Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders Recipe

Few dishes strike the perfect balance between comfort food and crowd-pleaser quite like honey BBQ chicken tenders. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in a sticky, sweet, and smoky sauce, these golden bites offer a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. Whether served as a main dish, game-day appetizer, or weeknight treat, honey BBQ chicken tenders bring warmth and flavor to any table. They represent a fusion of beloved American barbecue traditions with the universal appeal of finger food.

Chicken tenders—also known as chicken fingers or strips—have long held their place in kitchens and restaurants around the world. Their simplicity is their strength. When properly prepared, the tenderloin section of the chicken breast offers a lean, moist, and flavorful piece of meat that cooks quickly and adapts beautifully to different seasonings, coatings, and sauces. Among all the flavor variations, the honey BBQ glaze stands out for its rich depth, pleasant tang, and the gentle heat that follows each bite.

The honey BBQ sauce itself is a masterful balance: sweet honey harmonizes with tangy tomato-based barbecue sauce, while smoky undertones and subtle spices round out the profile. When paired with the crispy, breaded coating of the chicken tenders, the sauce clings perfectly, transforming a humble piece of chicken into something extraordinary. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the saucy glaze is both irresistible and satisfying.

What sets honey BBQ chicken tenders apart from other preparations is their accessibility and versatility. They can be deep-fried for a truly indulgent result, oven-baked for a lighter approach, or even air-fried for a crisp yet guilt-reduced experience. The dish lends itself to creativity—whether served with classic sides like fries and slaw, added to wraps or sandwiches, or sliced and served over salads or rice bowls.

But this dish isn’t just about taste—it’s about experience. Preparing honey BBQ chicken tenders from scratch is both rewarding and approachable. From marinating and breading the chicken to making your own sauce from pantry staples, each step allows for a hands-on connection to your food. It’s a meal that encourages cooking confidence, whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or an experienced home cook looking to refine your technique.

This recipe guide will walk you through every stage of making the ultimate honey BBQ chicken tenders at home. We’ll start by selecting the right cut of chicken and discuss how to prepare it for maximum tenderness and flavor. Next, we’ll dive into breading techniques, from classic dredging stations to tips for achieving an ultra-crispy crust that holds up under sauce. We’ll explore various cooking methods—frying, baking, and air frying—so you can choose the one that best suits your taste and kitchen setup.

From there, we’ll turn our attention to the heart of the dish: the honey BBQ sauce. You’ll learn how to balance sweetness and acidity, customize heat levels, and even create variations based on your flavor preferences. We’ll also cover tips for glazing the tenders properly, reheating leftovers without sacrificing texture, and pairing the dish with complementary sides, sauces, and drinks.

By the end of this guide, you won’t just have a recipe—you’ll have a deep understanding of how to make honey BBQ chicken tenders from scratch, tailored to your kitchen and your taste buds. This isn’t fast food. It’s feel-good food, elevated by the care you put into it and shared with people you care about.

So whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or simply craving a plate of perfectly glazed tenders, this guide is your step-by-step companion. Let’s roll up our sleeves, preheat the oven or fire up the fryer, and get started on the journey to homemade honey BBQ chicken tenders that are crisp, saucy, and unforgettable.

Part 1: Ingredients and Equipment

Before we begin cooking, it’s essential to prepare both your ingredients and your tools. This ensures a smooth workflow, especially when dealing with breading and hot oil or heat sources.

Essential Equipment:

• Mixing bowls (various sizes)

• Cutting board and sharp knife

• Meat mallet or rolling pin (optional, for evening out chicken thickness)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Tongs (for dipping and flipping)

• Sheet pan with wire rack (for baking or resting)

• Deep frying pan or pot (if frying)

• Thermometer (meat and oil, if applicable)

• Whisk

• Saucepan (for honey BBQ sauce)

• Paper towels (for draining fried tenders)

• Parchment paper (optional, for baking)

Chicken Tender Ingredients:

• 1.5 to 2 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)

Breading Station Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch (adds crispiness)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for puffiness)

• 2 eggs

• 2 tablespoons milk or water

For Frying (if using):

• 3–4 cups neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut oil)

Oven or Air Fryer Method:

• Nonstick spray or oil brush

• Parchment paper (optional)

Honey BBQ Sauce Ingredients:

• ¾ cup ketchup

• ⅓ cup honey

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder for spice

Part 2: Preparing the Chicken

Flavor starts from the beginning. Marinating the chicken allows it to absorb spices and tenderize before breading.

Step-by-Step:

1. Clean and Trim Chicken:

   • If using chicken breasts, slice into ¾ to 1-inch thick strips.

   • Remove excess fat or tendons from the tenders.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

   • Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged.

   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and tenderness).

Part 3: Preparing the Breading Station

A well-organized breading station is crucial for consistency and speed. Here’s how to set it up:

Step-by-Step:

1. Dry Mixture Bowl:

   • Combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Mix well.

2. Egg Wash Bowl:

   • Beat eggs with milk or water until uniform.

3. Assembly Line:

   • Set up from left to right: marinated chicken → flour mixture → egg wash → flour mixture (again) → tray.

4. Dredging Method:

   • First coating: Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off, then dredge in flour.

   • Dip in egg wash: Coat completely.

   • Final coating: Return to flour mixture, pressing firmly so coating sticks well. Shake off excess and place on a wire rack or tray.

5. Rest Before Cooking:

   • Let coated tenders rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the coating adhere and prevents it from falling off during frying or baking.

Part 4: Cooking the Chicken Tenders

You can fry, bake, or air-fry your tenders depending on your preferred cooking method. Here’s how to do all three with maximum flavor and crispiness.

A. Frying Method (Classic and Crispiest)

1. Heat Oil:

   • In a deep frying pan or heavy pot, heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

2. Fry in Batches:

   • Fry 3–5 tenders at a time to avoid overcrowding.

   • Cook 4–6 minutes per batch, turning halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

3. Drain:

   • Transfer to a paper towel-lined tray or a wire rack. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot.

B. Oven-Baked Method (Healthier)

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Set to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment and lightly grease or use a wire rack.

2. Arrange Tenders:

   • Place tenders spaced out on the rack. Spray or brush lightly with oil.

3. Bake:

   • Bake 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and fully cooked. For extra crispness, broil the last 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.

C. Air Fryer Method (Crisp Without Oil)

1. Preheat Air Fryer:

   • Set to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

2. Arrange Tenders:

   • Place tenders in a single layer. Lightly spray with oil.

3. Cook:

   • Air-fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

Part 5: Making the Honey BBQ Sauce

This sauce is what defines the dish. You can adjust it to be sweeter, smokier, or spicier based on your taste.

Step-by-Step:

1. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a saucepan, combine ketchup, honey, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Simmer:

   • Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

3. Adjust Flavor:

   • Taste and adjust: add more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or hot sauce for kick.

4. Cook Down:

   • Simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

5. Cool Slightly:

   • Remove from heat. Let it cool for 5 minutes before using.

Part 6: Glazing the Chicken Tenders

This is where the magic happens—coating the crispy tenders in that irresistible sauce.

Step-by-Step:

1. Toss to Coat:

   • In a large bowl, add cooked chicken tenders.

   • Pour warm honey BBQ sauce over the top and gently toss with tongs or a spatula until fully coated.

2. Alternative Serving:

   • If you prefer to maintain maximum crunch, serve sauce on the side as a dip instead of glazing.

3. Final Touch:

   • Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for freshness, if desired.

Part 7: Serving Suggestions

Honey BBQ chicken tenders pair well with a variety of sides and sauces.

Classic Sides:

• French fries or sweet potato fries

• Coleslaw

• Macaroni and cheese

• Cornbread

• Baked beans

Fresh Pairings:

• Mixed greens or spinach salad

• Corn on the cob

• Pickles or pickled onions

Dipping Sauces (Optional):

• Ranch dressing

• Garlic aioli

• Extra honey BBQ sauce

• Spicy mayo