Honey BBQ Glazed Chicken Tenders

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Difficulty: Easy

• Cooking Method: Oven baked

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Honey BBQ Sauce

• ½ cup BBQ sauce

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

• A pinch of black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

3. Pat chicken tenders dry using paper towels.

4. Place chicken in a large mixing bowl.

5. Add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper.

6. Toss until all chicken pieces are evenly coated.

Step 2: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

1. Add BBQ sauce to a medium-sized mixing bowl.

2. Pour in the honey.

3. Add ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.

4. Add garlic powder and smoked paprika.

5. Pour in apple cider vinegar.

6. Add a pinch of black pepper.

7. Whisk everything together until smooth, thick and glossy.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Place chicken tenders in a large bowl.

2. Pour approximately two-thirds of the BBQ sauce over the chicken.

3. Toss gently using tongs.

4. Make sure every tender is completely covered.

5. Reserve the remaining sauce for glazing after baking.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Tray

1. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer.

2. Leave a little space between each piece.

3. Avoid overcrowding the baking tray.

4. Brush any remaining marinade from the bowl over the chicken.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

1. Place the tray in the preheated oven.

2. Bake for approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness.

3. Turn the chicken halfway through cooking if needed.

4. Check the internal temperature using a food thermometer.

5. Chicken is safely cooked when the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Add the Final BBQ Glaze

1. Remove the chicken from the oven.

2. Brush the reserved fresh BBQ sauce over each tender.

3. Return to the oven for another 2–3 minutes.

4. Allow the sauce to become sticky and glossy.

5. For extra caramelization, briefly broil for 1–2 minutes while watching carefully.

Important: Never reuse sauce that has touched raw chicken unless it is thoroughly cooked first.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the chicken from the oven.

2. Allow it to rest for 3–5 minutes.

3. Brush with a little extra honey BBQ sauce.

4. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

5. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Nutritional Information

Estimated values per serving, assuming 4 servings.

Nut Information (Q/S)

Allergy Information:

• Naturally nut-free based on the listed ingredients.

• Contains chicken.

• Check BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce labels for allergens and cross-contact warnings.

• This recipe may contain soy or other allergens depending on the BBQ sauce brand.

Helpful Cooking Tips

1. Don’t overcook: Chicken tenders cook quickly and can become dry.

2. Use good BBQ sauce: Choose a smoky, thick BBQ sauce for the best flavor.

3. Add honey: Honey creates a beautiful sticky glaze.

4. Broil carefully: A short broil gives the chicken a restaurant-style caramelized finish.

5. Keep extra sauce: Serve additional fresh sauce on the side.

6. Use a thermometer: Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious chicken tenders with:

• Steamed white rice

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Roasted broccoli

• Corn on the cob

• Fresh garden salad

• French fries

• Coleslaw

• Garlic bread

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

• Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months for best quality.

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Result 

Beautifully golden chicken tenders coated in a thick, glossy honey BBQ glaze. Every bite is juicy, tender, sweet, smoky and full of delicious barbecue flavor!

A perfect quick family dinner, meal-prep option or crowd-pleasing party dish!