Sweet and Spicy Chicken
Sweet and Spicy Chicken made with crispy chicken strips, Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, corn syrup, water, and optional dipping sauces.
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Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 package frozen crispy chicken strips 25 oz
For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce
- ⅓ cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
- 1½ cups brown sugar
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp corn syrup
- 1 tbsp water
Optional Dips
- Ranch dressing for serving
- Blue cheese dressing for serving
Instructions
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Arrange the frozen crispy chicken strips in a single layer on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake the chicken strips for 18 to 20 minutes, turning them halfway through the baking time to ensure even heating and crispness.
- Remove the chicken strips from the oven once they are fully heated and crisp.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 385°F.
- Arrange the frozen crispy chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket.
- Cook the chicken strips for 11 to 12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
- Remove the chicken strips from the air fryer once they are fully heated and crisp.
Prepare the Sauce
- While the chicken strips are cooking, place the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan.
- Set the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir until the ingredients begin to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the brown sugar has completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Coat and Serve
- Dip each cooked chicken strip into the warm sauce, coating all sides completely.
- Transfer the coated chicken strips to a serving plate or platter.
- Serve immediately while hot.
- Serve with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, if desired.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, use certified gluten-free crispy chicken strips or prepare homemade gluten-free breaded chicken tenders.
Verify that the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, BBQ sauce, corn syrup, brown sugar, ranch dressing, and blue cheese dressing are labeled gluten-free.
Use a gluten-free BBQ sauce, as some brands may contain gluten-based thickeners, flavorings, or additives.
If preparing homemade chicken strips, use gluten-free flour, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or crushed gluten-free cereal for the coating.
Cook the gluten-free chicken on clean baking sheets, air fryer baskets, tongs, saucepans, and serving dishes to prevent cross-contamination.
If using an air fryer, confirm that the basket has not been used with gluten-containing breaded foods unless it has been thoroughly cleaned.