Sticky Finger Salad: The Ultimate Winger’s Copycat Recipe

📜 Introduction: The Story Behind Sticky Finger Salad

Sticky Finger Salad has always been more than just a simple chicken salad — it’s a dish that carries a story. I first discovered it at Winger’s Grill & Bar in Utah back in the late 1990s, where it quickly became a signature menu item. The real magic lies in the chicken: crispy breaded tenders coated in a sticky, sweet-and-spicy glaze that clings to every bite. Layered over fresh romaine, sprinkled with vibrant toppings, and drizzled with creamy ranch, it’s a recipe that turns an everyday salad into an unforgettable meal.

🕰 A Brief History of Winger’s Sticky Fingers

Winger’s introduced their famous Sticky Fingers in the late ’90s, inspired by the American love for crispy fried chicken and bold sauces. The combination of crunchy coating and glossy, finger-licking glaze struck such a chord with diners that the idea for a salad version was inevitable. Soon, the Sticky Finger Salad was born — offering the same indulgent chicken experience but balanced with cool, crisp vegetables.

🌎 Global Popularity

While its roots are undeniably Utah-born, this salad’s appeal spread far beyond state lines. Over the years, food lovers across the United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇸🇬 Singapore, and 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates have embraced this sweet-heat sensation. In fact, many restaurants worldwide now serve their own “sticky chicken salad” variations, proving that great flavor knows no borders.

Check out my Cold Chicken Caesar Pizza Salad here for another creative twist on a chicken-based salad.

7 Mouthwatering Reasons You Must-Try This Ultimate Sticky Finger Salad

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• Author: Donald Anderson
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Enjoy the ultimate Winger’s Sticky Finger Salad at home with crispy chicken, sweet-spicy sauce, fresh greens, and creamy ranch in every bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb breaded chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp water
• 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• Optional: sliced cucumbers, red onions, croutons

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Instructions

1. Cook chicken tenders according to package directions or air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
2. In a small saucepan, combine hot sauce, brown sugar, and water. Simmer until sugar dissolves.
3. Toss cooked chicken in sauce until fully coated.
4. Place romaine in a large serving bowl.
5. Top with cherry tomatoes, shredded cheeses, and optional veggies.
6. Slice sauced chicken and arrange over salad.
7. Drizzle with ranch dressing.
8. Serve immediately for the crispiest chicken.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Diner
• Method: Baking / Air Frying + Tossing in sauce
• Cuisine: American

🍴 What You’ll Need

When I make Sticky Finger Salad at home, I like to have everything ready so the process flows smoothly. From the tools that make prep effortless to the key ingredients that give the salad its signature flavor, having your kitchen set up before you start ensures a stress-free cooking experience.

🛠 Essential Tools for Success

To keep your chicken crispy and your salad fresh, the right tools are important. I recommend a large mixing bowl for tossing your greens, a whisk for blending dressings, and tongs for coating the chicken in its sticky glaze without losing that crunchy breading. A baking sheet works perfectly for oven-baking chicken tenders, while an air fryer delivers golden results in less time. These small choices in tools can make the difference between a salad that’s good and one that’s restaurant-quality.

🛒 Key Ingredients Overview

At the heart of this recipe are crispy breaded chicken tenders — either homemade or store-bought. The signature sticky sauce is a balance of hot sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of water for smooth consistency. For the salad base, I use fresh chopped romaine lettuce paired with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for a creamy bite. Cherry tomatoes bring color and freshness, while a generous drizzle of creamy ranch dressing ties it all together. Optional add-ins like sliced cucumbers, red onions, or croutons let you customize it to your taste.

Explore my Green Goddess Pasta Salad for another fresh, flavor-packed option to add to your salad collection.

🥬 Ingredients

The best Sticky Finger Salad starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. I’ve found that using crisp lettuce, perfectly cooked chicken, and a well-balanced sauce makes all the difference. This list gives you everything you need to recreate the restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen.

🐔 For the Chicken & Sauce

• 1 lb breaded chicken tenders – homemade or store-bought work well
• 1/2 cup hot sauce – adjust to match your desired spice intensity
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – for that signature sticky sweetness
• 1 tbsp water – aids in creating a smooth, well-blended sauce

To make the chicken unforgettable, coat it in the sticky glaze right before serving so the breading stays crispy.

🥗 For the Salad Base

• 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce – crisp, refreshing, and full of crunch
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – adds a creamy, tangy bite
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – mild and melty
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – bursting with sweet, juicy freshness
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing – creamy balance to the heat
• Optional toppings: sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced red onions, or crunchy croutons

Pro tip: Keep your lettuce chilled until right before assembly — it makes the salad extra refreshing.

Try my Carrot Ribbon Salad Recipe if you love adding colorful, fresh sides to your meals.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Making Sticky Finger Salad at home is simple once you break it down into three easy steps. By prepping the chicken, assembling the salad base, and adding the finishing touches right before serving, you’ll capture the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch every time.

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cook the breaded chicken tenders according to the package instructions or air fry them at 400°F for 10–12 minutes until crispy. While the chicken cooks, make the sticky sauce by combining hot sauce, brown sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully melts and the sauce thickens to a light, glossy consistency. Toss the cooked chicken in the sticky glaze until every piece is coated. This flavorful sweet-and-spicy chicken serves as the star component of the irresistibly tasty Sticky Finger Salad.

🥗 Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Place the chopped romaine lettuce into a large serving bowl, creating a fresh and crisp base. Layer on the cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses for color and creaminess. To personalize your Sticky Finger Salad, now’s the perfect moment to toss in cucumbers, red onions, or crunchy croutons for added texture. Slice the sticky glazed chicken into strips and arrange it neatly over the greens.

🥄 Step 3: Dress & Serve

Drizzle the salad generously with ranch dressing, making sure to cover the chicken and greens evenly. Serve the Sticky Finger Salad immediately to preserve the crispy texture of the chicken. For an extra treat, pair it with garlic bread or a chilled fruit salad for a complete meal.

For more ideas on combining sweet and spicy flavors, try my California Roll Salad Recipe — it’s another fusion dish that’s as fresh as it is flavorful.

🧮 Nutrition Score (Per Serving)

One of the most appealing things about making Sticky Finger Salad at home is knowing exactly what goes into it. While this salad is definitely indulgent, it also provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s helpful to understand what each serving delivers nutritionally.

⚖ Balanced Indulgence

A single serving of Sticky Finger Salad comes in around 620 calories. Most of that comes from the crispy breaded chicken and the creamy ranch dressing. The chicken provides 35 oz of protein, giving the salad its satisfying, hearty feel. The ranch and cheese contribute to the 29 oz of fat, which is where a lot of that irresistible flavor comes from.

🍽 Nutritional Breakdown

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 35 oz
• Fat: 29 oz
• Carbohydrates: 47 oz
• Fiber: 5 oz
• Sodium: 1,050 mg

If you’d like to make your Sticky Finger Salad lighter, try using grilled chicken instead of breaded, and swap part of the ranch for a light vinaigrette. Even small tweaks like this can lower the calorie count while keeping the sweet-and-spicy essence that makes Sticky Finger Salad so unforgettable.

You might also enjoy my Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe if you’re looking for another flavorful, fresh option.

🥡 Serving & Storage

To enjoy Sticky Finger Salad at its finest, ensure the chicken remains crunchy, the lettuce stays cool, and the flavors stay lively and fresh. The way you serve and store this salad can make a huge difference in taste and texture.

🍽 Best Way to Serve

For peak freshness, assemble the Sticky Finger Salad right after coating the chicken in its sticky glaze and serve without delay. The combination of warm, sweet-and-spicy chicken over chilled greens creates a contrast that makes each bite memorable. I like pairing the salad with garlic bread or even a light fruit salad for a refreshing balance. If you’re making Sticky Finger Salad for guests, keep the dressing on the side so everyone can control the amount.

🥶 Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can still be tasty if stored properly. Keep any undressed Sticky Finger Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the sticky chicken separately in another container to maintain its crunch. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the chicken in an air fryer or oven to bring back that crispy texture before adding it to your chilled greens.

If you enjoy cold, refreshing salads as much as I do, try my California Roll Salad Recipe for another creative option.

🔄 Variations

One of the best parts about making Sticky Finger Salad at home is the freedom to customize it. The core elements — crispy chicken, sticky sweet-and-spicy glaze, crisp lettuce, and creamy dressing — are versatile enough to handle countless twists. Whether you’re cooking for spice lovers, seeking a healthier option, or just want to experiment with bold new flavors, these variations keep the dish exciting every time you serve it.

🥗 Healthier & Lighter Sticky Finger Salad

For a lighter version, swap out breaded chicken tenders for grilled or air-fried chicken breast without the breading. This rapidly reduces fat and carb intake while still providing a generous boost of protein. For a lighter yet creamy touch, replace half the ranch dressing with a tangy vinaigrette or a Greek yogurt–based ranch. Adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or avocado slices not only boosts nutrition but also makes the salad more colorful and refreshing.

🌶 Extra Spicy or Smoky BBQ Twist

Spice lovers can kick up their Sticky Finger Salad by mixing cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes right into the sticky glaze for an extra fiery punch. You could even swap in a habanero hot sauce for serious spice. On the flip side, for those who prefer smoky over spicy, replace the hot sauce entirely with a tangy BBQ sauce. You’ll get the same sticky texture but with a rich, barbecue flavor that pairs beautifully with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

🍋 Mediterranean-Inspired Sticky Finger Salad

Give your Sticky Finger Salad a Mediterranean spin by replacing the ranch with tzatziki sauce and adding toppings like sliced kalamata olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and crumbled feta cheese. Replace the classic sweet-and-spicy glaze with a honey-lemon drizzle accented by a touch of oregano for a brighter, herb-focused flavor.

🥑 Southwest-Style Sticky Finger Salad

Transform your Sticky Finger Salad into a Southwest-inspired meal by adding black beans, corn, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Replace the ranch with a smooth chipotle dressing for a smoky twist, and toss the chicken in a chipotle-infused sticky glaze to pack in even more bold flavor.

For another creative chicken-based salad idea, try my Cold Chicken Caesar Pizza Salad — it’s a unique twist that proves salads can be both playful and satisfying.

❓ FAQs

🏁 Conclusion

Sticky Finger Salad isn’t just another chicken salad — it’s a perfect fusion of bold flavors, crisp textures, and comfort-food satisfaction. The tender chicken coated in a sweet-and-spicy glaze gives every bite a flavor punch, while the fresh romaine, juicy tomatoes, and creamy ranch bring cool balance. I’ve made this salad countless times for family dinners, friendly get-togethers, and even potlucks, and it’s always the dish that disappears first.

What makes Sticky Finger Salad so special is its ability to fit any occasion. It’s casual enough for a weekday lunch, yet impressive enough to serve when you’re hosting. The recipe is also highly adaptable — you can turn up the heat with extra spices, tone it down for kids, or swap in grilled chicken for a lighter twist. That flexibility is why it has remained one of my go-to recipes over the years.

Another reason I keep coming back to Sticky Finger Salad is how quickly it comes together. With only about 25 minutes from start to finish, you get a meal that feels indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated steps or exotic ingredients to create something truly memorable.

If you’ve been craving restaurant-quality flavor at home, this recipe delivers exactly that. Once you try the combination of sticky glazed chicken and crisp, colorful salad, you’ll understand why so many people have fallen in love with Sticky Finger Salad since its Winger’s Grill & Bar debut in the late 1990s.

Explore my California Roll Salad Recipe for another creative, flavor-packed dish that balances freshness with indulgence.