Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that will impress everyone at the table, you’ve come to the right place! These Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders are not just easy to make, but they also deliver a delightful punch of flavor. Perfect for those busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s amazing how just five ingredients can create something so tasty!

Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these tenders are sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re versatile enough for any occasion, from casual game nights to festive celebrations. Get ready to whip up some sticky goodness in just 15 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes from start to finish, you can have dinner on the table in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the sweet and spicy flavor combo.
• Easy Cleanup: Fewer ingredients mean less mess—just one pot and a baking sheet!
• Dippable Delight: Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for that extra layer of yum!
• Make Ahead: Prep these tenders in advance and reheat for an effortless meal later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Tenders

• 25 oz package frozen Crispy Chicken Strips

For the Sauce

• 1/3 cup Franks Red Hot Sauce
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon water

For Serving

• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these tasty variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless chicken thighs or nuggets if you want a different texture.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for an added crunch.
• Adjust the heat: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a mild wing sauce instead.
• Go gourmet: Drizzle with honey or add fresh herbs like cilantro before serving for an elevated touch.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Bake or Air Fry the Chicken Strips

Start by cooking your crispy chicken strips either in the oven or air fryer. Preheating ensures they cook evenly! Bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. If using an air fryer, set it to 385°F and cook for about 11-12 minutes. This step gives your chicken that perfect crispy outside while keeping it juicy inside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While your chicken cooks, it’s time to whip up that delicious sauce! In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the hot sauce, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, corn syrup, and water. Bringing it to a boil helps dissolve the sugar completely, creating that irresistible sticky glaze we all love.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Once your chicken strips are golden and crispy, dip them into the warm sauce ensuring they are fully coated on all sides. This step is key because it infuses every bite with that sweet and spicy flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side. These dipping sauces perfectly complement the bold flavors of the tenders. Gather around the table with family and friends—these tasty bites are sure to disappear quickly!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are a breeze to whip up, but a few simple tips can elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use frozen chicken strips for convenience: This saves time and effort, allowing you to focus on making the sauce or preparing sides instead of breading or marinating raw chicken.

• Adjust the heat level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot sauce. Alternatively, if you’re a spice enthusiast, feel free to add more for an extra kick!

• Simmer the sauce longer for depth: Letting the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer taste.

• Flip chicken strips halfway: Whether you’re baking or air frying, flipping ensures even cooking and crispy goodness on all sides.

• Serve immediately for best results: These tenders are at their peak when served hot from the oven or air fryer; they lose their stickiness if left too long.

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

Presentation is key when serving these flavorful tenders! Here are some ideas to make your meal look as good as it tastes.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: A sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the sweetness and spice.

• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch and an appealing visual contrast against the sticky glaze.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Coleslaw: This refreshing side brings a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the tender’s stickiness. The tangy dressing helps balance out the sweetness of the chicken.

• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables not only adds color to your plate but also provides nutritious contrast. Try bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots tossed in olive oil and herbs.

• Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes complements the spicy tenders beautifully while adding another layer of flavor. Plus, they’re easy to make!

• Cornbread Muffins: Fluffy cornbread muffins offer a comforting side that is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Their slight sweetness enhances the overall meal experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable dish that’s not just delicious but also visually appealing! Enjoy your culinary adventure with these Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time to save you effort during busy weeknights. Enjoy the convenience of having delicious chicken tenders ready to go!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Ensure the chicken tenders are completely cooled.
• Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• OVEN: Preheat to 375°F, place chicken tenders on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• AIR FRYER: Preheat to 350°F and cook for about 5-7 minutes until crispy.
• MICROWAVE: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel; heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders!

Can I make Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders using fresh chicken?

Yes! You can use fresh chicken strips instead of frozen. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

What dipping sauces pair well with Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders?

These chicken tenders taste great with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing. You could also try serving them with a honey mustard or garlic aioli for extra flavor!

How do I achieve extra crispiness with my Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders?

For extra crispiness, consider using an air fryer instead of baking. Cooking at higher temperatures will help achieve that crispy texture everyone loves!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders as much as I do! They’re not only quick and easy but also incredibly delicious, making them a fantastic option for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or an appetizer for guests, these tenders are sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations—I can’t wait to hear how they turn out!