This Sticky Chicken Tenders recipe is both delicious and easy to make, making it a favorite for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The chicken tenders are marinated in a flavorful combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and other aromatic ingredients, resulting in tender and juicy chicken with a sweet and savory glaze.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. The marinade doubles as a sticky sauce that coats the chicken tenders, creating a deliciously caramelized exterior while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Plus, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer a sweeter or spicier flavor profile.
Additionally, this recipe requires simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, and it comes together in just over 20 minutes from start to finish. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. Serve these sticky chicken tenders as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce or as a main dish paired with rice and vegetables for a complete meal that the whole family will love.
Serving Tips
- Appetizer: Serve the sticky chicken tenders as a delicious appetizer for parties or gatherings. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving, and provide a variety of dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, teriyaki sauce, or spicy mayo.
- Main Dish: Make the sticky chicken tenders the star of a meal by serving them as a main dish. Pair them with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles, and add some steamed or stir-fried vegetables on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Use the sticky chicken tenders to make sandwiches or wraps for a quick and tasty lunch option. Fill soft tortillas or sandwich rolls with the chicken tenders, along with some crunchy lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and your favorite condiments.
- Salads: Add sliced sticky chicken tenders to salads for a protein-packed topping. They pair well with crisp greens, colorful vegetables, and your choice of dressing. Consider a sesame ginger dressing or a creamy peanut dressing to complement the Asian-inspired flavors.
- Rice Bowls: Create flavorful rice bowls by layering cooked rice with sliced sticky chicken tenders and a variety of toppings such as sliced avocado, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and chopped scallions. Drizzle with extra sauce for added flavor.
- Meal Prep: Prepare a batch of sticky chicken tenders ahead of time and portion them into meal prep containers with rice or quinoa and steamed vegetables for convenient and nutritious lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Cooking Tips
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken tenders to marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if possible. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and results in a more flavorful dish.
- Use High Heat: When cooking the chicken tenders, make sure your pan or skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Cooking over high heat helps to create a caramelized exterior and seals in the juices, resulting in tender and juicy chicken.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken tenders. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they have enough space to cook evenly and achieve a golden brown crust.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by simmering it for a few extra minutes or adding a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) to help thicken it to your desired consistency.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Chicken tenders cook relatively quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are no longer pink in the center.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the cooked chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to redistribute the juices throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
- Garnish for Presentation: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the cooked chicken tenders before serving for an added pop of flavor and visual appeal.
By following these cooking tips, you’ll be able to create delicious Sticky Chicken Tenders that are tender, flavorful, and sure to impress!
FAQ’s about Sticky Chicken Tenders
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them for a healthier option. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.
What dipping sauces pair well with sticky chicken tenders?
Sticky chicken tenders pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, teriyaki sauce, spicy mayo, or even a simple soy sauce-based dipping sauce with a splash of lime juice.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your taste preferences by varying the amount of honey or brown sugar used. Start with the recommended amounts in the recipe and adjust as needed.
Sticky Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g chicken tenders or chicken breast strips
- ½ cup 120ml soy sauce
- ¼ cup 60ml honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Cooking oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir until well combined. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat them in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Sauce:In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Set aside. In a saucepan, heat the remaining marinade over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:Heat cooking oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Coat with Sticky Sauce:Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Then, transfer them to a clean bowl and pour the sticky sauce over the chicken. Toss the chicken gently until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve:Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the sticky chicken tenders for garnish. Serve immediately while warm, either as an appetizer with dipping sauce or as a main dish with rice and vegetables.
- Enjoy!Serve these delicious sticky chicken tenders hot and enjoy their sweet and savory flavor.