Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders Recipe for Easy Air Fryer Cooking

Benefits and Advantages of Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

Honey BBQ chicken tenders offer a delicious combination of sweet honey and tangy barbecue flavors, making them a crowd-pleasing dish that is both simple to prepare and satisfying to eat. One of the key benefits is the recipe’s user-friendly process, suitable for home cooks of all skill levels. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, enabling quick preparation without stress.

Using lean chicken tenders ensures a good source of protein with minimal fat, fitting well into balanced diets. The natural sweetness of honey helps reduce added sugars commonly found in barbecue sauces, creating a more wholesome option. Additionally, the recipe can be adjusted for dietary needs, including gluten-free variations by selecting appropriate sauces and coatings. Honey BBQ chicken tenders combine indulgent flavor with health-conscious ingredients, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

This dish stands out by balancing tenderness and crispiness, providing both comfort and nutrition in an easy, flavorful meal.

Essential Ingredients for Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

To make delicious honey BBQ chicken tenders, the following ingredients are essential:

• 2 pounds chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
• 1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning the chicken)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning the chicken)
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 inch deep in the pan)
• 4 cups buttermilk, divided (for marinating and battering)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for marinade and glaze)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 to 3 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought, spiced to taste)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
• Optional seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

These ingredients work together to provide a crispy coating, juicy interior, and flavorful honey BBQ glaze, delivering a well-rounded dish.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

The honey BBQ chicken tenders recipe is highly adaptable for diverse dietary preferences and needs. Here are some common substitutions:

Vegan and Plant-Based

• Replace chicken tenders with tofu, tempeh, or seitan slices.
• Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it plant-based.
• Use vegan barbecue sauces to maintain authentic flavor.

Gluten-Free

• Use certified gluten-free all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend for the coating.
• Ensure barbecue sauce is labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Low-Calorie Options

• Choose sugar-free or reduced-sugar barbecue sauce.
• Reduce oil quantity or opt for baking/air frying instead of deep frying.

Other Considerations

• For nut allergies, confirm all sauces and components are nut-free.
• Use spices like smoked paprika or chili powder to vary intensity without adding calories.

These alternatives allow everyone to enjoy honey BBQ chicken tenders without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How to Prepare the Perfect Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Start by assembling all necessary ingredients: chicken tenders, honey, barbecue sauce, olive oil, spices, and buttermilk, ensuring a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, combine 2 cups buttermilk with 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional), salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. This marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses flavor.

Step 3: Marinate Chicken

Add chicken tenders to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Step 4: Prepare the Coating

Mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (and optional chili powder) in a shallow dish. This seasoned flour mix forms the crispy crust.

Step 5: Double-Dip the Chicken

Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Dip each tender first into the flour mixture, then back into the remaining buttermilk-hot sauce mix, and again into the flour mixture. This double-dipping builds a thick, crunchy coating.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350-360°F. Fry chicken strips gently, turning once, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.

Step 7: Prepare the Honey BBQ Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Warm gently to blend the flavors. Add hot sauce or sriracha for heat if desired.

Step 8: Bake and Glaze

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush or dip fried tenders with glaze, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra crispiness, bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to seal in juices. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Using an air fryer or baking instead of frying reduces fat content while maintaining the crispy texture and bold flavor of the honey BBQ chicken tenders.

This method ensures tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Mastering Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders: Advanced Tips and Variations

Take your honey BBQ chicken tenders to the next level by experimenting with advanced preparation and flavor techniques. For a deeper flavor, marinate the tenders for several hours or overnight to allow the honey and spices to fully penetrate the meat. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade or glaze introduces a subtle heat that complements the natural sweetness.

If you want extra crispiness, consider a double coating process: dip the tenders in buttermilk, dredge them in a spiced flour mixture, then repeat. This creates a thicker, crunchier crust that holds well even after glazing. To intensify the smoky BBQ profile, mix smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke into your seasoning blend or glaze.

For more flavor complexity, drizzle additional honey BBQ sauce over the cooked tenders just before serving. You can also try different honey varieties such as wildflower or orange blossom for unique sweetness nuances.

For dietary adaptations, vegan and gluten-free cooks can use panko alternatives or crushed cornflakes for the coating, swapping chicken with tofu or seitan. These tips allow customization while preserving the signature textures and flavors of honey BBQ chicken tenders.

How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Tendors: Best Practices

Proper storage is key to maintaining the flavor and safety of honey BBQ chicken tenders. After cooking, allow the tenders to cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container. Store refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days to preserve taste and texture.

For longer storage, freezing is recommended. Arrange tenders on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to freezer-safe bags. This prevents clumping and preserves crispness. Frozen tenders can keep up to 2-3 months.

When reheating, use an oven or air fryer preheated to 350°F (175°C). Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), maintaining crispness without drying out the meat. Avoid reheating in a microwave if possible, as this often results in uneven heating and sogginess.

Nutritional Value of Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

Honey BBQ chicken tenders offer a balanced nutritional profile that suits a flavorful yet moderately healthy diet. A standard 4-ounce serving provides roughly 250 calories, with about 12 grams of fat, mostly from olive oil. This includes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

The tenders are a high-protein option, providing around 28 grams which supports muscle repair and growth. Carbohydrates are moderate, approximately 15 grams, primarily from the natural sugars in honey and carbohydrates in the barbecue sauce.

Depending on your sauce choice and ingredient brands, sodium content may vary; using low-sodium sauces helps reduce intake. Additionally, chicken tenders provide vitamins like B6 and niacin. Overall, this dish combines taste and nutrition effectively and can be adapted for gluten-free or low-calorie diets as needed.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders Recipe for Easy Air Fryer Cooking

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🍗 Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory with these Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders, making for an effortless and flavorful meal.
🔥 Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these tenders provide a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken without compromising on crispiness.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 pounds chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning chicken)
1 teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning chicken)
Vegetable oil for frying (enough for about 1 inch deep in pan)
4 cups buttermilk, divided
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for marinade and glaze)

For the Flour Coating:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 to 3 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika

Honey BBQ Glaze:
1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought, spiced to taste)
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)

Optional Additional Seasonings:
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (for heat, adjust to taste)

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Marinate them in 2 cups of buttermilk mixed with 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional) for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to tenderize and flavor the meat.

2. Prepare Coatings: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch (if using), salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and optional onion or chili powder for seasoning.

3. In another bowl, mix remaining 2 cups of buttermilk with hot sauce to create a wet dip.

4. Double-Dip Breading: Remove chicken from marinade, shake off excess, dip in the flour mixture, then buttermilk-hot sauce mixture, and back into the flour mix. Shake off excess flour to form a crust.

5. Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil to 350-360°F in a pan (about 1 inch deep). Fry chicken strips until golden brown, turning once. Drain on a wire rack.

6. Prepare Glaze: In a saucepan, mix barbecue sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Warm gently and add hot sauce for spice if desired.

7. Bake and Glaze: Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush or dip strips in glaze. Bake for about 20 minutes or until cooked through at 165°F/74°C. For extra crispiness, bake at 400°F for about 10 more minutes.

Last Step:

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Notes

🧂 Tip: Marinating in buttermilk ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy.
🥢 Tip: Cornstarch in the flour mix enhances the crunch factor.
🍯 Tip: Draining on a wire rack keeps the crust from getting soggy after frying.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2+ hours marinating)
• Marinating Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying and Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: N/A

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
• Calories: 415
• Sugar: 27g
• Sodium: 1250mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: N/A
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 86mg