Introduction
Chicken tenders are a versatile and delicious staple that can be prepared in endless ways. Coating chicken tenders in a sticky, smokey barbecue sauce takes this classic appetizer to new heights. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have perfectly cooked, saucy BBQ chicken tenders ready in no time.
BBQ chicken tenders are great for backyard cookouts, game day snacks, or quick family dinners. The sweet and tangy barbecue flavor appeals to kids and adults alike. Served hot, BBQ chicken tenders are juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender. The crispy exterior gives way to moist, sauce-coated chicken. Leftovers also hold up well for easy meals throughout the week.
Preparing BBQ chicken tenders at home allows you to control the ingredients. Opting for natural barbecue sauce and fresh chicken delivers maximum flavor. This guide will walk through everything needed to make finger-licking good BBQ chicken tenders right in your own kitchen.
Gather the Necessary Ingredients
Making BBQ chicken tenders starts with gathering a few simple ingredients:
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breast tenders – Look for fresh, quality chicken tenders rather than frozen.
Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup prepared barbecue sauce – Use your favorite brand or make homemade.
Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Dredging Station
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Prep the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken tenders:
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Getting rid of excess moisture will help them cook up extra crispy.
- Season the tenders with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Generously coat both sides of each tender. Massaging the spices into the meat boosts flavor.
- Set up a dredging station. Place flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs into three separate shallow dishes.
- Dredge the tenders in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko. Pressing the crumbs into the chicken helps them adhere.
- Transfer the coated chicken to a plate or baking sheet. Do a final press into any loose crumbs. Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
The dredging technique seals in moisture and gives the BBQ chicken tenders an ultra-crispy crust.
Cook the Tenders
With the chicken prepped, it’s time to cook:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Use a large baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. The high heat helps crisp the exterior.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil is ideal.
- Cook chicken in batches until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan. The tenders should develop a nice sear.
- Transfer seared chicken to the baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer with some space between each piece.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Baking the par-cooked chicken tenders helps them finish cooking without over-browning.
Finish with Barbecue Sauce
The final step is coating the piping hot chicken in sweet, sticky barbecue sauce:
- Brush barbecue sauce generously over both sides of the cooked tenders. Use about 1-2 tablespoons per piece.
- Broil 2-3 minutes until caramelized. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve BBQ chicken tenders hot, with extra sauce for dipping. Enjoy this saucy treat on its own or with sides.
Letting the barbecue sauce caramelize under the broiler makes these chicken tenders ultra juicy and finger-lickin’ good.
Serving Suggestions
BBQ chicken tenders pair wonderfully with:
- French fries or tater tots
- Coleslaw or potato salad
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
- Macaroni and cheese
- Biscuits or cornbread
For a complete meal, serve BBQ chicken tenders with classic barbecue sides. Or enjoy as an appetizer with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Customizing Your BBQ Chicken Tenders
The basic recipe can easily be adapted in lots of tasty ways:
- Try different barbecue sauces like hickory smoked, spicy chipotle, or tangy mustard.
- Coat tenders in different spices and herbs like chili powder, cumin, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
- Swap panko crumbs for cornflakes or cornbread crumbs.
- Replace oil with melted butter or bacon fat when pan-searing.
- Finish on the grill for extra smoky flavor.
- Make chicken poppers by stuffing cheese inside before breading.
Let your imagination run wild to create your ideal BBQ chicken tenders!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
BBQ chicken tenders store well for quick meals later in the week:
- Refrigerate cooked tenders in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze sauced or unsauced tenders for 2-3 months.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and sizzling.
- Toss with extra sauce to revive the BBQ flavor.
Having a stash of BBQ chicken tenders in the fridge is great for hurried dinners or packed lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best barbecue sauce for chicken tenders?
Sweet tomato-based sauces work well. Ketchup-based is always a safe bet. Choose your favorite regional style: Kansas City, Memphis, Carolina, Texas.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch strips or cubes. Adjust baking time as needed.
How long is the prep and cook time?
With prepped ingredients, it takes only about 30 minutes – 15 for prep and 15 for cooking.
Should I double bread the chicken?
Dredging once is enough for ultra crispy tenders. Too much breading can make them soggy.
Can I use cornstarch instead of flour?
Yes, cornstarch can substitute for the flour with similar crisping results.
Conclusion
Juicy BBQ chicken tenders are a crowdpleasing treat and comfort food classic. Using simple ingredients and techniques, you can make insanely delicious chicken right at home. Crisp chicken enveloped in sticky-sweet barbecue sauce is guaranteed to be a hit. Feel free to customize with your favorite sauces and spices. Now go fire up the oven or grill and get ready to wow family and friends with your amazing barbecue chicken tenders.