Bluegrass Bourbon Chicken Tenders
Crispy chicken tenders coated in a sweet-smoky bourbon glaze, featuring Kentucky's signature spirit in a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken tenders, all-purpose flour, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Pat 1.5 lbs chicken tenders dry, then dredge each in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (375°F). Add chicken tenders in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: Whisk together 2 tablespoons bourbon, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Transfer cooked tenders to a plate, pour glaze over them, and toss until evenly coated and glossy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bluegrass Bourbon Chicken Tenders take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Bluegrass Bourbon Chicken Tenders?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken tenders from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bluegrass Bourbon Chicken Tenders?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bluegrass Bourbon Chicken Tenders for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bluegrass Bourbon Chicken Tenders?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
