1-First Step: Get the oven and pan ready Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the 3 tablespoons of butter in a glass 9×13-inch baking pan and put it in the oven just long enough to melt. This gives the chicken a flavorful start and keeps the recipe moving smoothly. If you are cooking for a crowd, this step is easy to double in separate pans.

2-Second Step: Season and coat the chicken Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This step matters because dry chicken browns and bakes better than wet chicken. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece in the 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour, shaking off the excess. A light coating is enough, and it helps keep the pan neat while still giving the sauce something to cling to.

3-Third Step: Add the chicken to the buttered pan Carefully place the flour-coated chicken tenders into the melted butter in the baking dish. Turn them gently so they are lightly coated on all sides. The butter and flour mixture starts building that glossy finish even before the sauce goes on, which is part of what makes Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken so irresistible.

4-Fourth Step: Bake the first round Bake the chicken for 10 minutes. This quick head start gives the tenders a chance to firm up without drying out. Because chicken tenders cook faster than bigger cuts, this recipe stays practical for weeknights. If you are using a different protein, such as tofu or cauliflower, the first bake may need a few extra minutes depending on thickness.

5-Fifth Step: Make the sauce while the chicken bakes While the chicken is in the oven, grab a saucepan and whisk together the 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This is where the flavor really comes alive. The sauce should look glossy and smell sweet, tangy, and just a little fiery. If you want the sauce milder, use a little less chili garlic sauce. If you want it hotter, add a touch more. For more background on garlic’s health perks, check out this article from Healthline on the proven health benefits of garlic.

6-Sixth Step: Pour on the sauce After the first bake, remove the pan from the oven and pour the warm sauce over the chicken tenders. Make sure each piece gets coated, because the sauce is what gives this dish its sticky finish. Use a spoon to help spread it around if needed.

7-Seventh Step: Finish baking Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly. The sauce should thicken a bit more as it bakes, and the chicken should be tender and juicy. If you are making dinner for kids or spice-sensitive eaters, this is also the point where you can reduce the heat next time by cutting back on the chili garlic sauce.

8-Final Step: Serve hot over rice Spoon the finished Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken over hot cooked rice and drizzle extra sauce from the pan on top. The rice soaks up the sweet and spicy glaze beautifully, making every bite cozy and satisfying. Add a simple vegetable on the side if you want to round out the plate.