Sticky Chicken Tenders

Sticky Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Coated in a glossy, finger-licking sauce with the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, these tenders are a quick and easy dinner or party appetizer. Whether served with rice, veggies, or on their own, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

This Sticky Chicken Tenders recipe is a favorite in my household. My husband loves how flavorful the glaze is, and the kids always ask for seconds. It’s our go-to recipe on busy weeknights when we want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Every time I make it, the smell alone has everyone lining up at the dinner table!

Why You’ll Love Sticky Chicken Tenders

•Flavor Explosion: A sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze coats every bite.

•Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the bold flavors.

•Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

•Versatile: Pair with rice, pasta, or veggies, or serve as a party appetizer.

Ingredients Notes For Sticky Chicken Tenders

•Chicken Tenders: Use fresh or frozen tenders (thawed) for convenience.

•Honey: Adds a natural sweetness to the glaze.

•Soy Sauce: Provides a savory, umami base.

•Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger bring depth to the flavor.

•Chili Sauce (Optional): Adds a hint of heat—adjust to your spice preference.

•Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to coat the tenders beautifully.

Recipe Steps

1.Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.

2.Sear the Chicken: Cook the chicken tenders until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3.Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of water. Bring to a simmer.

4.Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. Cook until thickened and glossy.

5.Coat the Tenders: Return the chicken tenders to the skillet and toss to coat in the sticky sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

6.Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Storage Options

•Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

•Freezer: Freeze cooked tenders in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Variations & Substitutions

•Spicy Version: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for more heat.

•Soy-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

•Crispier Tenders: Dredge the chicken in cornstarch before cooking for a lightly crispy texture.

•Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bake the chicken tenders instead?

Yes, bake the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, then toss them in the sauce.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly once you add the cornstarch mixture to avoid scorching.

Q: What sides go best with Sticky Chicken Tenders?

They’re great with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad.

Sticky Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a touch of tanginess that keeps you coming back for more. Your family will be asking for this recipe on repeat! 🍗✨

Sticky Chicken Tenders

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Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Kitchen: American, Asian-Inspired

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ For the Chicken:
• ▢ 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
• ▢ 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
• ▢ For the Sticky Sauce:
• ▢ 1/4 cup soy sauce
• ▢ 1/4 cup honey
• ▢ 1/4 cup brown sugar
• ▢ 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• ▢ 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water for thickening
• ▢ Garnishes:
• ▢ Sesame seeds
• ▢ Chopped green onions

Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken:
• Coat the Chicken:
• In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken tenders in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
• Cook the Chicken:
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• Make the Sauce:
• Combine Ingredients:
• In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
• Thicken the Sauce:
• Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Coat the Chicken:
• Combine Chicken and Sauce:
• Add the cooked chicken tenders back into the skillet. Pour the sticky sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to adhere to the chicken.
• Serve:
• Garnish and Serve:
• Transfer the chicken tenders to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or vegetables.