Sticky Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, golden chicken on the outside with a sweet and savory sticky glaze that everyone will love. These chicken tenders are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a great option for dinner, parties, or game day. The sauce is made with simple ingredients like honey, soy sauce, and garlic, which come together to create a deliciously sticky coating that will have you craving more. Serve with your favorite sides for a meal everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients:

For the chicken tenders:

• 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the sticky sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)

Directions:

Prepare the chicken tenders:

1. Preheat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Coat the chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip it in the egg, then coat it again in the flour mixture (or breadcrumbs for extra crunch).
3. Cook the chicken: Fry the coated chicken tenders in the preheated oil for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the sticky sauce:

4. Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Coat the chicken:

6. Combine with the sauce: Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet and toss them in the sticky sauce until evenly coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the chicken.

Serve:

7. Serve: Once coated, transfer the sticky chicken tenders to a serving plate. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.

Notes:

• Chicken Substitutes: You can substitute chicken tenders with chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips, if preferred.
• Sauce Variations: For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha sauce to the glaze.
• Make-Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before using.
• Storage: Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.

Conclusion:

Sticky Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that will quickly become a family favorite. With their crispy exterior and sweet, savory glaze, these tenders are perfect for dinner, parties, or as a fun appetizer. The sticky sauce is the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making these chicken tenders irresistible. Try this recipe for a quick and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy!