Name: Winger's Sticky Fingers Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 25 ounces Frozen breaded chicken strips; 6 Tablespoons Frank's Hot Sauce; 4 Tablespoons water; 1 1/2 cups brown sugar; 1/2 cup ranch dressing (optional for dipping)

Enjoy the delicious Winger’s Sticky Fingers anytime you want with this copycat recipe that can be made in less than 30 minutes.

We crave these Winger’s Sticky Fingers a lot. Just a few ingredients to make these amazing chicken strips that taste just like the ones you get at the restaurant. They are the perfect party food, and your guests will be so impressed.

Recipe Ingredient Notes

To make Winger’s Sticky Fingers copycat recipe, you need the following ingredients:

Frozen breaded chicken strips
Frank’s Hot Suace
Water
Brown Sugar
Ranch Dressing

Equipment Needed

For this recipe, you only need a few simple kitchen tools. We recommend using the following equipment:

Close-up of glazed chicken tenders with sliced celery on a plate. A small bowl of dipping sauce is in the background.

A bottle of Frank's RedHot Original sauce stands next to two packed mounds of brown sugar and two white measuring spoons.

How to Make Winger’s Sticky Fingers

Prepare the chicken strips as directed on the back of the package.
Heat hot sauce, water and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, until sugar is dissolved.
Pour sauce over cooked chicken and serve warm.
We like to dip these sticky fingers in ranch dressing – optional.

Enjoy More Delicious Hot Appetizers

Whether meatballs, chicken wings, nachos, or quesadillas, there’s nothing to start out a party better than an appetizer. Browse our comprehensive list of hot appetizer recipes.

Winger’s Sticky Fingers Copycat Recipe

4.97 from 27 votes

Enjoy the delicious Winger’s Sticky Fingers anytime you want with this copycat recipe that can be made in less than 30 minutes.

6 servings

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

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Ingredients

▢ 25 ounces Frozen breaded chicken strips
▢ 6 Tablespoons Frank's Hot Sauce
▢ 4 Tablespoons water
▢ 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
▢ 1/2 cup ranch dressing, optional for dipping

Equipment

Instructions

Prepare the chicken strips as directed on the back of the package.
Heat hot sauce, water and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, until sugar is dissolved.
Pour sauce over cooked chicken and serve warm.
We like to dip these sticky fingers in ranch dressing – optional.

Notes

We have had success with Frank’s hot sauce. We don’t know why, but the other’s just don’t taste as good! (This is not sponsored, just our opinion.)

Nutrition

Calories: 306 kcal · Carbohydrates: 55 g · Protein: 1 g · Fat: 10 g · Saturated Fat: 2 g · Cholesterol: 7 mg · Sodium: 235 mg · Potassium: 86 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 54 g · Vitamin C: 1 mg · Calcium: 52 mg · Iron: 1 mg

Cuisine: American

Cost: $8

Author: Steph Loaiza

Course: Appetizer

Did You Make This Recipe?We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review or a question in the comment section below the post.

Questions & Reviews

Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says:

What a great quick fix!

Larissa says:

Gasp. I heart their chicken strips. Thanks so much for sharing. Will be trying sometime soon!

Shante says:

Yes please!

Anonymous says:

just a heads up for everyone the brown sugar will crystalize i added a smidge of karo syrup still sweet and perfect the next day!

Kimberly Odasso says:

To anonymous: I have this same recipe on my blog, and i've made it SEVERAL times and never had it crystallize. I usually even make extra sauce to keep in the fridge.

Anonymous says:

Will it taste ok with the Buffalo wing sauce that Franks makes? I havent tried the regular sauce but i use the buffalo one for everything!

Six Sisters says:

@Anonymous,

I've never tried it with any other sauce, but if you like it I'm sure it will still taste so good!

Anonymous says:

I've been waiting for this since I left Utah!! I'm so excited. Also,If you hear anything about Winger's special sauce, I'd love to have a recipe for that too!

Anonymous says:

I am SO craving sticky fingers! But here in Germany is no Wingers! Glad I came across this recipe!

alexroliepolie says:

You can buy the special sauce for $5.00 a bottle at any Winger's. :)

Melynda says:

The special sauce is Winger sauce mixed with ranch :)

Anonymous says:

@ Alex and Melynda- concerning special suace: THANKYOU! I feel like a hole in my heart has been filled. lol. I'm making this right now- complete with the special dipping sauce.

April says:

Will this come out kid friendly or too spicy? Can't wait to make this tonight!

Ammon says:

Needs a tsp of salt

The Ellis' says:

@April,

It is a little spicy so I'll usually leave out a few pieces of chicken for my son and then pour sauce on the rest!

Sarah says:

I've made this several times over the years. I also add a tsp or so of karo syrup to it doesn't crystallize. For the kids, mine are 5,3, and 1, add a little ketchup and they are good to go. I think it makes the sauce a little sweeter and not so spicy.

Leni says:

Never heard of this before I saw your post, but I'm so glad we tried it! Huge hit here.

Orin, Minette and Sadie Packard says:

So so yummy! I made this for dinner tonight along with some potato skins and it was just like we were eating out! Thanks so much!

Kristianne says:

Thank you so much! Ee've made these several times since I found it on pinterest and we LOVE them!!!!

Ray and Kai says:

I can't wait to make these! We always go to Wingers for my birthday but this is our first year where there isn't one in the state! My grocery store carries Frank's Hot Sauce, but 4 different kinds, none of which are just plain "Frank's Hot Sauce". Recommendations?

Six Sisters says:

We usually use the Buffalo Wings Frank's Hot Sauce, but I'm sure they would all taste great!

Price is Right says:

I found this recipe on Pinterest! Super yummy and easy to make! We had leftovers so for lunch the next day I put them in a wrap! The sticky fingers,lettuce(i used green leaf) some cheese and a little bit of ranch in a tortilla super yummy lunch!

brittanymilliken says:

Don't know the restaraunt- but these sound good!

Lauren & Dan says:

Just made this tonight for dinner, it was SUPER yummy. My husband was impressed. Thank you!

Unknown says:

How many chicken strips are in the package because i got the big costco size?

Six Sisters says:

Hi!

There are usually about 15-20 in the package we use. Thanks!

The Bride 2 B says:

So I tried the recipe and was wondering how I can make crispier chicken? I bought the breaded chicken, but it wasn't as crunchy as it is when I get it at a restaurant.

Six Sisters says:

I usually cook my chicken strips for the maximum time so they get as crispy as possible. I also put the sauce on right before serving. Thanks!

miss.marcedes says:

This comment has been removed by the author.

miss.marcedes says:

That's so funny to hear because I made this last Sunday night & I decided to mix some ranch with some of this leftover sauce.....I thought I made up something new but apparently this Winger's place already thought of that too LOL

I live in Portland, OR.....we don't have a Wringer's here. I'd never even heard of it until I came across this blog. These Sticky Finger's are to DIE for though!!! So glad I found it :)

miss.marcedes says:

It was a little spicy, I just put a few chicken strips to the side before pouring the sauce over the rest of the chicken.

miss.marcedes says:

Oh I hadn't even thought of that....I'm going to make extra next time so I can make some wraps!! Yumm!! Thank you "Price Is Right" for the idea!!

Traycee says:

I am in NY and have never heard of a Wingers, but after reading this post, there is no need to! These things were so simple and so amazing!! These will be a staple in my house on nights that I have no idea what to make!!

Darcy says:

There are 2 Wingers Locations in Germany. Hope you're close to one! I seriously considered an 8 hour drive to go there when I was pregnant with my first. They also sell the sauce and I would have family send it to me when we were stationed at Spangdahlem in Germany. Good luck!

Leilani Margraff says:

Making this now(;

andrea says:

OMG this is so yummy! thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anastasia says:

This was so delicious and tasted legit! It really tastes just like the real thing. My husband and I could not get over how great this sauce it.

Jael says:

I waited tables at Winger's for years through my undergrad, and ate more than my fair share of sauce in various ways. Now we live in Arkansas, and today the sticky finger craving hit. For date night tonight, we are whipping up a batch of this sauce, and I.cannot.wait. Also, this sauce will last for weeks in the fridge, in case anyone was wondering. Weeks.

Amie Chappel says:

As soon as I get to the grocery store, I am buying the chicken strips so I can make this!! My kids and I love wings, especially boneless, so this would make a great lunch for us :)

Camille says:

I have never heard of Wingers (I'm a Rhode Island Girl)...but I saw this recipe on Pinterest and I made it tonight for a party an it was a HUGE hit!! It'll be a regular in my recipe box from now on!!

April says:

Made this the other night when I was craving some sticky fingers and didn't really want to spend the money for all of my family! Soooo yummy! Also passed it on to my sister! She loved it! Huge hit!

Crystal says:

I fry the chicken for a couple of minutes after I bake it. Also make sure you let the sauce cool before you coat the chicken

Karri Loewen says:

Any ideas on the batter for the 'bone-in' version?

Dana Blakesley says:

i have made these several time and use the Frank's sauce. Delicious and so easy. We just dip the chicken in the sauce instead of coating the chicken. The sauce saves well in the frig.

Kendra Schappaugh says:

I made these last night for an easy Friday night dinner for my husband and 3 boys. They were so good, and so easy I will be making these all the time!! I am so happy I found this recipe thanks for posting it!

T. says:

YES, THERE IS TWO WINGERS IN GERMANY....They are both on the Army post though, one in Darmstadt-Hessen and the other one in Mannheim-RheinlandPfalz

Nikol says:

Looking. For items to make for a finger food party...think. this will be great...DOING a test run today

Cher Bartlett says:

I live in CA. Where would I find Frank's Hot Sauce? Thanks....... Cher

Cyd says:

It is sold at most grocery stores. Wal Mart sells it.

Denise says:

Made this for dinner tonight and it was a hit. The Frank's was perfect match with the brown sugar. Even my father liked it and he does usually go for chicken with any heat. Thanks - will be making again and again! =D

@alextoailoa says:

Went to the University of Idaho in Moscow, Id and Wingers was the highlight of the community. Def tried this recipe last year and re did it this time i either deep fry chicken wings or put them in my smoker then saute in the reduced wingers sauce. bomb!

Crystal Murri says:

Would this sauce work with chicken wings!? I need a good sauce for chicken wings for a super bowl party

Cyd says:

These would work great with chicken wings too!

kim daigle says:

I'm originally from New Hampshire so never had this sauce but I was looking for something sweet and spicy. I love crispy bone-in wings and this sauce was PERFECTION! Thank you!

Haggard Emily Delight says:

Love this!!!

Jessica says:

we have been trying to save money by not eating out so much .This recipe tastes just like something you would order out! My family loved this. Thanks!

Heidi says:

What brand of frozen breaded chicken strips do you recommend?

Elle says:

Really tasty! Used only 4TB of the recommended 6 of hot sauce and it was still too spicy so we went with 3 the next time and it was right on.

Momma Cyd says:

We usually use Tyson or Foster Farms.

Laurie says:

This has been a family favorite for years now! It's rare to find a recipe that's not only super easy but also super delicious! We use as a dipping sauce for the tenders (Tyson chicken strips are great), and didn't even want or need Ranch. I use Frank's Buffalo Red Hot Wing Sauce every time and yes, do put the entire 1.5 c. of brown sugar. Sounds like a lot but it's perfect :)

Cortney says:

Been making this for years & it's such a great copycat. We usually use it for the salad. Yum!

Melissa B says:

I can't wait to try the recipe tonight. I'm curious - I assumed the red spots in the picture were chili flakes but there aren't any in franks hot sauce or in brown sugar. What else did you add? Or is this a picture of the original wingers dish? Do they use chili flakes?

Sara K says:

This recipe was super easy and quick but tasted like I spent hours cooking it!

Heather says:

We used the Frank’s mild, so it wasn’t too hot. The kids and adults love it.

Join The Discussion

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Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says:

What a great quick fix!
Larissa says:

Gasp. I heart their chicken strips. Thanks so much for sharing. Will be trying sometime soon!
Shante says:

Yes please!
Anonymous says:

just a heads up for everyone the brown sugar will crystalize i added a smidge of karo syrup still sweet and perfect the next day!
Kimberly Odasso says:

To anonymous: I have this same recipe on my blog, and i've made it SEVERAL times and never had it crystallize. I usually even make extra sauce to keep in the fridge.
Anonymous says:

Will it taste ok with the Buffalo wing sauce that Franks makes? I havent tried the regular sauce but i use the buffalo one for everything!
Six Sisters says:

@Anonymous,

I've never tried it with any other sauce, but if you like it I'm sure it will still taste so good!
Anonymous says:

I've been waiting for this since I left Utah!! I'm so excited. Also,If you hear anything about Winger's special sauce, I'd love to have a recipe for that too!
Anonymous says:

I am SO craving sticky fingers! But here in Germany is no Wingers! Glad I came across this recipe!
alexroliepolie says:

You can buy the special sauce for $5.00 a bottle at any Winger's. :)
Melynda says:

The special sauce is Winger sauce mixed with ranch :)
Anonymous says:

@ Alex and Melynda- concerning special suace: THANKYOU! I feel like a hole in my heart has been filled. lol. I'm making this right now- complete with the special dipping sauce.
April says:

Will this come out kid friendly or too spicy? Can't wait to make this tonight!
Ammon says:

Needs a tsp of salt
The Ellis' says:

@April,

It is a little spicy so I'll usually leave out a few pieces of chicken for my son and then pour sauce on the rest!
Sarah says:

I've made this several times over the years. I also add a tsp or so of karo syrup to it doesn't crystallize. For the kids, mine are 5,3, and 1, add a little ketchup and they are good to go. I think it makes the sauce a little sweeter and not so spicy.
Leni says:

Never heard of this before I saw your post, but I'm so glad we tried it! Huge hit here.
Orin, Minette and Sadie Packard says:

So so yummy! I made this for dinner tonight along with some potato skins and it was just like we were eating out! Thanks so much!
Kristianne says:

Thank you so much! Ee've made these several times since I found it on pinterest and we LOVE them!!!!
Ray and Kai says:

I can't wait to make these! We always go to Wingers for my birthday but this is our first year where there isn't one in the state! My grocery store carries Frank's Hot Sauce, but 4 different kinds, none of which are just plain "Frank's Hot Sauce". Recommendations?
Six Sisters says:

We usually use the Buffalo Wings Frank's Hot Sauce, but I'm sure they would all taste great!
Price is Right says:

I found this recipe on Pinterest! Super yummy and easy to make! We had leftovers so for lunch the next day I put them in a wrap! The sticky fingers,lettuce(i used green leaf) some cheese and a little bit of ranch in a tortilla super yummy lunch!
brittanymilliken says:

Don't know the restaraunt- but these sound good!
Lauren & Dan says:

Just made this tonight for dinner, it was SUPER yummy. My husband was impressed. Thank you!
Unknown says:

How many chicken strips are in the package because i got the big costco size?
Six Sisters says:

Hi!

There are usually about 15-20 in the package we use. Thanks!
The Bride 2 B says:

So I tried the recipe and was wondering how I can make crispier chicken? I bought the breaded chicken, but it wasn't as crunchy as it is when I get it at a restaurant.
Six Sisters says:

I usually cook my chicken strips for the maximum time so they get as crispy as possible. I also put the sauce on right before serving. Thanks!
miss.marcedes says:

This comment has been removed by the author.
miss.marcedes says:

That's so funny to hear because I made this last Sunday night & I decided to mix some ranch with some of this leftover sauce.....I thought I made up something new but apparently this Winger's place already thought of that too LOL

I live in Portland, OR.....we don't have a Wringer's here. I'd never even heard of it until I came across this blog. These Sticky Finger's are to DIE for though!!! So glad I found it :)
miss.marcedes says:

It was a little spicy, I just put a few chicken strips to the side before pouring the sauce over the rest of the chicken.
miss.marcedes says:

Oh I hadn't even thought of that....I'm going to make extra next time so I can make some wraps!! Yumm!! Thank you "Price Is Right" for the idea!!
Traycee says:

I am in NY and have never heard of a Wingers, but after reading this post, there is no need to! These things were so simple and so amazing!! These will be a staple in my house on nights that I have no idea what to make!!
Darcy says:

There are 2 Wingers Locations in Germany. Hope you're close to one! I seriously considered an 8 hour drive to go there when I was pregnant with my first. They also sell the sauce and I would have family send it to me when we were stationed at Spangdahlem in Germany. Good luck!
Leilani Margraff says:

Making this now(;
andrea says:

OMG this is so yummy! thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anastasia says:

This was so delicious and tasted legit! It really tastes just like the real thing. My husband and I could not get over how great this sauce it.
Jael says:

I waited tables at Winger's for years through my undergrad, and ate more than my fair share of sauce in various ways. Now we live in Arkansas, and today the sticky finger craving hit. For date night tonight, we are whipping up a batch of this sauce, and I.cannot.wait. Also, this sauce will last for weeks in the fridge, in case anyone was wondering. Weeks.
Amie Chappel says:

As soon as I get to the grocery store, I am buying the chicken strips so I can make this!! My kids and I love wings, especially boneless, so this would make a great lunch for us :)
Camille says:

I have never heard of Wingers (I'm a Rhode Island Girl)...but I saw this recipe on Pinterest and I made it tonight for a party an it was a HUGE hit!! It'll be a regular in my recipe box from now on!!
April says:

Made this the other night when I was craving some sticky fingers and didn't really want to spend the money for all of my family! Soooo yummy! Also passed it on to my sister! She loved it! Huge hit!
Crystal says:

I fry the chicken for a couple of minutes after I bake it. Also make sure you let the sauce cool before you coat the chicken
Karri Loewen says:

Any ideas on the batter for the 'bone-in' version?
Dana Blakesley says:

i have made these several time and use the Frank's sauce. Delicious and so easy. We just dip the chicken in the sauce instead of coating the chicken. The sauce saves well in the frig.
Kendra Schappaugh says:

I made these last night for an easy Friday night dinner for my husband and 3 boys. They were so good, and so easy I will be making these all the time!! I am so happy I found this recipe thanks for posting it!
T. says:

YES, THERE IS TWO WINGERS IN GERMANY....They are both on the Army post though, one in Darmstadt-Hessen and the other one in Mannheim-RheinlandPfalz
Nikol says:

Looking. For items to make for a finger food party...think. this will be great...DOING a test run today
Cher Bartlett says:

I live in CA. Where would I find Frank's Hot Sauce? Thanks....... Cher
Cyd says:

It is sold at most grocery stores. Wal Mart sells it.
Denise says:

Made this for dinner tonight and it was a hit. The Frank's was perfect match with the brown sugar. Even my father liked it and he does usually go for chicken with any heat. Thanks - will be making again and again! =D
@alextoailoa says:

Went to the University of Idaho in Moscow, Id and Wingers was the highlight of the community. Def tried this recipe last year and re did it this time i either deep fry chicken wings or put them in my smoker then saute in the reduced wingers sauce. bomb!
Crystal Murri says:

Would this sauce work with chicken wings!? I need a good sauce for chicken wings for a super bowl party
Cyd says:

These would work great with chicken wings too!
kim daigle says:

I'm originally from New Hampshire so never had this sauce but I was looking for something sweet and spicy. I love crispy bone-in wings and this sauce was PERFECTION! Thank you!
Haggard Emily Delight says:

Love this!!!
Jessica says:

we have been trying to save money by not eating out so much .This recipe tastes just like something you would order out! My family loved this. Thanks!
Heidi says:

What brand of frozen breaded chicken strips do you recommend?
Elle says:

Really tasty! Used only 4TB of the recommended 6 of hot sauce and it was still too spicy so we went with 3 the next time and it was right on.
Momma Cyd says:

We usually use Tyson or Foster Farms.
Laurie says:

This has been a family favorite for years now! It's rare to find a recipe that's not only super easy but also super delicious! We use as a dipping sauce for the tenders (Tyson chicken strips are great), and didn't even want or need Ranch. I use Frank's Buffalo Red Hot Wing Sauce every time and yes, do put the entire 1.5 c. of brown sugar. Sounds like a lot but it's perfect :)
Cortney says:

Been making this for years & it's such a great copycat. We usually use it for the salad. Yum!
Melissa B says:

I can't wait to try the recipe tonight. I'm curious - I assumed the red spots in the picture were chili flakes but there aren't any in franks hot sauce or in brown sugar. What else did you add? Or is this a picture of the original wingers dish? Do they use chili flakes?
Sara K says:

This recipe was super easy and quick but tasted like I spent hours cooking it!
Heather says:

We used the Frank’s mild, so it wasn’t too hot. The kids and adults love it.