When I first tried this Sticky Chicken Tenders recipe, it quickly became a favorite in my household. The combination of sweet, tangy, and just a hint of heat makes it downright irresistible. It also reminded me of how much I enjoy trying out new chicken recipes, like this easy black pepper chicken recipe, which brings its own bold flavors to the table. Making these tenders was easy and fun, and the results? A guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again.
Credit: thenovicechefblog.com
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds of chicken tenders – Fresh tenders work best for texture and flavor, as frozen ones may release water when cooked.
- ½ cup honey – The natural sweetness creates that signature sticky glaze.
- ½ cup soy sauce – Adds a savory, umami balance to the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Keeps the chicken juicy and prevents sticking.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic – Fresh garlic packs a punch and enhances the aroma.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger – Works well with the soy and honey for a rich, layered taste.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes – Just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Simple yet essential for seasoning the chicken.
Note: The ingredients serve approximately 4 people.
Variations
You can easily tweak this recipe to suit different preferences or dietary needs:
- For a sugar-free option, replace the honey with a sugar-free syrup or your favorite low-carb sweetener.
- Want it dairy-free? No worries! The ingredients are already dairy-free as-is.
- Add a smoky touch by incorporating a dash of smoked paprika.
- For a citrusy twist, squeeze fresh lime juice over the tenders after cooking.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You Need
- A large skillet – Ideal for evenly cooking the tenders and creating that sticky glaze.
- Mixing bowl – To combine the marinade ingredients.
- Tongs – For flipping the chicken without breaking the tenders apart.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
How to Make Sticky Chicken Tenders Recipe?
This recipe comes together beautifully with just a few simple steps. Once you start cooking, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to whip up a flavorful weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken tenders in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour this marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. You’ll notice the marinade’s aroma setting the tone for your tasty meal.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in a bit of olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken tenders, allowing space between each piece. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once. The tenders should develop a golden-brown crust.
Step 3: Create the Sticky Glaze
Pour any remaining marinade into the skillet after flipping the chicken. Reduce the heat slightly and allow the sauce to thicken as you continue cooking. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken is fully coated in the sticky, caramelized glaze. This step usually takes 4–5 minutes.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the glaze is thickened and the chicken is cooked through, remove from the skillet. Serve your sticky chicken tenders warm, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or freshly chopped parsley for added flair.
Credit: jocooks.com
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Here are some personal tips from my own experience to make this dish even more delicious:
- Marinate the chicken for an extra 30 minutes for deeper flavor, especially if you have the time.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger instead of powders for a bolder, fresher taste.
- If you want the dish less sweet, reduce the amount of honey slightly and focus on the soy sauce for balance.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to achieve that beautiful sear on each tender.
- For an extra touch of heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne over the final dish.
How to Serve Sticky Chicken Tenders Recipe?
These sticky chicken tenders shine when served with fluffy steamed rice, soaking up every bit of the flavorful glaze. They also pair wonderfully with freshly steamed vegetables or a crisp salad. For an extra zing, consider serving the tenders alongside this smothered chicken for a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Remember, a sprinkling of sesame seeds or a wedge of lime on the side elevates the dish visually and adds a pop of freshness.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional value per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 8g
Make Ahead and Storage
- Storing: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken tenders in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to regain the stickiness and flavor without drying out the chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is packed with reasons to love it, and here are just a few:
- It’s incredibly quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The flavors can be adjusted easily to suit different taste preferences.
- Naturally dairy-free, and you can create a sugar-free version effortlessly.
- Pairs beautifully with a wide range of side dishes, making it diverse and fun.
- A crowd-favorite that’s great for family meals or entertaining guests.
With all the tips and details, it’s time to grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and make these mouthwatering Sticky Chicken Tenders. They’ll have everyone asking for seconds in no time! You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes like those featured in this collection of chicken recipes to explore even more versatile dishes.
Sticky Chicken Tenders Recipe
When I first tried this Sticky Chicken Tenders recipe, it quickly became a favorite in my household. The combination of sweet, tangy, and just a hint of heat makes it irresistible. I love how simple it is to prepare, yet it tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant.
Ingredients
- 12 to 14 chicken tenders (or about 2 pounds)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup honey
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
- Combine the ketchup, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle them with freshly ground black pepper for a touch of seasoning.
- Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce for later and pour the remaining sauce generously over the chicken. Make sure each tender is well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes uncovered. Halfway through, turn the chicken over to ensure it soaks up the sauce evenly.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F, remove it from the oven. Serve the tenders over fluffy rice or noodles, drizzling the reserved sauce on top for the perfect finishing touch.
Notes
- Quick and simple: You don’t need to be a pro to whip this up in under an hour.
- Family-friendly: The sweet and tangy flavor is a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Spice it up or tone it down to suit your taste buds.
- Make-ahead option: Perfect for meal prep or busy weekdays.
- Minimal cleanup: With just one dish and a saucepan, cleanup is a breeze.
