Go Back
Adam

Easy Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders – The Perfect Quick Dinner Everyone Craves

If you love chicken tenders with big flavor, bold sweetness, and a fiery kick, this Easy Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders Recipe will become your new weeknight favorite. It transforms simple frozen crispy chicken strips into a restaurant-worthy dish coated in a glossy, sticky sauce that hits every note — sweet, spicy, savory, and irresistibly addictive. This recipe is perfect for busy days because it requires almost no prep, minimal dishes, and comes together in minutes. The combination of brown sugar, Frank’s Red Hot, BBQ sauce, and a touch of corn syrup creates a beautifully shiny glaze that clings to the chicken perfectly. Paired with cool ranch or bold blue cheese dressing, these sticky tenders become the ultimate comfort meal, appetizer, or game-day snack. Whether you’re craving something spicy-sweet, entertaining guests, or feeding picky eaters, these chicken tenders deliver flavor, crunc
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
Adem Recipes Daily Icon

Adem Recipes Daily App 🍽️

Discover more than 1700+ delicious recipes you can cook at home. Easy, step-by-step instructions with new recipes added every day.

Download on the App Store
Google Play Coming Soon Coming Soon
Adem Recipes Daily Preview

Ingredients
  

Meat
  • 1 25 oz package frozen crispy chicken strips
Condiments
  • 1/3 cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce
  • 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
  • Blue cheese dressing for serving
  • Ranch dressing for serving
  • 1 tbsp corn syrup
Dry Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
Liquids
  • 1 tbsp water
Adem Recipes Daily Icon

Adem Recipes Daily App

Discover more than 1700+ delicious recipes you can cook at home. Easy, step-by-step instructions with new recipes added every day.

Download on the App Store
Google Play Coming Soon Coming Soon
Adem Recipes Daily Preview

Equipment

  • Baking sheet or air fryer
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk or wooden spoon
  • Small bowl for dipping sauces
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

Step 1 — Cook the Chicken Strips
  1. You can cook the frozen strips using whichever method you prefer:
  2. Air Fryer
  3. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
  4. Oven
  5. Preheat to 425°F (220°C).
  6. Arrange chicken strips on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake 18–22 minutes, or until crispy and fully heated.
  8. Deep Fry (optional)
  9. Fry until golden and very crispy.
  10. Set the cooked chicken aside while preparing the sauce.
Step 2 — Make the Sweet & Spicy Sticky Sauce
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add:
  2. Brown sugar
  3. Frank’s Red Hot sauce
  4. BBQ sauce
  5. Corn syrup
  6. Water
  7. Stir continuously until the mixture melts and becomes smooth.
  8. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, until thick and glossy.
  9. Turn off the heat.
  10. The sauce should be shiny, sticky, and pourable.
Step 3 — Coat the Chicken
  1. Place cooked chicken strips in a large bowl.
  2. Pour the hot sticky sauce over the top.
  3. Toss gently until every piece is fully coated.
Step 4 — Serve
  1. Serve immediately with:
  2. Ranch dressing
  3. Blue cheese dressing
  4. Extra hot sauce
  5. Fresh herbs if desired
  6. These tenders are incredible with fries, mashed potatoes, rice bowls, or even wrapped in tortillas.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Air fryer: 375°F for 3–4 minutes
Oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes
Microwave: 1–2 minutes (softens the coating slightly)
🥄 Variations
Extra spicy: Add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Sweeter: Add 1 extra tbsp corn syrup.
Thicker sauce: Simmer the sauce for 2 more minutes.
Less sweet: Reduce brown sugar to 1 cup.
Crispier: Air fry the coated chicken for 1–2 minutes.
Asian-style twist: Add soy sauce and garlic.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make this with fresh chicken?
Yes — just fry or bake fresh tenders first.
2. Can I adjust the spice?
Absolutely. Add or reduce hot sauce as needed.
3. Can I use buffalo sauce instead of Frank’s?
Yes, any hot sauce works.
4. Can I skip the BBQ sauce?
Yes, but it adds depth and smokiness.
5. Is corn syrup required?
It helps the glaze stick, but honey works too.
6. Do I need to simmer the sauce?
Yes, simmering thickens it.
7. Can I use light brown sugar?
Both light and dark brown sugar work.
8. Can I recoat the chicken after reheating?
Yes — double coat for extra stickiness.
9. Can I make this mild?
Use less hot sauce.
10. Can I use chicken nuggets instead?
Absolutely — perfect for kids.
🏁 Conclusion
These Easy Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders deliver everything you want in a fast, flavorful meal — crispy chicken tossed in a glossy glaze that balances sweetness, heat, and savory depth. With minimal ingredients and nearly zero prep, this recipe transforms a simple frozen product into an unforgettable dish bursting with addictive flavor. Whether served as a quick dinner, game-day snack, or indulgent treat, these tenders bring a perfect mix of crunch, spice, and sticky sweetness that will have everyone coming back for more.