Crunchy Honey-Glazed Chicken Tenders Recipe: Family Favorite

Sink your teeth into these mouthwatering crispy sticky chicken tenders that deliver an explosion of flavor in every single bite.

The secret to these irresistible tenders lies in their perfectly balanced crispy sticky chicken tenders coating that clings to each piece.

Golden-brown edges promise a satisfying crunch that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Marinated in a luscious blend of sweet and tangy sauce, these chicken tenders elevate your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary.

Tender meat nestled beneath a crackling exterior creates a textural symphony that’s hard to resist.

The homemade sauce brings a restaurant-quality experience right to your kitchen.

These chicken tenders are about to become your new go-to meal that everyone will be begging you to make again and again.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 543 kcal

Servings: 5

Crispy Sticky Chicken Tenders Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Tenders: Juicy, tender meat that forms the heart of this crispy delight, choose fresh, plump strips with minimal fat for the best texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning duo that enhances the natural chicken flavor and creates a flavor foundation.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Magical crispy-makers that create an irresistibly crunchy exterior, ensuring a perfect golden-brown finish.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder: Flavor-boosting spices that add depth and aromatic warmth to the chicken's coating.

• Hot Sauce: Brings zesty kick and tangy excitement to the dish, choose a balanced brand that offers heat without overwhelming.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and helps create that glossy, sticky coating everyone loves.
• BBQ Sauce: Provides rich, smoky undertones that complement the chicken's crispy exterior.
• Corn Syrup: Helps create smooth, clingy sauce that perfectly adheres to the chicken strips.
• Water: Helps balance and thin the sauce for ideal coating consistency.

Cooking Tools for Sticky Chicken Tenders

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for evenly cooking chicken strips in the oven.
• Air Fryer: Countertop appliance for crispy, quick cooking without excess oil.
• Medium Saucepot: Essential for preparing sticky sauce with even heat distribution.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken strips and handling food safely during cooking.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise tools for accurately measuring sauce ingredients.
• Mixing Spoon: Helps stir sauce and ensure ingredients blend smoothly.

Directions for Crispy Sticky Chicken Tenders

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to a toasty 400°F, getting ready for some delicious chicken magic.

• Chicken Placement

Spread out chicken strips on a clean baking sheet, making sure they have room to crisp up perfectly.

• Cooking Cycle

Bake the strips for about 18-20 minutes, giving them a quick flip halfway through to ensure even golden browning.

• Sauce Creation

In a saucepan, mix together a flavor-packed blend of spicy and sweet sauces over medium heat, stirring until everything combines into a glossy, delectable coating.

• Sauce Simmering

Let the sauce bubble gently, allowing sugars to melt and flavors to intensify for a couple of minutes.

• Final Touch

Once chicken is crispy and cooked through, lovingly dunk each strip into the warm sauce, coating every inch with mouthwatering goodness.

• Serving

Transfer the glistening, saucy chicken to a plate and serve immediately with extra dipping sauce for those who want an extra flavor punch.

Tips for Crispy Coating & Sticky Sauce

• Adjust the hot sauce quantity to dial up or tone down the spiciness according to your personal preference, from mild to wild.
• Experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties like smoky, honey, or spicy chipotle to create unique flavor profiles that match your mood.
• Replace regular BBQ sauce with gluten-free alternatives and use cornstarch instead of corn syrup to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
• Add panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to the coating for an extra crispy exterior that provides maximum texture with each bite.
• Opt for Greek yogurt or buttermilk marinade before coating chicken to keep the meat tender and infuse additional moisture into the tenders.

Serving Ideas for Sticky Chicken Tenders

• Pair with Cool Dips: Serve alongside ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard for a tasty contrast to the sticky, spicy chicken tenders.
• Create a Balanced Meal: Complement the crispy tenders with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetable medley to add nutrition and color to the plate.
• Host a Crowd-Pleasing Platter: Arrange the saucy chicken tenders on a large platter with extra dipping sauces, creating a fun and interactive dining experience for friends and family.
• Game Day Favorite: Perfect for sports watching parties, these chicken tenders can be a centerpiece appetizer that keeps everyone satisfied and excited.

Smart Storage for Sticky Chicken Leftovers

• Batch Prepare Wisely: Cook extra chicken tenders to enjoy multiple meals throughout the week, saving time and energy in the kitchen.
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover sauced chicken tenders in airtight containers, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual chicken tenders separately in freezer-safe wrap or containers, maintaining quality for up to 2 months.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed chicken tenders in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.

Golden Sticky Chicken Tenders Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy sticky chicken tenders showcase Southern comfort with tangy honey-sriracha glaze. Crunchy exterior and juicy interior make this dish irresistible for weeknight dinners you’ll crave again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 25 oz (708 g) frozen crispy chicken strips
• 1.5 cups (340 g) brown sugar
• ⅓ cup (80 mL) Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
• 2 tbsps BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp corn syrup
• 1 tbsp water
• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat conventional oven to 400°F (204°C) or air fryer to 385°F (196°C), selecting preferred cooking method.
2. Positioning: Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet or air fryer basket, ensuring pieces do not overlap or crowd.
3. Cooking: Bake chicken tenders for 18-20 minutes in conventional oven or 11-12 minutes in air fryer, rotating midway through cooking to achieve uniform browning and crispy exterior.
4. Glaze Creation: Combine hot sauce, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan, heating over medium-high temperature until mixture reaches a rolling boil.
5. Sauce Refinement: Reduce heat to low, simmering for 2-3 minutes until sugar dissolves and sauce develops a glossy, thickened consistency.
6. Coating Process: Remove sauce from heat and allow to cool slightly, then carefully dip each cooked chicken tender to ensure complete and even coverage.
7. Serving: Transfer sauce-coated chicken tenders to a serving platter, accompanying with additional dipping sauce if desired, and serve immediately while hot and sticky.

Notes

• Maximize Crispiness: Use paper towels to pat chicken tenders completely dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crunchier exterior.
• Prevent Sauce Burning: Keep sauce on low heat and stir constantly to avoid scorching, which can create bitter flavors and ruin the glaze.
• Layer for Perfect Coating: Dip chicken tenders twice in sauce for extra-glossy, thick sticky layer that clings perfectly to each piece.
• Temperature Matters: Allow chicken to rest 2-3 minutes after cooking before glazing to help sauce adhere better and prevent immediate sauce absorption.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 543
• Sugar: 43 g
• Sodium: 1130 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg