Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

Speaking of comfort food- Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are the all-time most preferred at our house. The minute I start tossing the sauce that’s sweet and sour, I’m flown back to those lively weeknights of my children who always begged me to fix dinner.

I can still picture the smell of the tenders cooking in the air which in the process of them cooking had everyone in the room stop what they were doing and inadvertently come to the table.

It is not just tasty, it is a bunch of people coming over and giving a warm hug at the same time.

This is a recipe that I use to not only give our family food but to share love and create memories. Be it Monday, Tuesday, or a more laid-back Saturday and Sunday, these tenders make our family more cheerful and show how much we enjoy the meal.

Time to describe what makes this dish so special to our evening meals, let’s get it!

Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

Have you ever thought about why these Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are so special? They are not just very simple to make; they are also a knockout in the taste department, which is why it is the favorite of all. I remember a time when we had a last-minute gathering, so I decided to prepare these.

Shortly after, the kitchen was filled with the kids’ laughter, and they were asking for more before they even had enough of the first helping!

The blend of honey’s sweetness and the tang of BBQ sauce creates a music that plays on your taste buds. Furthermore, the flexibility of this dish makes it go well with anything from some casual dinner through to the festive time in a year.

I usually accompany them with a portion of crunchy fries or a crunchy salad that makes it a full meal already for the very demanding eaters.

If this Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders hit the spot, you won’t want to miss our equally Chicken Alfredo Wraps and Ricotta Meatballs.

Ingredients Notes

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make these Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders a hit. First off, using quality chicken is key—tender, juicy chicken will make all the difference. I always opt for fresh, organic chicken tenders when I can find them.

The honey and BBQ sauce are where the magic happens; I prefer a blend that’s both sweet and tangy, adding a delightful depth of flavor.

If you have dietary preferences, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can swap out traditional BBQ sauce for a homemade version or even a spicy variant if your family enjoys a kick! And don’t forget that turkey bacon can add a nice crunch if you’re looking to add a little extra flavor without the extra fat.

How To Make Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

Making Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders is as simple as it gets! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (fresh or thawed)
• 1 cup honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works great for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: turkey bacon for wrapping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken tender into the honey BBQ sauce, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Coat the tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
5. If using turkey bacon, wrap it around each tender.
6. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

The kitchen will smell divine as these bake, and you’ll be counting the minutes until you can enjoy them!

You loved this recipe, didn’t you? The full printable recipe is waiting for you just below!

Serving and Storage Options

Once your Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are golden brown and ready, it’s time to serve! They pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch or extra BBQ sauce on the side.

If you’re having a gathering, a platter of these tenders with colorful veggies and dips makes for an appealing presentation that everyone will appreciate.

Now, if you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), storing them is a breeze. Just let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container in the fridge.

They’ll last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through, keeping that crispy texture intact.

If you prefer to make your own BBQ sauce, here’s a simple homemade BBQ sauce recipe.

Some Variations and Substitutions for Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

The beauty of Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders lies in their versatility. If you’re looking to mix things up, try adding some spices to the breadcrumb mixture, like paprika or cayenne pepper, for an extra kick. You can also use different proteins—like turkey or beef—if you want to switch it up from chicken.

If you have a busy week ahead, you can prepare the tenders ahead of time and freeze them before baking.

If you want to get ahead, freeze your Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders in a single layer so they don’t stick together—super easy! Once frozen, toss them into a freezer bag.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer and give them a few extra minutes to cook. Easy peasy!

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Recipe FAQs

I often get questions about Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders, so here are some answers to common queries:

• Can I use different meats?
• Absolutely! Chicken is traditional, but turkey or beef work wonderfully as well.
• What if I can’t find honey BBQ sauce?
• You can easily mix equal parts honey and your favorite BBQ sauce for a quick substitute.
• How can I make these gluten-free?
• Simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free options or crushed cornflakes for that satisfying crunch.
• Can I make these ahead of time?
• Yes! Prepare them, refrigerate or freeze, and bake when you’re ready.

These tips should help you get the most out of your cooking experience and inspire you to make these tenders your own!

Conclusion

To wrap it up, Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are not just a meal; they’re a memory-maker in our home. The delightful flavors and the joyful moments around the table are what this recipe is all about.

Whether you’re serving them for a quick weeknight dinner or for a fun family gathering, they’re sure to please everyone.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it part of your family traditions, just like I did. Happy cooking!