Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

You can whip up these Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders in just 15 minutes! Perfect for any occasion, from game day snacks to a quick weeknight dinner, these tenders are packed with flavor and coated in a deliciously sticky sauce. They pair wonderfully with ranch or blue cheese dressing, making them an irresistible treat that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of cooking time, you can serve a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of hot sauce and brown sugar creates a perfect balance of sweet and spicy that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or even in a wrap for a fun twist.
• Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples and frozen chicken strips to create this delightful dish.
• Easy Cleanup: Using the oven or air fryer means less mess and hassle when it’s time to clean up.

Tools and Preparation

To make the process smoother, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Air fryer (optional)
• Medium sauce pot
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a non-stick surface for even cooking of chicken strips.
• Air fryer: Offers a healthier alternative to frying while ensuring crispy results.
• Medium sauce pot: Helps combine ingredients for your sticky sauce efficiently.

Ingredients

You only need 5 ingredients — and 15 minutes — to make these Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders! Dip them in ranch dressing for an easy appetizer or dinner!

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

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. If you’re using an air fryer, set it to 385°F.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Strips

If using the oven:
1. Place the frozen chicken strips on an ungreased cookie sheet.
2. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

If using the air fryer:
1. Arrange chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Cook for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is cooking:
1. In a medium sauce pot over medium-high heat, combine Franks Red Hot Sauce, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, corn syrup, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
3. Simmer until the sugar completely dissolves, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat once done.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Strips

Once cooked, dip each chicken strip into the prepared sauce, ensuring they are fully coated on all sides.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders!

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders are versatile and can elevate any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Dipped in Ranch Dressing

• A classic pairing, ranch dressing adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy chicken tenders.

Served Over Rice

• Placing the chicken tenders over a bed of fluffy rice creates a hearty dish, perfect for soaking up the sweet and spicy sauce.

Wrapped in Tortillas

• For a fun twist, wrap the chicken tenders in warm tortillas with fresh veggies for a delicious handheld meal.

Paired with Coleslaw

• The crunchiness of coleslaw balances the tenderness of the chicken, offering a satisfying texture combination.

With Fresh Veggies

• Serve alongside fresh carrot and celery sticks for a refreshing crunch that complements the savory flavors.

How to Perfect Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

To ensure your Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly every time, consider these tips.

• Choose Quality Chicken Strips: Use high-quality frozen chicken strips for the best flavor and texture.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking times whether using an oven or air fryer to avoid overcooking.
• Adjust Sauce Spice Level: Modify the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference for personalized flavor.
• Coat Thoroughly: Ensure each chicken strip is fully coated in sauce for maximum flavor impact.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy them right after cooking while they’re hot and crispy for the best experience.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

Pairing side dishes with your Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious side that provides vibrant color and essential vitamins.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add comfort and pair well with spicy flavors.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn offers sweetness that complements the chicken.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies adds freshness to your plate.
5. Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries provide a sweet contrast to the spiciness of the chicken tenders.
6. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad can cut through the richness of the dish while adding crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the chicken strips: Cooking them too long can lead to dry tenders. Always follow the recommended cooking times for the best texture.
• Skipping the sauce mixing step: Failing to fully combine the hot sauce, brown sugar, and other ingredients can create an uneven coating. Make sure to mix thoroughly until smooth.
• Not preheating your oven or air fryer: Starting with a cold appliance can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat before adding your chicken strips for consistent results.
• Ignoring the flipping step: Neglecting to flip the chicken strips halfway through cooking can lead to uneven crispiness. Turn them over as directed for perfect texture on all sides.
• Serving without a dip: Skipping dipping sauces can reduce the flavor experience. Pair these tenders with ranch or blue cheese dressing for added taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

• Freeze cooked chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, though this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning frequently until warmed through, which helps maintain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?

Using fresh chicken is possible; just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

How spicy are these Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders?

The spice level is adjustable by varying the amount of hot sauce used. For milder tenders, reduce the hot sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the tenders and sauce ahead of time, then reheat when ready to serve.

What can I serve with Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders?

These tenders pair well with salads, coleslaw, or veggie sticks for a complete meal.

Are there any alternatives for the sauces?

You can substitute different hot sauces or use honey instead of corn syrup for sweetness while keeping it sticky.

Final Thoughts

Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders are not only quick and easy but also incredibly delicious! Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and pairings according to your preferences. Try out various dips or serve them alongside your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal!