Crunchy Whiskey BBQ Bacon Chicken Tenders

In the world of comfort food, few dishes can compete with the irresistible combination of crispy chicken, smoky flavors, and the rich undertones of whiskey. This Crunchy Whiskey BBQ Bacon Chicken Tenders recipe brings an exciting twist to a classic favorite, perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. With a careful blend of spices, a crunchy panko-bacon coating, and a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze, these tenders are sure to impress your family and friends. Join us as we delve into the step-by-step process of creating this mouthwatering dish.

Crunchy Whiskey BBQ Bacon Chicken Tenders

Delight your taste buds with these Crunchy Whiskey BBQ Bacon Chicken Tenders! This delicious recipe combines crispy chicken with smoky flavors and a sweet BBQ glaze, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Marinated in a rich mix of buttermilk and bourbon, these tenders are coated in a crunchy panko-bacon blend for ultimate texture. Serve them with your favorite sides and dipping sauces for a fun, crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (for best flavor)

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust more or less based on heat preference)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup all-purpose flour (seasoned with salt)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of homemade or store-bought)

Salt to taste

Cooking oil (for frying)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, bourbon whiskey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and a sprinkle of salt until fully combined. Submerge the chicken tenders in the marinade, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or for optimal flavor, let them marinate overnight.

Prepare the Breading Station:

Create a three-part breading station:

- In the first shallow dish, place the seasoned all-purpose flour.

- In the second dish, keep the marinated chicken tenders.

- In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the cooked and crumbled bacon.

Coat the Chicken:

Remove each chicken tender from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dip the tender first into the flour mixture, then back into the marinade to ensure a wet surface, and finally press it into the panko-bacon mixture. Press gently to help the coating adhere. Repeat this process for all the chicken tenders.

Fry the Chicken Tenders:

In a large skillet, pour in enough cooking oil to cover the bottom with about 1/4 inch of oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop in a few breadcrumbs; if they sizzle, you're ready to fry. Cook the chicken tenders in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each tender for about 4-5 minutes, flipping once, until they are deep golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Glaze with BBQ Sauce:

Once all the tenders are fried, use a brush to generously coat each piece with BBQ sauce. For added flavor, you can return the glazed tenders to the skillet over low heat for 1 minute to warm the sauce and slightly caramelize it.

Serve:

Serve the chicken tenders hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the delightful crunch and smoky, savory flavors of this dish!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 2 hours (plus marinating) | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: For a visually appealing presentation, arrange the tenders on a wooden cutting board or a sleek platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Add a small bowl of BBQ sauce for dipping in the center.