Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders
🎉 Introduction
If you’re looking for an irresistible dish that combines sweetness with a hint of spice, look no further than these Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, these tenders are coated in a luscious sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether cooked in the oven or an air fryer, this recipe is designed for busy families wanting to whip up something delightful in no time. Let’s dive into making this mouthwatering dish that promises to be a hit at your dinner table!
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven or air fryer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
Step 4: In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
Step 5: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, coating evenly, then into the eggs, and finally into the breadcrumbs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a simmer.
Step 7: In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce, stirring until it thickens slightly.
Step 8: Brush or drizzle half of the sticky sauce over the chicken tenders, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Step 10: Once cooked, remove from the oven and toss the chicken tenders in the remaining sticky sauce.
Step 11: Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve warm.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
Servings: 4 | Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
🥄 Variations
- Replace chicken tenders with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Add sesame seeds to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve the chicken tenders with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just ensure they are fully thawed before coating and baking.
Q: What can I serve with sticky chicken tenders?
A: These tenders pair well with rice, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Q: How can I make the chicken less spicy?
A: You can reduce or omit the sriracha and cayenne pepper in the recipe for a milder flavor.
Q: What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the oven or air fryer for optimal crispiness; avoid using the microwave as it can make the chicken soggy.
Q: Can I use another type of sauce?
A: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki or barbecue for a unique flavor.
Q: How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
A: Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then store them separately in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.
Q: What cooking method is better, oven or air fryer?
A: Both methods work well, but the air fryer tends to give a crispier texture while the oven is great for larger batches.
Q: What types of chicken can I use for this recipe?
A: You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even chicken nuggets for this recipe.
🏁 Conclusion
These Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders are sure to become a favorite in your household. With their perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors and a delightful crunch, they are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, they will always steal the spotlight. Enjoy making these tenders for your family and friends at your next gathering or cozy dinner night!
Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
- In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, coating evenly, then into the eggs, and finally into the breadcrumbs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a simmer.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce, stirring until it thickens slightly.
- Brush or drizzle half of the sticky sauce over the chicken tenders, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and toss the chicken tenders in the remaining sticky sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Variations:
- Replace chicken tenders with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Add sesame seeds to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve the chicken tenders with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
