Winger's Sticky Fingers Sauce (Copycat Recipe)

 

 

Few restaurant sauces have earned the loyal following of Winger's Sticky Fingers Sauce. With it's irresistible combination of sweet brown sugar and tangy hot sauce, this simple copycat recipe creates the perfect sticky glaze for crispy chicken strips, wings and more. Best of all it comes together with only three simple ingredients, making it an easy way to bring restaurant flavour to your own kitchen.

Whether you are serving it for game day, family movie night, or a casual dinner, this sweet-and-spicy sauce is guaranteed to have everyone reaching for seconds!

 

 

I have never been to Winger's but everything I have seen online about them makes me want to go there. They are a casual dining restaurant and alehouse based mainly in Utah, but have also spread to Idaho, Montana, Nevada, etc. They specialize in family friendly food and entrees, but one of their most popular dishes is their Sticky Finger's Sauce which is usually served with wings or chicken fingers.

This is a recipe that I adapted from one which I found on the Six Sister's Website. I printed it out wanting to give it a go. I thought it would be something Eileen would really enjoy.

I chose to use Schneiders brand frozen chicken tenders. I like the crisp and crunchy coating on them.  I also like that they don't taste artificial and the chicken always comes out tender and not overly dry. There are not a lot in the bag, but they are huge so they go a long way and would easily feed four people.

The sauce came out nice and sticky and not overly hot. I was a big worried that it might be too spicy. I don't really like things that are too hot these days. This sauce had just the right amount of heat. If I had any concerns at all, it was that there was a lot of sugar in the sauce, but that can be helped by only drizzling the sauce over top and not drenching the chicken in it.

We both really enjoyed these!  I served them with some Hellman's Chicken Wing Ranch mayo for dipping and Eileen was licking her chops!  They are sticky though, so you may need to pass some wet cloths for finger cleaning! 

 

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

TO MAKE

🐔WINGER'S STICKY FINGERS SAUCE (COPYCAT)🐔

Three simple ingredients put together in the most delicious way.

For the sauce:

• 6 TBS Franks Hot Sauce
• 4 TBS water
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) soft light brown sugar

To serve:

• Cooked chicken strips or fingers
• Ranch dressing for dipping

 

🐔INGREDIENTS NOTES🐔 

Frank's Hot Sauce

This is what gives this recipe its signature tangy flavour and mild heat. It's the classic choice for a wing sauce because it provides plenty of flavour without being overwhelmingly spicy. 

Water

A small amount of water helps to thin the sauce so it cooks evenly and allows the brown sugar to dissolve smoothly, creating that glossy sticky finish.

Soft Light Brown Sugar

This is the key to this sauce's famous sweet-and-sticky texture. The molasses in the sugar adds richness and smokiness and helps to create the caramelized coating, clinging to the chicken beautifully. Be sure to pack the sugar when measuring for the most consistent results.

 

HOW TO MAKE WINGER'S

🐔STICKY FINGERS SAUCE🐔

 

It really couldn't be easier! 

1. Cook your chicken fingers/strips according to the package directions. (I used Schneiders Chicken Tenders.)
2. To make the sauce place all of the ingredients into a saucepan and heat over medium low heat until the sugar has thoroughly dissolved. (Don't allow to come to the boil, patience is key here)
3. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken pieces and serve warm, with or without ranch dressing for dipping. (I just drizzled the sauce over the chicken. You don't want it totally drenched. I served it with Hellman's Ranch Chicken Wing sauce.)

 

🐔HINTS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESS🐔 

Simmer, don't boil

For the best flavoru and texture, gently simmer the sauce rather than letting it come to a rapid boil. This helps the ingredients come together smoothly without scorching.

Whisk frequently

Stir or whisk the sauce often while it cooks to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the sauce develops a smooth glossy finish.

Taste and adjust

Everyone's preference for sweet and spicy is different. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the heat, sweetness, or tanginess to your liking.

Coat wings or chicken strips while they're hot

For maximum flavour, toss freshly cooked wings in the sauce while they're still hot. The sauce will cling better and create that sticky signature coating.

Don't drown the chicken

Start with a small amount of sauce and add more as needed. You want the chicken coated, not swimming in sauce.

Let the sauce thicken

If the sauce seems thin at first, give it a few extra minutes to simmer. It will also continue to thicken as it cools.

 

🐔FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS🐔

WHAT IS WINGER'S STICKY FINGERS SAUCE?

This sauce is a sweet and tangy wing sauce with just a hint of heat. It's famous for coating chicken wings, but its equally as tasty on chicken strips or fingers as we have used it here.

IS THIS RECIPE VERY SPICY?

Not at all, this sauce has a mild to moderate kick, but the sweetness helps to balance out the heat. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

CAN THIS BE USED ON MORE THAN JUST CHICKEN WINGS?

Absolutely! Today we enjoyed it on chicken strips cooked in the air fryer. It great on chicken tenders, grilled chicken, pork meatballs, sandwiches and even as a dipping sauce for fries.

HOW CAN I MAKE MY WINGS OR STIPS EXTRA CRISPY BEFORE ADDING THE SAUCE?

Bake or airfry until they are golden brown and crispy. Toss them in the sauce just prior to serving to maintain their crisp texture.

CAN THE SAUCE BE MADE AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, the sauce can be prepped in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.

HOW LONG WILL THIS SAUCE KEEP?

It will keep, stored properly in the refrigerator, for up to one week. Stir well before using.

CAN THIS BE FROZEN?

Yes, the sauce can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator prior to using.

CAN THE SAUCE BE MADE SPICIER?

You can make it spicier by adding a little extra hot sauce, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to increase the heat without changing the overall flavour.

 

🐔A FEW OTHER COPYCAT RECIPES TO ENJOY🐔

Here are a few more copycat recipes that you might also enjoy!  I know we sure do!

COPYCAT ANIMAL FRIES FOR TWO - Pure comfort food! Crispy golden fries are topped with melted cheese and smothered in a rich, tangy caramelized onion sauce, creating a homemade version of the fast-food favourite. Perfect as a shareable sack, side dish, or indulgent treat, they're packed with savoury flavour in every bite.

COPYCAT KFC COLESLAW - This small-batch KFC Coleslaw is crisp, creamy, and packed with nostalgic flavour, making it the perfect side dish for fried chicken, burgers, or summer meals. Refreshingly irresistible.

 

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Yield: 6 servings

Author: Marie Rayner

Wingers Sticky Fingers Sauce

Cook time: 10 MinTotal time: 10 Min

Three simple ingredients. One very delicious, finger-lickingly tasty sauce! Makes enough for 1 1/2 pounds (708g) chicken strips.

Ingredients

For the sauce:

• 6 TBS Franks Hot Sauce
• 4 TBS water
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) soft light brown sugar

To serve:

• Cooked chicken strips or fingers
• Ranch dressing for dipping

Instructions

1. Cook your chicken fingers/strips according to the package directions.
2. To make the sauce place all of the ingredients into a saucepan and heat over medium low heat until the sugar has thoroughly dissolved.
3. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken pieces and serve warm, with or without ranch dressing for dipping.

Did you make this recipe?

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