The Juiciest Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting delectable spicy sticky chicken tenders becomes an adventure in flavor exploration.

Crispy coatings and bold seasonings promise an unforgettable meal that sparks conversation.

Marinades infused with dynamic spices create depth beyond ordinary chicken dishes.

Weeknight dinners transform when you embrace these bold, tangy morsels.

Kitchen experiments rarely deliver such satisfying results with minimal effort.

Unexpected heat combined with sweet undertones will captivate every palate.

Jump into this culinary journey and watch taste buds dance with excitement.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Tenders

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken tenders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Heat chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Add a splash of water to prevent drying. Check temperature and heat in short intervals to maintain moisture and texture.

Side Picks for Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

• Pairing Power-Ups for Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders
• Crisp Craft Beer Companion: Grab a hoppy IPA or light lager to cut through the chicken's rich, sticky sweetness and complement its spicy kick.
• Refreshing Sidekick Salad: Whip up a cool cucumber and Asian slaw with rice vinegar dressing to balance the tender's intense flavors and provide a crunchy contrast.
• Wine Flavor Enhancer: Select a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that matches the dish's sweet-spicy profile and smooths out the heat's intensity.
• Cooling Dip Delight: Prepare a quick yogurt-based dip with mint and lime to offer a fresh, cooling counterpoint to the chicken's bold taste.

Flavor Options for Sticky Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch from a gluten-free source and verify all marinade components are safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap honey and brown sugar with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener. Replace traditional cornstarch with arrowroot powder or xanthan gum for thickening. Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Baked Chicken Version: Instead of pan-frying, arrange marinated chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with sticky sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking for caramelization.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken tenders with firm tofu or tempeh. Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into strips. Marinate and cook using the same method as chicken, ensuring protein is crispy and well-coated with sticky sauce.

FAQs

• How spicy are these chicken tenders?The heat level depends on the amount of chili sauce or red pepper flakes you add to the marinade. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?Yes, you can substitute chicken tenders with chicken breasts. Just cut the chicken breasts into smaller, tender-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the recipe gluten-free. Check all ingredient labels carefully to ensure they meet gluten-free requirements.
• What can I do if the sauce is too thin or thick?If the sauce is too thin, continue cooking and stirring to reduce it. If it's too thick, add a little water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

What Makes Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders Crave-Worthy

• Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and spicy combination, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, game-day snack, or main course with rice and veggies, adapting to any mealtime or occasion with ease.
• Requires basic ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes impressive.

What You Need for Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

Main Ingredients:

Protein: .

• Chicken Tenders: Lean and tender meat perfect for this sticky dish.

• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and saltiness.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create sticky glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances caramelization and provides rich sweetness.

• Garlic, Ginger: Classic Asian-inspired aromatics that add depth and warmth.
• Sesame Oil: Brings nutty and authentic Asian flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness to balance sweetness.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates smooth slurry to thicken sauce.

• Cooking Oil: Enables even and crispy chicken cooking.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides nutty garnish and textural contrast.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish with mild onion flavor.

How to Cook Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Create Tasty Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar

In a mixing bowl, blend all marinade ingredients thoroughly.

Drop chicken tenders into the marinade, ensuring complete coverage.

Wrap the bowl and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to allow deep flavor infusion.

Step 2: Develop Sticky Sauce

Mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry.

Pour remaining marinade into a saucepan and heat over medium temperature.

When liquid starts bubbling, introduce cornstarch mixture.

Continuously stir until sauce transforms into a thick, glossy consistency.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Sizzle Chicken Perfectly

Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place marinated chicken tenders in a single layer without overcrowding.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until exterior turns golden brown and interior reaches safe temperature.

Step 4: Coat with Delicious Glaze

Transfer cooked chicken onto paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Move tenders to a clean bowl and generously drench with prepared sticky sauce.

Gently toss until chicken receives complete sauce coverage.

Step 5: Finish with Elegant Touches

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds over chicken.

Plate immediately while warm.

Serve alongside steamed rice or crisp vegetables.

Quick Tips for Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

• Let chicken sit in marinade for at least 30 minutes to absorb maximum flavor, or even overnight for deeper taste profiles.
• Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to ensure smooth, lump-free sauce that coats chicken evenly.
• Use medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning chicken, ensuring crispy texture.
• Continuously stir sauce while thickening to prevent burning and create perfect sticky glaze that clings to chicken.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions just before serving to add fresh crunch and visual appeal to the dish.

Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders deliver a flavor explosion that dances between sweet heat and crispy perfection. Crunchy exterior and juicy interior make this dish irresistible for those craving bold Korean-inspired comfort food you’ll definitely want to devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breast strips

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Thickening and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Cooking oil (for frying)

Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Prepare a robust marinade by whisking together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until thoroughly blended.
2. Submerge chicken tenders completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to intensify flavor absorption.
3. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water until smooth and lump-free.
4. Transfer reserved marinade to a saucepan and heat over medium temperature. When liquid starts simmering, incorporate cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously until sauce transforms into a glossy, thick consistency, approximately 2-3 minutes.
5. Preheat skillet with cooking oil to medium-high heat, allowing oil to reach optimal temperature for searing.
6. Carefully place marinated chicken tenders into hot skillet, maintaining spacing between pieces. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until exterior turns golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Remove chicken from skillet and briefly drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
8. Transfer cooked tenders to clean bowl and generously coat with prepared sticky sauce, gently tossing to ensure uniform coverage.
9. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for added texture and visual appeal.
10. Serve immediately while piping hot, accompanied by optional dipping sauce or alongside steamed rice and seasonal vegetables.

Notes

• Marinate longer for deeper flavor by keeping chicken in the mixture up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
• Balance spice levels by adjusting chili sauce or red pepper flakes according to personal heat tolerance.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for celiac-friendly version to maintain recipe’s authentic taste profile.
• Bake chicken tenders at 400°F for healthier alternative if avoiding pan-frying, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg