Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

Make incredibly delicious sweet and spicy sticky chicken tenders with this easy recipe. These tenders get a perfect coating of a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze. They are a guaranteed hit for any meal or occasion.

Gather these simple ingredients for flavorful chicken tenders.

• Frozen Crispy Chicken Strips
• Franks Red Hot Sauce
• Brown Sugar
• BBQ Sauce
• Corn Syrup
• Water
• Ranch Dressing (optional)
• Blue Cheese Dressing (optional)

Customize your sticky chicken tenders with these easy swaps.

• Chicken Strips: If you don’t have frozen, you can use breaded chicken tenders baked from fresh. Ensure they are fully cooked before saucing.
• Hot Sauce: For less heat, use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of a spicier hot sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute, though it may lend a slight caramel flavor.
• Corn Syrup: Honey or maple syrup can be used, but they will alter the flavor profile slightly.
• BBQ Sauce: Any brand or style of BBQ sauce will work. Choose one that complements your flavor preferences.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your chosen chicken strips and BBQ sauce are gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Ensure your chicken strips are dairy-free if needed.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the frozen chicken strips in a single layer on an ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping the strips halfway through.
4. Alternatively, preheat your air fryer to 385°F (195°C).
5. Place chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce.
8. In a medium sauce pot, combine the Franks Red Hot Sauce, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, corn syrup, and water.
9. Place the pot over medium-high heat.
10. Bring the mixture to a boil.
11. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes.
12. Stir until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
13. Remove the sauce from the heat.
14. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully add the chicken strips to the sauce.
15. Toss gently to coat each tender completely in the sticky glaze.
16. Serve the sweet and spicy sticky chicken tenders hot.
17. Offer ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, if desired.

• Overcooking Chicken: Overcooked chicken strips become dry and tough. Keep a close eye on them during the bake or air fry time. Check for doneness and remove them promptly.
• Sauce Burning: Simmering the sauce over too high heat can cause the sugar to burn, resulting in a bitter taste. Keep the heat low and stir constantly during the simmering phase.
• Uneven Coating: Tossing the tenders in the sauce while it’s too hot or too cold might lead to an uneven glaze. Ensure the sauce has cooled slightly from a boil before adding the chicken.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
• Garlic Parmesan: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder into the sauce after glazing for a cheesy twist.
• Honey Soy Glaze: Swap the hot sauce and BBQ sauce for soy sauce, honey, and a touch of ginger for an Asian-inspired flavor.

• Serve these sweet and spicy sticky chicken tenders as an appetizer or main course.
• Pair them with classic sides like French fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
• They are excellent for game day parties, cookouts, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes, you can make the sauce a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it on the stovetop before tossing with the chicken.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best results.

These sweet and spicy sticky chicken tenders are a surefire winner for any occasion. Enjoy the balance of sweet and heat!

Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

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Crispy chicken tenders slathered in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze. Perfect for family meals or casual gatherings. Easy to make with simple ingredients that come together quickly.

• Author: basma
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 20
• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Quick Dinner Recipes
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

25 oz package frozen crispy chicken strips
1/3 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
1 1/2 cups brown sugar (light or dark)
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1 tablespoon water
Ranch dressing (optional, for serving)
Blue cheese dressing (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
Place frozen chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet
Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy
In a bowl, whisk together hot sauce, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, corn syrup, and water until smooth
Brush the glaze evenly over baked chicken strips
Return to oven and bake 2-3 more minutes until glaze is bubbling and sticky
Serve warm with optional ranch or blue cheese dressing

Notes

For homemade version: Use air-fried or baked chicken tenders prepared from fresh breasts
Adjust Frank’s Red Hot amount to taste (reduce by half for milder heat)
Coconut sugar works as a substitute for brown sugar
Honey or maple syrup can replace corn syrup, but use 2 teaspoons liquid for glaze consistency

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2-3 chicken tenders
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 0.4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg