Southern Strawberry BBQ Chicken Tenders

Southern Strawberry BBQ Chicken Tenders

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Southern Strawberry BBQ Chicken Tenders bring a bold twist to classic comfort food. Juicy, oven-baked chicken strips are coated in a crispy cornflake-breadcrumb crust and then smothered in a sweet, smoky strawberry barbecue glaze. It’s a perfect mix of Southern-style crispiness and fruity flair, ideal for warm-weather meals, casual gatherings, or anytime you want something fun and flavorful.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

  • 2 lbs organic chicken breast, cut into strips

  • 2 tsp sea salt

  • 2 tsp black pepper

  • 2 tsp smoked paprika

  • 2 tsp garlic powder

  • 2 tsp onion powder

  • 2 tsp dried parsley

  • 2 tsp dried thyme

  • 2 tsp dried oregano

  • 2 tsp dried basil

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • ¼ cup almond milk (or other milk of choice)

  • ¼ cup organic all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup cornstarch

  • 2 cups organic cornflakes, crushed

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

For the Strawberry BBQ Sauce:

  • 2 cups BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or vegan butter)

  • ¼ cup strawberry preserves or jam

  • ¼ cup organic chicken stock

Other:

  • Organic cooking spray (e.g., olive oil spray)

Directions

1. Prep the Chicken:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Season chicken strips with 1 tsp of each spice and herb, let sit for 5–10 minutes or marinate overnight.

2. Prepare the Coatings:
Whisk eggs and milk in one bowl. In a separate bowl, mix flour and cornstarch. In a third bowl, combine crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, and the remaining seasonings.

3. Bread the Chicken:
Dip each strip first in the flour mixture, then in the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb-cornflake mix. Place on the wire rack.

4. Bake:
Lightly spray or brush with oil. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until crisp and cooked through.

5. Make the Sauce:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add BBQ sauce, chicken stock, and strawberry preserves. Stir until boiling, then simmer for 1–2 minutes.

6. Glaze the Chicken:
Brush baked chicken tenders generously with the strawberry BBQ sauce. Serve hot with sides like fries, salad, or grilled veggies.

Nutrients

Yield: 4 servings

  • Calories: 497 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 97g

  • Protein: 8g

  • Fat: 9g

  • Saturated Fat: 4g

  • Sugar: 50g

  • Fiber: 5g

  • Sodium: 3083mg

  • Cholesterol: 16mg

  • Iron: 5mg

  • Calcium: 174mg

What Makes These Chicken Tenders Stand Out

What sets these chicken tenders apart is their multi-layered coating and flavorful finish:

The combination of cornflakes and breadcrumbs gives the exterior an extra-crispy texture that mimics deep-fried chicken but is baked in the oven for a healthier twist.
A robust blend of herbs and spices ensures that the chicken is flavorful inside and out, with notes of smoked paprika, garlic, onion, thyme, oregano, and basil.
The strawberry BBQ glaze is where things get especially fun and unique. It pairs the rich, smoky depth of barbecue sauce with the natural sweetness of strawberries, creating a sticky coating that caramelizes slightly on the hot tenders and adds a fruity zing with each bite.
This is not just a novelty recipe—it’s a seriously delicious dish that delivers contrasting textures and layers of flavor in every bite.

Flavor and Texture Profile

These chicken tenders are a textural and flavor triumph. On the outside, they’re golden and crunchy, thanks to the cornflake-breadcrumb crust. On the inside, they remain tender and juicy from the marinade and the gentle oven-bake method.

The flavor journey includes:

A deep savory base from the herb and spice rub
Crunchy, slightly toasty coating with hints of garlic and herbs
A sweet, smoky glaze that balances sugar and spice beautifully
Subtle background notes of butter, strawberry, and BBQ spices in the sauce
Combined, they create a finger-licking experience that satisfies cravings for comfort food while offering a fresh twist that feels gourmet yet playful.

Nutritional Perspective

Despite its indulgent flavor, this recipe has a well-rounded nutritional profile:

Each serving provides about 497 kcal, making it filling but not excessive for a full meal.
With 8g of protein, it’s best paired with a protein-rich side like quinoa or a chickpea salad if you want to boost the meal’s nutritional value.
The high carbohydrate count (97g) comes from the coating and the strawberry BBQ sauce, which includes natural and added sugars.
Sugar levels are high (50g), primarily due to the preserves and BBQ sauce—ideal for occasional indulgence, but you can reduce this by using a low-sugar BBQ base or fresh strawberry puree instead of jam.
Sodium is also high (3083mg), mostly from the seasoning mix and BBQ sauce. To manage this, opt for a low-sodium barbecue sauce and control the salt content in your homemade spice mix.
Despite these indulgent elements, the recipe can be tweaked to fit specific dietary needs without compromising flavor.

Perfect Occasions for Serving

These chicken tenders are ideal for casual meals and festive gatherings. Serve them:

At summer BBQs as a finger food appetizer
At potlucks or picnics alongside corn on the cob and potato salad
As a fun weekend family dinner with waffle fries or coleslaw
On game day as a hearty alternative to wings or sliders
In lunchboxes with a small container of dipping sauce and fruit
You can also turn them into a sandwich by tucking them into a toasted bun with lettuce, pickles, and extra sauce.

Best Side Dishes to Pair With

These flavorful tenders pair well with a range of classic Southern sides and fresh accompaniments:

Creamy coleslaw to cut through the richness with crisp freshness
Sweet potato fries or roasted potatoes for a hearty and sweet-savory balance
Grilled corn or corn pudding to complement the Southern theme
Green beans, collard greens, or sautéed kale for a healthy contrast
Macaroni and cheese for an indulgent Southern comfort pairing
For a lighter meal, a fresh arugula salad with strawberries and balsamic glaze beautifully echoes the flavors in the glaze.

Tips for Making the Perfect Tenders

For best results, keep these preparation tips in mind:

Use a wire rack on your baking sheet to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness on all sides.
Don’t skip the seasoning in the coating layers—it ensures every layer of the chicken is packed with flavor.
Crush the cornflakes finely, but not to powder—this gives the coating its signature crispy texture.
Let the chicken rest after baking before glazing, so it maintains its crispiness.
Use a basting brush to apply the strawberry BBQ sauce generously, or toss the tenders gently in a bowl to coat evenly.
Want extra crispiness? Give them a quick broil for 1–2 minutes after glazing, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Variations to Try

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit other flavor preferences or dietary needs:

Spicy twist: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix, or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
Gluten-free version: Use certified gluten-free cornflakes, almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Low-sugar glaze: Use sugar-free strawberry preserves or fresh strawberry purée cooked down with balsamic vinegar and garlic for a more savory twist.
Grilled version: Marinate the chicken and grill it instead of baking for a lighter alternative. Add the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.
Air fryer version: Air fry at 375°F for 15–18 minutes for a lighter but still crispy result.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Southern Strawberry BBQ Chicken Tenders are more than just fun—they’re packed with flavor, visually striking, and family-friendly. The crunch of the coating, the sweetness of the glaze, and the juiciness of the chicken combine for a dish that feels special without requiring complicated prep or cooking methods.

They’re the type of dish that sparks conversation, draws people back for seconds, and elevates even the most casual meal into something memorable. Perfect for entertaining or for transforming an average weeknight into a celebration, they strike the perfect balance between nostalgic comfort and creative flair.

Conclusion

Southern Strawberry BBQ Chicken Tenders are a celebration of flavor, texture, and Southern creativity. With a crispy cornflake crust and a sweet-tangy glaze that’s anything but ordinary, this dish redefines what chicken tenders can be. Whether served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a main dish with all the fixings, it’s guaranteed to bring bold taste and visual appeal to your table. This is Southern cooking at its most fun and flavorful—comfort food with a fresh, fruity twist that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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