Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

These honey BBQ chicken tenders are the crispiest, stickiest tenders I have ever pulled out of my own kitchen, and I promise they will completely replace your takeout order. Double-dredged in a seasoned buttermilk coating, fried golden, then tossed in a bold homemade honey BBQ glaze and broiled to caramelized perfection – these are seriously next-level.

I still remember the first time I made these on a rainy Sunday afternoon for game day. The kitchen smelled like a backyard barbecue, and my family demolished the whole plate before halftime. What makes these honey BBQ chicken tenders truly special is the combination of that shatteringly crunchy double-dredged crust with the sweet, tangy, sticky glaze that gets slightly charred under the broiler. This is the kind of crowd-pleasing fried chicken tenders recipe that works for family dinners, party platters, or honestly just a Tuesday night when you want something seriously satisfying.

Everything You Need to Make These Irresistible Tenders

I always recommend reading through the full ingredient list before you start – a little prep goes a long way with this recipe. The ingredients are simple pantry staples, but the way they work together is where the magic happens.

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups buttermilk (for marinating)

For the Double-Dredge Coating:

• 1 cup buttermilk (for the dredging station)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (Pro tip: this is the secret to an extra-crunchy crust – do not skip it)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (I prefer smoked paprika for a deeper BBQ-inspired flavor – it makes a real difference)
• Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil work great)

For the Honey BBQ Glaze:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand – a smoky Kansas City style pairs beautifully here)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional, but the kick balances the sweetness perfectly)

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders Step by Step

I recommend setting up your dredging station and preheating your oil before pulling the chicken from the fridge – having everything ready makes the whole process smooth and stress-free.

Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken: Season chicken tenders with 1 teaspoon each of kosher salt and black pepper. Place in a large zip-top bag and pour in 2 cups of buttermilk. Seal and massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours – up to 24 hours for the juiciest, most flavorful honey BBQ chicken tenders possible.

Step 2 – Set Up Your Station: When ready to cook, heat 1 inch of cooking oil in a Dutch oven or deep frying pan to exactly 350 degrees F. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F at the same time. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set a wire cooling rack over paper towels for draining.

Step 3 – Build the Dredging Station: Set up three shallow bowls. Bowl 1 – remaining 1 cup of buttermilk. Bowl 2 – flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika whisked together. Bowl 3 – BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce stirred together into the glaze. Keep Bowl 3 aside for after frying.

Step 4 – Drain the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the fridge and pour the bag contents into a large colander to drain all the buttermilk marinade. You want the surface of the chicken slightly damp – not dripping wet.

Step 5 – Double-Dredge Every Tender: Dredge each tender through the flour mixture first, then dip into the buttermilk, then back through the flour mixture a second time for a thick, craggly double coating. Shake off any excess flour and place on a large plate. This double-dredge sequence is the single most important step for that incredible crunchy crust on your fried chicken tenders.

Step 6 – Rest the Breaded Tenders: Let the breaded tenders rest on the plate for 10-15 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to fully set and adhere before the hot oil contact. Do not rush this step – it makes a real difference in how well the crust holds together.

Step 7 – Fry in Batches: Working in batches of 3-5 tenders only, fry in the 350 degree F oil, flipping once halfway through. Fry for approximately 4-6 minutes per batch depending on thickness, removing when deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer to the wire rack to drain. Always let the oil return fully to 350 degrees F between batches – temperature consistency is what keeps your honey BBQ chicken tenders crispy instead of greasy.

Step 8 – Toss in the Honey BBQ Glaze: Let the fried tenders cool for just 3-5 minutes, then transfer to the large bowl with your honey BBQ sauce mixture. Toss gently until every tender is evenly coated.

Step 9 – Arrange and Broil: Arrange the glazed honey BBQ chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until the glaze is caramelized, sticky, and slightly charred in spots. Rotate the pan once halfway through. Watch closely the entire time – the honey caramelizes fast and can burn in seconds.

Step 10 – Serve Immediately: These are best served warm, straight from the broiler.

The Best Sides to Serve With Your Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

These honey BBQ chicken tenders pair beautifully with classic comfort sides that balance the rich, sweet glaze. Here are the best sides for honey BBQ chicken tenders:

Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Dip: The cool, creamy tang cuts right through the sticky sweetness of the glaze and adds a refreshing contrast in every bite.

Classic French Fries: Salty, crispy fries are the natural companion here. They catch any extra drips of honey BBQ sauce from the plate.

Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchy, slightly tangy slaw balances the richness of the fried coating and the sweetness of the glaze perfectly.

Corn on the Cob: A buttery, summery side that pairs naturally with the BBQ flavors and makes this feel like a backyard cookout any night of the week.

Sandwich or Wrap Style: Stuff these honey BBQ chicken tenders into a toasted brioche bun or flour tortilla with shredded lettuce and pickles for a next-level chicken sandwich experience.

More Chicken Recipes to Add to Your Rotation

If these honey BBQ chicken tenders hit the spot, there are plenty more crispy and saucy chicken recipes worth bookmarking. The Juicy Greek Chicken Tenders use a similar breaded approach with bold Mediterranean flavors, while the Baked Cornflake Chicken Tenders offer a lighter oven-baked alternative with serious crunch.

For a full game day spread, pair these tenders alongside the Coconut Chicken Tenders for a crowd-pleasing platter, or serve after a bowl of the fan-favorite Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice to keep the BBQ flavor going all the way through the meal.

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Tenders the Right Way

These honey BBQ chicken tenders store well and reheat with great results using the right method. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For reheating, I recommend a 375 degree F oven for 10-12 minutes or an air fryer at 375 degrees F for 5-7 minutes. Both methods revive the crust beautifully. Brush with a little extra BBQ sauce after reheating to refresh the glaze.

Pro tip: Skip the microwave entirely – it destroys the crust and leaves you with a soft, chewy coating. The oven or air fryer is always worth the few extra minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

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