Baked Honey Chicken Tenders
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these succulent Baked Honey Chicken Tenders. This recipe uses a honey-mayo blend and bread crumbs to create a moist yet crunchy texture that promises a delightful harmony of flavors and textures in every bite. This super simple recipe is sure to be a favorite.
Among the many ways to use honey in your recipes, baking with honey is where it really shines. Honey helps lock in moisture and encourages even browning.
Simple Baked Honey Chicken Tenders
One of the great things about chicken is the many different ways it can be cooked. And, everyone loves delicious, juicy chicken tenders.
Using just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this easy recipe in a short time. Tender and full of flavor, bake them to a golden brown and enjoy dinner.
Ingredients
- chicken tenders
- honey
- mayonnaise
- Italian bread crumbs
- parmesan cheese (optional)
Chicken tenders
I used pre-sliced tenders but you can buy boneless chicken breasts and cut it into strips to make your own tenders. The meat should be trimmed of any excess fat. And strive to cut them into uniform thicknesses.
Honey
Everyone should have a bit of honey in the pantry. There are many ways to use honey – in recipes (food and non-food) and lasts virtually forever.
Raw honey is always a good choice as it retains all of its nutritional benefits. You can use any variety of honey, clover, regular wildflower etc.
Honey is often used as a replacement for regular granular sugar. In fact, you can use honey instead of sugar and make some of the best honey scones ever! But, that is a recipe for another day.
Mayonnaise
Don’t be thrown off by the use of mayo. Mayonnaise is the secret ingredient in this recipe. Its rich texture and mild flavor blend seamlessly with the honey, forming a delectable mixture that not only enhances the juiciness of the chicken but also ensures a crispy and golden crust when baked.
The amount used is small and you can use light mayonnaise if you prefer. After it is mixed with honey and bread crumbs are added, there is no discernable taste in the final product.
Bread Crumbs
You may choose to use seasoned purchased bread crumbs in this baked honey chicken tender recipe for simplicity. Or, you can make your own.
Make Your Own Bread Crumbs
Homemade bread crumbs for your honey chicken tenders is easy-peasy.
- Bake several slices of fresh bread in a 350° F oven for 15 minutes. Let cool.
- Place crusty bread in a plastic bag and use rolling pin to crush
- add Italian spices if desired
- Now, you have fancy bread crumbs
Putting it Together
1. Separate your chicken tenders and try to have the about the same thickness.
2. Place tenders in a bowl. Mix honey and mayonnaise together in a small bowl and then add to the bowl with tenders. Stir, stir until all of the tenders are coated with the mixture.
3. Place bread crumbs (with Italian spices if desired) in a plastic bag. Toss the coated tenders in the bag and roll around until they are well coated.
Then place tenders – single layer- on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray (though I use a foil liner). Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.
4. Bake in a preheated oven 425°F – for about 16 minutes (turning once) or until done.
Tips for Preparing Chicken
The initial stages of preparing your raw chicken tenders can be a bit messy. Mayo, honey and wet chicken can be difficult to hold on to. They are slippery.
After coating the meat the wet ingredients, use a bag for the crumb mix. It’s just so much easier than trying to dip each tender-one at a time.
Also, keep food safety in mind. Take care when handling raw chicken. Thoroughly wash your hands and any surfaces that might come into contact with the meat.
Your baked honey chicken tenders should come out moist and juice with a crispy crust. I prefer to add salt and pepper to taste just prior to eating. You can substitute panko for the crumbs if you wish.
Suggested Sides
Pair your baked honey chicken tenders with your favorite vegetables. A medley of roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers would provide a colorful and nutritious accompaniment.
Brown rice is another good choice and if you are feeding the kids – why not tater tots LOL.
These are great plain but you could add a few dipping sauces such as barbeque or honey mustard – even ranch dressing tastes great – or so my family says.
More Ideas
Now that you see what it can do, don’t let that honey jar sit alone in the pantry – some of these other easy honey recipes.
Maybe it’s time to try a honey chicken stir fry. If you want a break from chicken, this recipe for honey garlic shrimp stir fry with fresh lime.
If you have an air fryer – what about air fryer honey glazed chicken bites? I admit I am not the best air fryer chef but these are very tasty. Take care to not overcook them.
And lets not leave out the pork lovers in the family. These honey mustard pork chops are moist and delicious – even when cooked in the oven.
And for dessert, you know I have some good ideas for you to try. Maybe some honey cranberry cookies or an Instant Pot honey cheese cake!
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Baked Honey Chicken Tenders
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Read my disclosure.Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 2 tablespoons Mayo
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs (optional)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Mix the mayo and honey together – add to a bowl containing the chicken pieces and stir well – coating the tenders with mixture.
- Place the bread crumbs in a plastic bag.
- Toss coated tenders 2 or 3 at a time in the bread crumb bag.
- Place chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet or sheet pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. You can use a foil lining instead for easier cleanup.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over all of the tenders.
- Place in a preheated 425° F oven.
- Cook for 8 minutes – carefully turn tenders over.
- Cook for an additional 8 minutes – remove from oven. Enjoy