Honey BBQ Chicken Recipe | Honey Barbecue Chicken Tenders

• Quick- Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
• Effortless- Minimal preparation for a no-fuss cooking experience.
• Incredibly Tasty- The honey BBQ sauce combined with the tender juiciness of the chicken is a match made in heaven.

With the magic of the air fryer, you'll achieve that desirable crispy coating without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier option that doesn't sacrifice taste.

Honey BBQ chicken is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, smoky, and savory flavors, creating a mouth-watering dish that appeals to a wide range of palates.

The combination of the crispy exterior (from the air fryer) and the tender, juicy interior of the chicken makes for an irresistible texture contrast.

For The Chicken

• Chicken Tenders- The main protein of the dish.
• Honey BBQ Sauce- This sauce provides the distinctive sweet and tangy flavor typical of honey BBQ chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour- Used to create the initial coating on the chicken tenders.
• Egg- The beaten egg acts as a binder, helping the flour coating adhere to the chicken tenders.
• Garlic Powder- Adds a savory depth to the flour mixture, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the chicken tenders.
• Paprika- Paprika not only adds subtle earthiness and sweetness to the coating but also gives the chicken a vibrant, appealing color.
• Salt- Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the spices in the flour mixture.
• Black Pepper- Adds a slight heat and sharpness, complementing the other flavors.
• Olive Oil- Helps in crisping up the exterior and prevents the tenders from sticking to the air fryer basket.

For The Sauce

• Honey- Adds natural sweetness to the BBQ sauce.
• BBQ Sauce- The base of the honey BBQ sauce, providing a rich, smoky flavor.
• Butter- Adds richness and mellows out the flavors, creating a balanced, smooth sauce.

1. Prep the Chicken. Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
2. Make the Flour Mixture. In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip the Tenders. Dip each chicken tender first in the beaten egg, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This double coating will ensure a crispier finish.
4. Air Fry. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Spray the chicken tenders with olive oil. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the tenders and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce. In a saucepan, combine the honey, BBQ sauce, and butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sauce is well combined. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
6. Toss with Sauce. Once the chicken tenders are cooked and still hot, toss them in the honey BBQ sauce until they are evenly coated.
7. Serve. Serve your honey BBQ chicken tenders hot and enjoy!

Making delicious honey BBQ chicken tenders involves more than just the right ingredients; it’s about technique to ensure they turn out flavorful and satisfying. Here’s how to perfect them:

• Select the Right Cut. Use actual chicken tenders (the tenderloin of the chicken breast) for the best results. They’re naturally tender and cook quickly, making them ideal for a quick and juicy dish.
• Don’t Overcook. Chicken tenders are thin and cook quickly; overcooking will dry them out. Keep an eye on their internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.

Honey BBQ chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Here are some creative variations on the classic:

• Spicy- Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
• Honey Mustard- Mix some honey mustard into your BBQ sauce for a tangy, sweet, and smoky combination.
• Teriyaki- Incorporate some teriyaki sauce into the honey BBQ sauce for an Asian twist.

Honey BBQ chicken tenders pair wonderfully with various sides and dips. Here are some great options:

• Classic Celery and Carrot Sticks- Provide a crunchy, cool contrast to the sweet and tangy flavor.
• Coleslaw- Adds a creamy and tangy element to balance the sweetness.
• Sweet Potato Fries- A sweet side that complements the tender's flavor beautifully.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispy texture before serving.

Absolutely! Freeze the cooked and cooled chicken tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be reheated directly from frozen in the air fryer, making them a convenient meal prep option.

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