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Sweet Chili Chicken Tenders are a mouthwatering dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a delightful sweet and spicy glaze, making them a favorite among both adults and children. The appeal of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures—crispy on the outside, succulent on the inside, and coated with a rich, tangy sweet chili sauce that dances on the palate. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, planning a party, or gearing up for game day, these chicken tenders are versatile enough to suit any occasion. They can be served as a main dish, an appetizer, or even as a part of a buffet spread, making them a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for more.

Sweet Chili Chicken Tenders

Discover the irresistible flavor of Sweet Chili Chicken Tenders with this simple recipe that marries crispy, golden chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or game days, these tenders are customizable to suit your taste. Learn to prepare with easy-to-follow steps and understand the key ingredients that make this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Elevate your cooking experience and enjoy a delightful meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)

Fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish, optional)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Set them aside.

    Set Up the Breading Stations: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.

      Coat the Tenders: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured chicken in the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well.

        Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.

          Fry the Chicken Tenders: Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

            Create the Sweet Chili Sauce Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the sweet chili sauce until it starts to simmer. If desired, you can add a splash of lime juice for an extra zing.

              Glaze the Tenders: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Drizzle or brush the warm sweet chili sauce over the chicken tenders, coating them generously.

                Garnish and Serve: Transfer the sweet chili chicken tenders to a serving platter. If desired, garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tenders.

                  Enjoy your Sweet Chili Chicken Tenders!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings