Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders are the ultimate example of how simple ingredients can create bold, unforgettable flavor. With just five pantry staples and tender strips of chicken, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in less than 30 minutes. Each tender is coated in a glossy, finger-licking sauce that balances sweetness, heat, and umami in every bite.

Perfect for busy weeknights, game day spreads, or quick meal prep, these sticky chicken tenders hit that crave-worthy sweet heat zone that appeals to both adventurous eaters and picky families. The sauce thickens beautifully, clings to the chicken, and caramelizes slightly as it cooks—no breading, no frying, no complicated steps.

Why This 5-Ingredient Chicken Recipe Works

Minimal-ingredient recipes succeed when each component pulls its weight. In this case, every ingredient plays a specific role in building flavor:

Sweet chili sauce provides sweetness, mild heat, and body
Honey enhances stickiness and caramelization
Soy sauce adds savory depth and balance
Sriracha delivers customizable heat
Chicken tenders cook quickly and stay juicy

The result is a sauce that tastes layered and complex despite the ultra-short ingredient list.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights and Crowd-Pleasing Meals

This sweet and spicy chicken recipe is especially popular because it:

Requires no marinating
Uses one pan
Cooks in under 20 minutes
Works as an appetizer or main dish

Serve it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or straight from the pan for an easy finger food option.

Ingredients

Chicken tenders
Sweet chili sauce
Honey
Soy sauce
Sriracha

Instructions

Pat chicken tenders dry and season lightly if desired.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil.
Add chicken tenders and cook until golden and cooked through.
Whisk sweet chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, and sriracha together.
Pour sauce into skillet and reduce heat to medium.
Simmer, turning chicken often, until sauce thickens and coats each tender.
Remove from heat once sauce is sticky and glossy.
Garnish and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Sticky Chicken Tenders

Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Reduce sauce gently to avoid burning the sugars.
Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing sriracha.
Use fresh chicken tenders for best texture.

Easy Variations

Extra Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes.
Garlic Lover’s Version: Add minced garlic to the sauce.
Baked Option: Bake at 400°F, then broil briefly with sauce.
Air Fryer Version: Cook tenders first, then toss in sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders pair well with:

Steamed jasmine rice
Fried rice or lo mein
Asian-style slaw
Roasted broccoli or green beans

They also work beautifully as party food served with toothpicks.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Sauce may thicken further when cooled—add a splash of water if needed.

Why This Recipe Is a Reader Favorite

This dish consistently ranks high because it combines speed, simplicity, and bold flavor. The sticky glaze satisfies takeout cravings without the wait or cost, and the short ingredient list makes it accessible even on last-minute nights.

Sweet Meets Heat: A Flavor Balance That Works

Sweet and spicy dishes are popular worldwide for good reason—they excite the palate without overwhelming it. This recipe nails that balance, making it approachable yet addictive.

Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Tenders

Quick and easy sticky chicken tenders made with just five ingredients and bold sweet heat flavor.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Dinner

Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired

Calories: 420