Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Fingers Recipe

Chicken tenders: Tender cuts of chicken that are perfect for breading and baking.

Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy coating for the chicken fingers.

Honey: Adds a sweet flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.

BBQ sauce: Gives the chicken a smoky, tangy taste.

Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a subtle garlic taste.

Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor to the coating.

Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor.

To ensure an even and crispy coating on your chicken tenders, use a wire rack placed on top of your baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy and ensuring a uniform crispiness.

• chicken tenders - Substitute with turkey tenders: Turkey tenders have a similar texture and can be used as a leaner alternative.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunch and can be a gluten-free option.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and can be used for a different flavor profile.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor that can complement the dish in a different way.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more robust and aromatic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can provide a fresh and slightly more intense onion flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile that is less pungent.

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the coating soggy.
• Place the baked chicken fingers in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to maintain their crispy texture.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
• For longer storage, freeze the chicken tenders by laying them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. Frozen chicken fingers can be stored for up to 2 months.
• When ready to eat, reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. For best results, always reheat in the oven.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  3. Lightly brush the tenders with a bit more honey and bbq sauce mixture to keep them moist.
  4. Cover the tenders with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  5. Bake for 10-15 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the coating.
  6. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
  4. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
  5. Ensure the tenders are heated through and crispy before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the tenders with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If needed, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through.
  5. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness of the coating.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the chicken tenders in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy.
  5. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the skillet and cover again for the last minute to ensure the tenders stay moist.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the chicken tenders on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Lightly brush with additional honey and bbq sauce mixture if desired.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even reheating.
  5. Check that the tenders are heated through and crispy before serving.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken tenders at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Mixing bowl: Needed for combining the honey and BBQ sauce.

• Mixing bowl: Another one is required for mixing the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the honey, BBQ sauce, and breadcrumbs.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Baking sheet: To place the coated chicken tenders on for baking.

• Parchment paper: Optional, but useful for lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

• Tongs: Handy for dipping the chicken tenders into the honey BBQ mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture.

• Cooling rack: Optional, but can be used to let the chicken tenders cool slightly after baking to maintain crispiness.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking sheet when removing it from the oven.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the breadcrumbs and spices ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Double the sauce: Make extra honey bbq sauce and store it in the fridge for future meals.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin prepping to save time.

Batch cooking: Cook extra chicken tenders and freeze them for quick meals later.