These Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders are the ultimate quick and crave-worthy meal! Crispy store-bought chicken tenders are tossed in an addictive homemade sauce made with hot sauce, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar. With just 5 simple ingredients and 20 minutes, you can serve up a sweet-heat dinner that both kids and adults devour.
Why I Love These Saucy Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders always take me straight back to childhood. Every restaurant visit meant one thing: tenders! My tastes have changed a bit over the years, but my love for saucy, sticky, flavorful chicken has only grown. Our kids adore crispy chicken tenders—especially with mac and cheese—so this recipe is always a hit. Here’s why these sticky strips are a staple in our house:
- Super easy: Start with frozen chicken tenders and coat them in a quick homemade sauce. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
- Budget-friendly: Only 5 pantry staples required.
- Fast: Dinner on the table in 20 minutes—yes, please.
- Perfect for game day: Nothing says “snack food” like saucy chicken tenders piled high on a plate.
Key Ingredients
Everything you need is simple and likely already in your pantry. See the recipe card below for exact amounts.
- Frozen Crispy Chicken Tenders: Any brand works, but crispy ones hold the sauce best.
- BBQ Sauce: Sweet Baby Ray’s is my favorite, but feel free to use your go-to.
- Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot gives the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the heat.
- Corn Syrup: Helps the sauce get glossy and sticky.
How to Make Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders
Using frozen chicken tenders makes this recipe incredibly easy. Here’s a quick overview—full directions are in the recipe card.
1. Cook the Chicken
Prepare the chicken strips according to package instructions—bake or air fry until crispy and hot.
2. Make the Sauce
Combine the hot sauce, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, corn syrup, and a splash of water in a small pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer until the sugar fully dissolves and the sauce turns glossy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Toss the Chicken
While the tenders are still hot, coat them generously in the sticky sauce. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Chef’s Tips & Easy Variations
- Air fry for speed: The air fryer makes this recipe even quicker and keeps the tenders extra crispy.
- Adjust the heat: Add Sriracha, cayenne, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Make the sauce ahead: Prep the sauce in advance and refrigerate. Warm it up right before tossing with the freshly cooked tenders.
- Don’t sauce too early: Once coated, the tenders soften quickly. Toss just before serving.
What to Serve with Sticky Chicken Tenders
- Dinner: Serve with ranch, dill pickles, and a side of mac and cheese.
- Sandwiches: Pile saucy tenders onto slider rolls for quick and fun mini sandwiches.
- Appetizer: Perfect for parties, game night, or tailgating.
- Snack: Swap in popcorn chicken for bite-sized sticky nuggets!
⭐ Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
You only need five ingredients to make these irresistible Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders! Serve with ranch or blue cheese for an easy appetizer or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 25 oz frozen crispy chicken strips
- ⅓ cup Frank’s RedHot
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp corn syrup
- 1 tbsp water
Optional Dips:
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
Instructions
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Arrange chicken strips on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 385°F.
- Cook tenders in a single layer for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Make the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine hot sauce, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, corn syrup, and water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
Coat the Chicken
- Dip the hot chicken tenders into the sauce, turning to coat completely.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dip.