Sticky Chicken Tenders with Honey Soy Sauce Recipe
Sticky Chicken Tenders are crispy, tender chicken strips coated in a flavorful, sweet, and tangy sticky sauce. Baked to golden perfection, they are an easy and delicious recipe perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
- Author: luca
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
Sticky Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
Garnish
- Green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup after baking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better during the breading process.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, thoroughly mixing the spices for an even coating flavor.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ready for dipping.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and again back into the flour mixture for a thicker coating. For extra crunch, optionally coat the tenders with breadcrumbs as the final layer.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out evenly to allow air circulation and even baking.
- Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through, reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and turn golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Sticky Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch (if using) in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
- Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sticky sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Arrange the sticky chicken tenders on a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot for best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can skip the breadcrumbs if you prefer a lighter coating.
- Ensure chicken tenders are spaced evenly on the baking sheet for crispy results.
- The cornstarch in the sauce helps it thicken quickly but can be omitted for a thinner glaze.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- For extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce while cooking.
Keywords: Sticky Chicken Tenders, baked chicken, crispy chicken tenders, sweet and tangy chicken, easy chicken recipe