Prepare to embark on a flavor adventure like no other, my friends! I’m Chef Maxine “Max” Delarue, the bold culinary rebel behind Maxivore.com, and I’m about to show you how to transform ordinary chicken tenders into a spicy, sweet, and absolutely INSANE dish that will have your taste buds exploding with joy. Get ready to ditch the boring and embrace the extraordinary, because this Spicy Maple Glazed Chicken Tenders with Sweet Dip is about to rock your world!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Maple Glazed Chicken Tenders with Sweet Dip
Buckle up, folks, because this recipe is about to take your taste buds on the ride of their life! The combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors is nothing short of EPIC, creating a sensational explosion of deliciousness in every bite. These chicken tenders are coated in a mouth-watering maple glaze that’s got a kick of heat, then served with a creamy, irresistible sweet dip that’ll have you coming back for more. Prepare to be the star of any party or gathering with this insanely delicious dish that’s sure to leave your guests begging for the recipe.
Ingredients
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most tempting aromas, because the ingredients for this Spicy Maple Glazed Chicken Tenders with Sweet Dip are about to come together in the most legendary way. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken tenders, maple syrup, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and a few simple ingredients for the sweet dipping sauce.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup – Maple syrup
- 2 tbsp – Hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp – Onion powder
- 1 tsp – Paprika
- 1/2 tsp – Salt
- 1/4 tsp – Black pepper
- 1 cup – Sour cream
- 2 tbsp – Honey
- Pinch – Salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Hot Sauce: Use your favorite variety, like sriracha or Cholula, to adjust the heat level.
- Syrup: Swap the maple syrup for honey or agave for a different sweetener.
How to Make Spicy Maple Glazed Chicken Tenders with Sweet Dip
Let’s get this party started, shall we? Follow these simple steps to create a culinary masterpiece that’ll have your guests going wild!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the chicken tenders, maple syrup, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the chicken is baking, prepare the sweet dipping sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, honey, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
When the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the Spicy Maple Glazed Chicken Tenders hot, with the sweet dipping sauce on the side. Prepare to be absolutely AMAZED by the explosion of flavors in your mouth!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Adjust the Heat: Feel free to add more or less hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Add Some Crunch: Coat the chicken tenders in panko breadcrumbs before baking for a delightful crunch.
- Switch Up the Dip: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or add a touch of citrus zest for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Try Diced Jalapeños: For an extra kick, mix in some diced jalapeños to the chicken coating.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Spicy Maple Glazed Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for game days, movie nights, or any casual gathering.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the chicken tenders in the oven or air fryer for a quick and easy snack or meal.
Make-Ahead: The coated chicken tenders can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before popping them in the oven.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the incredible flavors of this Spicy Maple Glazed Chicken Tenders with Sweet Dip without any guilt! Each serving is packed with protein from the chicken, while the maple glaze and sweet dip provide a delightful balance of sweetness. This dish is a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a sensational and nutritious choice for your next culinary adventure.
- Serving Size: 4-5 chicken tenders with 2 tbsp dip
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbs: 19 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine in this recipe. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces before coating and baking.
Can I make the chicken tenders ahead of time?
You bet! The coated chicken tenders can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before popping them in the oven.
Can I air fry the chicken tenders instead of baking?
Absolutely! The air fryer is a fantastic way to get that crispy, golden-brown exterior on the chicken tenders. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as air frying may be quicker than baking.
Can I use a different type of dipping sauce?
Absolutely! The sweet dipping sauce is the perfect complement to the spicy, maple-glazed chicken, but feel free to get creative. Ranch, blue cheese, or even a tangy barbecue sauce would be delicious as well.
How spicy are these chicken tenders?
The level of heat can be easily adjusted to suit your personal preferences. Start with a smaller amount of hot sauce and gradually increase it until you reach your desired level of spice. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Try These Next
- Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites With Sweet Mustard Dip
- Maple Whiskey Glazed Chicken Wings With Spicy Honey Drizzle
- Crispy Garlic Herb Chicken Wings With Spicy Ranch Dip
Spicy Maple Glazed Chicken Tenders with Sweet Dip
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 CRISPY KINGDOM
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spicy Maple Glazed Chicken Tenders are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, served with a creamy sweet dip for a delicious twist.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenders
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine maple syrup, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
3. Add chicken tenders to the marinade and let sit for 15 minutes.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken tenders for about 2 minutes on each side until golden.
5. Transfer the chicken tenders to a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
6. While the chicken is baking, mix mayonnaise, honey, and lemon juice in a small bowl for the sweet dip.
7. Serve the chicken tenders hot with the sweet dip on the side.
Notes
For extra heat, add more hot sauce to the marinade.
You can also use chicken breasts cut into strips if you prefer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, tenders, spicy, maple, glaze