Crispy Easy Weeknight BBQ Chicken Tenders Recipe

Are you ready to whip up a tasty dinner in no time? This Crispy Easy Weeknight BBQ Chicken Tenders Recipe is perfect for busy nights. You’ll use simple ingredients like chicken breasts, buttermilk, and BBQ sauce. With a few easy steps, you can create crispy, flavorful tenders that everyone will love. Let’s get cooking and make your weeknight meals fun and delicious!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 1 cup buttermilk

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 1 teaspoon salt

- ½ teaspoon black pepper

- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

- 1 cup BBQ sauce

- Cooking oil for frying

To make crispy easy weeknight BBQ chicken tenders, you need simple ingredients. Start with one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into strips for easy cooking. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken. It also adds flavor and moisture. You will need one cup of buttermilk for this step.

Next, you will need one cup of all-purpose flour. This flour will create the crispy coat. For flavor, add one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These spices will make the chicken taste great.

Do not forget the salt! One teaspoon will help bring out the flavors. Use half a teaspoon of black pepper for a little kick. If you like heat, add half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. This is optional but can make your tenders more exciting.

Lastly, grab one cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. You will use this to glaze the chicken after frying. And for frying, you need cooking oil. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil. This will help achieve that golden, crispy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

To start, mix the chicken strips with the buttermilk in a bowl. Make sure all the strips are covered in buttermilk. This step adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for up to 2 hours. This longer time gives better flavor.

Preparing the Coating

In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. You will need flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix them well until they are combined. This coating gives the chicken its crispy texture and tasty flavor.

Frying the Tenders

Next, heat enough cooking oil in a large skillet. You want about ¼ inch of oil covering the bottom. Heat the oil over medium heat until it shimmers. This means it’s hot enough to fry. Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk. Let any extra buttermilk drip off. Dredge each strip in the flour mixture. Press lightly to make sure the coating sticks, then shake off the excess flour. Carefully add the chicken strips to the hot oil. Fry in batches so they don’t crowd the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and cooked through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Glazing and Serving

Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the skillet. Let it drain on a paper towel. While still warm, brush each strip with your favorite BBQ sauce. This adds a sweet and tangy flavor. Serve the crispy chicken tenders on a platter. You can add extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every tasty bite!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Crispy Texture

Marination is key for crispy chicken. Soak your chicken strips in buttermilk. This step adds flavor and moisture. It also helps the coating stick better. Aim for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, let it soak for up to 2 hours.

Frying technique matters too. Heat your oil until it shimmers. This shows it is hot enough. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will soak up oil. If it's too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Adding too many chicken strips at once cools the oil. This leads to soggy tenders. Fry in small batches to keep the oil hot.

Also, let the excess buttermilk drip off. This step keeps the coating from becoming too soggy. A light shake will help remove extra buttermilk before dredging in flour.

Making Ahead

Pre-prepping ingredients saves time. Cut your chicken strips in advance. Soak them in buttermilk, then store in the fridge. You can also mix your dry coating ahead of time. This way, dinner is quick and easy on busy nights.

Variations

Spicy BBQ Chicken Tenders

You can make your BBQ chicken tenders spicier. Just add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mix. This heat will wake up your taste buds! Start with an extra pinch of cayenne. Taste the mix and adjust to your liking. Remember, you can always add more heat, but you can't take it away!

Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders

If you want a healthier option, try baking the chicken tenders. Preheat the oven to 400°F. After coating the chicken, place the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. You'll still get a crispy texture without frying!

Flavor-infused Tenders

Want to mix up the flavors? You can add different spices to your chicken. Try cumin, chili powder, or even Italian herbs for a twist. You can also swap out the BBQ sauce. Use teriyaki, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce instead. Each option gives a new taste experience!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To store your crispy chicken tenders, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Line the bottom with paper towels to absorb any moisture. This helps keep the tenders crispy. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.

Reheating Tips

When reheating chicken tenders, avoid the microwave. It can make them soggy. Instead, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the tenders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F and cook for 5-8 minutes. This keeps the outside crispy.

Freezing Chicken Tenders

If you want to freeze chicken tenders, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, follow the same steps as before.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs have more fat and flavor. They stay juicy and tender when cooked. Just cut them into strips like you do with breasts. This swap works great for BBQ chicken tenders.

What if I don't have buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor. You can also use plain yogurt diluted with water. Both options work well in this recipe.

How long to cook chicken tenders in a deep fryer?

Cook chicken tenders in a deep fryer for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Make sure the oil is hot, around 350°F. The tenders should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking time may vary based on thickness, so keep an eye on them.

Now you know how to make delicious BBQ chicken tenders. We covered the best ingredients, marinating techniques, and frying tips. Remember, marination is key for flavor and texture. Avoid common mistakes, and check out options for making them spicy or baked. Store leftovers properly to keep them crispy. With these steps, you can enjoy great chicken tenders anytime. Enjoy cooking!