How to Make the Perfect Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
American · Easy · 40 min · 4 servings
Juicy breaded chicken tenders glazed in a sticky honey BBQ sauce. These crowd-pleasing tenders are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Why this recipe works
This Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.75 cup BBQ sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Set Up Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls. Fill the first with flour seasoned with salt and garlic powder. Fill the second with beaten eggs. Fill the third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Dredge each chicken tenderloin in flour and shake off excess. Dip into the egg wash and let excess drip off. Press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs on both sides until fully coated.
Step 3: Cook the Tenders
Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear tenders for 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to a 400 degree F oven and bake for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce
Combine BBQ sauce and honey in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until warmed through and well combined, about 3 minutes. Do not let the sauce boil or it will become too thick.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Brush the warm honey BBQ sauce generously over each tender. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Plate immediately and enjoy while hot.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- panko breadcrumbs → crushed cornflakes for an extra crunchy coating
- honey → maple syrup for a deeper sweetness
- vegetable oil → avocado oil for a higher smoke point
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not pressing the panko firmly onto the chicken which causes the coating to fall off during cooking
- Overcrowding the pan which lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy breading
- Applying the BBQ glaze too early in the oven which causes the sugars to burn before the chicken is cooked through
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 34g protein, 42g carbs, 18g fat, 1g fiber.
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