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Sticky Chicken Tenders with Honey Soy Sauce Recipe

4.5 from 55 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ready for dipping.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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