Feeding kids can be a tricky endeavor. While some kids are born adventurous eaters, others (like my three year old) subsist on a tightly held list of approved foods. For whatever reason, most kids do seem to love chicken tenders. I’m not sure if it’s the crispy breading, the sweet, mildly flavored meat, or the fact that chicken tenders are often used as edible vehicles for a sweet dip of some variety. Our new recipe for Baked Honey Nut Chicken Tenders is a healthier take on that childhood classic – and is sure to thrill even the most picky of eaters.
Get That Crunch
Most chicken tenders get their wonderfully crispy crunch from a little time in a deep fryer. While they are definitely delicious that way, I was searching for something a little healthier to make at home. Our Baked Honey Nut Chicken Tenders get their crunch from a combination of honey roasted peanuts and a bit of panko. The other key is to use a baking rack layered on top of your pan (get one here). When the tenders are ready to be baked, pop them into a hot oven and about 14 minutes later, you’ll be ready to feast with a healthier version of your childhood favorite.
Amp Up The Flavor
I bumped up the flavor in these chicken tenders by using both honey roasted peanuts and a little hot sauce in the coating. Don’t worry though, they are not at all what I would consider spicy. You could absolutely increase the amount of hot sauce if you want to veer into spicy territory, but I wanted these to be accessible for the entire family so the smaller amount of hot sauce gives it a little added flavor boost without too much heat.
Do A Little Dip
While the chicken tenders are fantastic on their own, I love to serve them with a side of sauce. In this case, I’ve been loving a simple honey mustard sauce. With only a few simple ingredients – honey, mustard, hot sauce, and mayo – the sauce takes only a minute to prepare and will definitely up your chicken tender game. Of course, if you have picky kids and want to keep it really simple, the tenders are great dipped in ketchup or barbecue sauce as well.
Best Eaten Hot
These chicken tenders are definitely best eaten right after they are made. While they will keep in the fridge, they will lose a little of their crunch when reheated. If you do choose to reheat them, I recommend using a nonstick pan and lightly frying them in a couple of teaspoons of olive oil. You’ll regain some crispiness while you reheat.
Baked Honey Nut Chicken Tenders
A healthier take on a childhood classic.
Ingredients
For The Chicken Tenders
- 1¼ lbs chicken tenders
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 splash milk
- ¼ teaspoon Frank's Red Hot sauce (can decrease or omit
- ½ cup honey roasted peanuts
- ½ cup Panko (or other coarse breadcrumb)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
For the Creamy Honey Dipping Sauce
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon Frank's Red Hot Sauce
Instructions
For The Chicken Tenders
-
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
-
Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a baking rack on top of the lined pan and spray lightly with cooking spray.
-
In a medium sized shallow bowl, gently mix together the beaten eggs, splash of milk, and hot sauce. Set aside.
-
Place the peanuts in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to chop the nuts until they resemble coarse sand. Do not over process.
-
In a separate shallow bowl or plate, combine the Panko, ground nuts, and salt. Add freshly ground pepper to taste.
-
Prepare the chicken tenders by dipping the raw chicken into the egg mixture (allow any excess to drip off) and then coating both sides with the nut/panko mix.
Place the coated chicken tenders on the baking rack.
-
Bake for 15 minutes at 425 degrees, turning halfway through the cooking time.
-
Serve immediately.
For the Creamy Honey Dipping Sauce
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mayo, and hot sauce.
-
Serve with the chicken tenders. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Looking for more grown up takes on childhood favorites? Check out these recipes from our archives:
Buffalo Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
Banana Oat Blender Muffins
Egg Nog French Toast
[SOME OF THE LINKS IN THIS POST ARE AFFILIATE LINKS AND WE WILL RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION IF YOU MAKE A PURCHASE AFTER CLICKING ON OUR LINK. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR WORK HERE AT WITH TWO SPOONS!]
Leave a Reply