Who doesn’t love a crispy, juicy chicken tender? These Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are the perfect snack or dinner option for any day of the week! They’re made with chicken breast strips coated in a flavorful seasoning mix, then dredged in crunchy cornflakes to give them that perfect crispy texture. Once cooked, they’re glazed in a sticky honey BBQ sauce that will have you coming back for more! Let me show you how to make this quick and easy recipe that’s packed with flavor.
Method
Start by preparing the chicken strips. In a mixing bowl, add the chicken breast strips and season them with onion granules, garlic granules, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with all the seasonings, giving it a flavorful base. Once the chicken is seasoned, set it aside.
Next, prepare your dredging station. In one bowl, crack and beat the eggs, and in another bowl, crush your cornflakes until they are small but not powdered. Take each seasoned chicken strip and first dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s completely coated. Then, transfer it to the bowl with crushed cornflakes and coat the chicken evenly, pressing gently to ensure the cornflakes stick well. Once coated, place the chicken strips on a plate or tray and set them aside for the next step.
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Lightly spray the air fryer tray with a bit of oil to prevent sticking, and then carefully arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation. Cook the chicken tenders for 16 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and achieve a nice golden-brown, crispy texture.
While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to make the glaze. In a small pan, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, add the BBQ sauce and honey to the pan and stir well to combine. Let the glaze simmer for about 2 minutes. If the glaze appears too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out to your desired consistency. After simmering, remove the glaze from the heat and set it aside.
Once the chicken is done cooking, check that it’s fully cooked through (using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should be 75°C or 165°F). Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and dip them directly into the honey BBQ glaze, or if you prefer, use a brush to coat the tenders evenly with the sauce. Serve these crispy, juicy tenders with your favorite dip, and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy chicken and sweet, smoky BBQ sauce!
Necessary Tools
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon
- Knife for cutting chicken
- Small pan for making the glaze
- Brush (optional, for glazing chicken)
- Meat thermometer (optional, to check doneness)
Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Sticky, and Simply Delicious
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutes16
minutes26
minutesIngredients
400g chicken breast, cut into thick strips
For the Seasoning:
1/2 tsp onion granules
1/2 tsp garlic granules
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
For Dredging:
Cornflakes, crushed
2 eggs, beaten
For the Glaze:
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 1/2 tbsp honey
Directions
- Start by preparing the chicken strips. In a bowl, add the chicken and mix in the seasoning ingredients: onion granules, garlic granules, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Coat the chicken strips well so they’re evenly seasoned. Next, prepare your dredging setup. In one bowl, crack and beat the eggs. In another bowl, crush your cornflakes until they’re small but not powdery. Take each seasoned chicken strip, dip it into the egg wash, and then coat it in the crushed cornflakes. Once coated, set the strips aside on a plate or tray. Now, preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Lightly spray the tray with a bit of oil to prevent sticking, then arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 16 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and get a nice crispy texture.
- While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to make the glaze! In a small pan over medium heat, add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the BBQ sauce and honey, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, and if the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it up. Once the glaze is ready, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside. Once the chicken is done, check that it’s cooked through (you can use a meat thermometer to be sure the internal temperature has reached 75°C or 165°F). Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and dip them into the honey BBQ glaze or use a brush to coat them. Serve these tender, crispy bites with your favorite dip and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to coat the chicken strips evenly with the seasoning and cornflakes. If you miss a spot, they may not cook as evenly or get as crispy.
- Be mindful of the glaze’s thickness. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add water or some extra BBQ sauce to get the consistency you want.
- Air fryers can vary in cooking time, so check the chicken toward the end of the cooking time to ensure it’s perfectly crispy and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
These Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are perfect when paired with a creamy ranch dip, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo. They also go great with a side of sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad, or some crispy roasted vegetables for a full meal. You can even serve them as a fun snack at a party!
Fun Fact
Did you know that cornflakes weren’t originally made for breakfast? They were invented in the late 19th century by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg as part of a plan to create a bland food for people to eat in order to curb their appetites and prevent “sinful” behaviors!
Conclusion
These Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crispy, juicy treat with a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors. They’re quick to make, easy to enjoy, and sure to be a hit at dinner or any gathering. Whether you serve them as a snack or a main dish, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Get ready for a delicious meal you’ll be making again and again!
