Craving a juicy, flavorful meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! These Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution for a quick and easy dinner, satisfying lunch, or even a fun game-day snack. This recipe delivers on taste without sacrificing ease, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Get ready to experience the irresistible combination of crispy chicken and sweet, tangy BBQ sauce – homemade, of course!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- Cooking spray or oil for frying
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate shallow dish, beat the egg.
- Place the bread crumbs in a third shallow dish.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Dip the floured tender into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the tender thoroughly in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat about 1/4 inch of oil or use cooking spray in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd. Work in batches if necessary.
- Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
Making the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together all the honey BBQ sauce ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Combining and Serving:
- Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish.
- Drizzle generously with the honey BBQ sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy, not crispy, tenders.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: For an extra-crispy exterior, panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended.
- Adjust the sauce to your liking: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the honey BBQ sauce by adding more honey or vinegar, respectively.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the breading or the BBQ sauce for a spicy twist.
- Different Breadings: Experiment with different breading options like crushed pretzels, crushed potato chips, or even crushed nuts.
- Baked Tenders: For a healthier option, bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredient measurements. However, a general estimate per tender would be around 200-250 calories, with varying amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
This recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious meal that everyone will love. From easy weeknight dinners to fun family gatherings, these Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!