in Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken tenders into the egg wash, coating them fully with the liquid.
  7. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll the egg-coated tenders in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them stick and form a crispy crust.
  8. Heat Oil for Frying: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  9. Fry Chicken Tenders: Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot skillet, cooking in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  10. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked tenders and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
  11. Prepare Honey BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the honey and BBQ sauce until smooth and well combined.
  12. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Place the fried tenders into a large mixing bowl, pour the honey BBQ sauce over them, and gently toss to coat evenly.
  13. Serve: Serve the honey BBQ chicken tenders immediately while warm with your favorite dipping sides or extra sauce on the side.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can double dip the chicken in the egg wash and breadcrumbs.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey in the BBQ sauce to taste.
  • This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
  • Leftover tenders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders, crispy chicken tenders, fried chicken, chicken recipes, honey BBQ sauce, easy chicken recipe