Table of Contents
If you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and finger-licking good, look no further than these Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders! The perfect balance of smoky BBQ seasoning, crunchy breading, and juicy chicken, these tenders are guaranteed to become a hit with your family and friends. Paired with a creamy, tangy honey mustard dip, this recipe brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures, making it perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy dinner at home, a game day snack, or a fun addition to a picnic spread.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to make these Crispy BBQ Chicken tenders from scratch. Plus, we’ll share tips on making the dish even more delicious, along with the nutritional benefits of this crowd-pleaser. So let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are a favorite for so many reasons—tender, juicy meat that’s coated in a crispy, golden crust. But when you add the smoky flavors of BBQ seasoning, these tenders take on a whole new level of deliciousness. The smoky-sweet BBQ rub gets locked into the crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside. It’s no wonder these Crispy BBQ Chicken tenders are such a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Not only are these tenders packed with flavor, but they’re also baked, not fried, making them a healthier option compared to traditional fried chicken. This recipe offers a healthier alternative without compromising on the crispy texture and rich flavor you love. Paired with the homemade honey mustard dip, these tenders are simply irresistible.
Key Ingredients for Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders
Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to create the perfect Crispy BBQ Chicken tenders.
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenderloins – Tenderloins are perfect for this recipe as they’re lean, juicy, and cook quickly. You can also use chicken breasts if tenderloins aren’t available.
- 1 cup buttermilk – This helps tenderize the chicken, making it extra juicy while adding a subtle tang.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This forms the base for your breading and helps create a crispy coating when baked.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a deep, smoky flavor to the breading, making it the perfect complement to the BBQ sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For a savory kick.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – For a touch of sweetness and earthiness.
- Salt and pepper – To season the breading and the chicken itself.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs work best here for that extra crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko will give you a crunchier finish.
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce – The BBQ sauce adds even more smoky flavor to the chicken, helping it stay juicy while baking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Drizzling this over the tenders before baking helps them crisp up and develop that golden-brown color.
For the Honey Mustard Dip:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – This is the creamy base of the dip that makes it smooth and velvety.
- 2 tablespoons honey – A natural sweetener that balances the tanginess of the mustard and the creaminess of the mayo.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that gives the dip a nice bite.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – A touch of acidity that brightens up the dip and helps balance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make these Crispy BBQ Chicken tenders and honey mustard dip.
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the chicken tenders from sticking and to ensure an easy cleanup. This will also help keep the tenders crispy without the need for additional oils or fats.
2. Soak the Chicken Tenderloins
Place the chicken tenderloins in a medium bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you want the chicken to be even more tender and flavorful. The buttermilk works wonders for making the chicken juicy while adding a slight tang.
3. Prepare the Breading Stations
While the chicken is soaking, set up three separate bowls for the breading process:
- In the first bowl, mix the flour with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This seasoned flour will create the base of your crispy coating.
- In the second bowl, place the breadcrumbs. For the best crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. If you want to add extra flavor, you can even sprinkle some more BBQ seasoning into the breadcrumbs for a deeper flavor profile.
- In the third bowl, pour a little extra buttermilk to dip the chicken before coating it with breadcrumbs.
4. Coat the Chicken Tenderloins
Once the chicken has marinated in the buttermilk, it’s time to coat the tenders:
- First, dredge each chicken tenderloin in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Then, dip the floured tenderloin back into the buttermilk.
- Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick.
5. Bake the Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders
Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the tenders to help them crisp up as they bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Prepare the Honey Mustard Dip
While the tenders are baking, make the honey mustard dip by whisking together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. The result should be a creamy and tangy dip that complements the smoky, crispy tenders perfectly.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once your Crispy BBQ Chicken tenders are done, serve them immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. Pair them with the honey mustard dip on the side for the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. These tenders make a great appetizer, snack, or main course when served with a side of fries or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders
- Extra Crispy Coating: For an even crispier texture, double dip the chicken tenders. First, coat the chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it in the buttermilk again before coating it in breadcrumbs.
- BBQ Sauce: If you like your chicken to have a more intense BBQ flavor, brush the tenders with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will give them a sticky, smoky glaze.
- Serving Suggestions: These tenders are fantastic with a side of coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or even some homemade potato wedges for a full meal.
Healthier Option for Crispy BBQ Chicken
Baking the chicken tenders instead of frying them significantly reduces the amount of oil used in the recipe, making them a healthier choice. You can also experiment with using whole wheat breadcrumbs for a more nutritious alternative, or even swap the buttermilk for a dairy-free option like almond milk if you’re looking to accommodate dietary preferences.
Nutrition of Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders
These Crispy BBQ Chicken tenders are not only delicious but also relatively healthy compared to their fried counterparts. A serving of these tenders provides about 310 calories, which makes them a guilt-free treat when paired with a side salad or veggie sticks. The addition of the homemade honey mustard dip enhances the flavor while keeping things fresh and wholesome.
Serving Size: 4 servings
Calories per Serving: 310 kcal
For a deeper dive into BBQ chicken recipes and healthy alternatives, check out this helpful guide from Healthline.
In Conclusion
There you have it—a simple, delicious recipe for Crispy BBQ Chicken tenders that are sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or the main course, these tenders are guaranteed to impress. Plus, the tangy honey mustard dip adds the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess to every bite. So fire up your oven and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food!
For more recipes chek Dinner Category
Print
Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
These Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders are a delightful blend of tender chicken, a crunchy coating, and a perfect hint of smokiness from BBQ seasoning. Paired with a creamy honey mustard dip, they’re perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
– 1 lb (450g) chicken tenderloins
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Honey Mustard Dip:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, soak the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
3. In another bowl, mix the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
5. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, then dip it back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.
6. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to coat.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. For the honey mustard dip, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl until smooth.
9. Serve the crispy BBQ chicken tenders hot with the honey mustard dip on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 310 kcal