Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders  – A Finger-Licking Comfort Food You’ll Make Again and Again

 

When it comes to irresistible comfort food, few dishes can compete with the magical combination of crispy fried chicken and sticky, sweet, smoky BBQ sauce. These Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are the perfect answer to your cravings. Each tender is marinated to perfection, coated in a crunchy breading, fried until golden, and finally tossed in a luscious honey barbecue glaze that makes them completely addictive.

This recipe is more than just a quick snack – it’s a dish that can easily become the star of a family dinner, a weekend gathering, or even a game-day spread. In this article, I’ll walk you step by step through everything you need to know: from choosing the best chicken, to marinating, frying, glazing, and serving it in ways that will make your guests think you ordered from the best chicken joint in town.

Let’s dive into the world of flavor, crunch, and sticky goodness.

Why Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders Are So Popular

 

There’s a reason why this dish has become a restaurant and fast-food favorite worldwide. The flavor profile is perfectly balanced – the smoky tang of BBQ sauce gets a sweet boost from honey, creating a sticky glaze that clings beautifully to each piece of chicken. Combine that with a crunchy, golden-brown crust and tender, juicy chicken inside, and you have a dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit every single time.

Unlike plain fried chicken, these tenders bring something extra special to the table. The addition of honey doesn’t just sweeten the sauce, it also adds depth and a glossy finish that makes the dish visually stunning.

Ingredients for Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

 

Let’s break down the ingredients into categories so you can easily prepare everything:

For the Chicken & Marinade

• 1½ lbs chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts sliced into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk (this tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (for subtle smokiness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Crispy Coating

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (this makes the crust extra crispy)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Frying

• Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying – about 3 cups depending on pan size)

For the Honey BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or make it homemade)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: A splash of hot sauce for some heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl.
2. Pour buttermilk over them, then add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix well to coat each piece, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
   • Pro tip: Marinating overnight will give you even juicier chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess buttermilk drip off.
2. Coat each tender in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken.
3. For maximum crunch, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and dredge in flour again.
4. Set coated chicken on a wire rack for 10 minutes to help the coating stick.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the chicken tenders in batches, 6–8 minutes each, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

1. In a saucepan over low heat, combine BBQ sauce, honey, butter, garlic powder, and hot sauce (if using).
2. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Toss the Chicken in Sauce

• Place the fried chicken tenders in a large mixing bowl.
• Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over them and toss until each piece is fully coated.

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

 

These tenders are incredibly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:

• Serve with fries, onion rings, or coleslaw for a classic combo.
• Pair with mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.
• Use them in wraps or sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and extra sauce.
• Cut them into smaller pieces and serve as an appetizer platter with toothpicks.

Tips for Success

• Use cornstarch in the coating – It makes the crust lighter and crispier.
• Double dredge the chicken – This ensures maximum crunch.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature stable.
• Coat right before serving – If you want extra crunch, serve the tenders with sauce on the side so the crust stays crispy.

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to bring back crispiness.
• Avoid microwaving – it makes the crust soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes.

Q: Can I make them in the air fryer?
Definitely. Spray coated chicken with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs cut into strips work wonderfully because they stay extra juicy.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are everything you want in comfort food – sweet, smoky, sticky, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this recipe will win over everyone.

Once you make them at home, you’ll never want takeout again. Trust me – this is a keeper!