Recreate the Magic: The Ultimate Winger’s Copycat Sticky Chicken Salad Recipe at Home

There’s nothing quite like a well-crafted salad that excites your taste buds with every bite. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at Winger’s, you likely remember their iconic Sticky Chicken Salad. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors. Imagine crisp romaine lettuce, sweet dried cranberries, finely shredded carrots, savory cheese, and, of course, those irresistible sticky chicken fingers coated in their legendary Amazing Sauce. For years, I dreamt of recreating this masterpiece at home, and I’m thrilled to say, this copycat Winger’s Sticky Chicken Salad recipe turned out absolutely amazing! It brings all the nostalgic flavors right to your kitchen table. Get ready to indulge in a truly satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

Reliving the Winger’s Experience: More Than Just a Meal

For many, the name Winger’s evokes a wave of nostalgia. Does anyone else remember the days of Winger’s being a staple for family dinners or casual outings? While some locations might have closed, the memory of their signature dishes, especially the Winger’s Sticky Chicken Finger Salad, lives on. I vividly recall the St. George location, which I believe is still open, and the excitement of every visit. It wasn’t just the food; it was the whole experience. As a kid, I thought it was incredibly cool that they served popcorn before the meal. And what made that popcorn even better? Dipping it into their famous “Creamy Amazing Sauce” – a delightful blend of their unique Amazing Sauce and classic ranch dressing. It truly was, and still is, so good!

Recently, my quest to relive those delicious memories led me to a bottle of Winger’s Amazing Sauce at Costco. Finding that sauce was like unearthing a culinary treasure! I knew instantly that it was time to bring my all-time favorite, the sticky finger salad, to life in my own kitchen. This discovery was the catalyst for finally perfecting this homemade Winger’s copycat recipe, allowing us all to enjoy those irresistible flavors without needing to visit the restaurant.

Crafting the Perfect Air Fryer Sticky Chicken: Quick & Easy

The star of this Winger’s copycat sticky chicken salad is undoubtedly the sticky chicken itself. That sweet and savory glaze is what makes it so distinct and utterly delicious. The good news is, making this sticky chicken at home is surprisingly simple, especially if you have the Winger’s Amazing Sauce on hand. I’ve found that using an air fryer makes the process incredibly quick and yields perfectly crispy, saucy chicken every time.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Sticky Chicken Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
2. First Fry of Chicken Nuggets: Place your chosen frozen, pre-made chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for approximately 6 minutes. This initial cooking step helps them become golden and slightly crisp before adding the sauce.
3. Coat with Amazing Sauce: Once the chicken nuggets are baked, transfer them to a bowl. Pour the Winger’s Amazing Sauce over them and toss gently to ensure each nugget is thoroughly coated. The sauce should adhere beautifully, giving them that signature sticky texture.
4. Second Fry for Glazing: Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper (make sure it’s air fryer safe and doesn’t block air circulation). Carefully place the sauced chicken nuggets back into the air fryer. Fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. This crucial step allows the sauce to caramelize and bake onto the chicken, creating that irresistible sticky glaze.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the perfectly glazed sticky chicken from the air fryer. They are now ready to be added to your salad or enjoyed on their own!

For the chicken nuggets, I personally love the Member’s Mark Southern Style Chicken Bites from Sam’s Club for their excellent flavor and texture, but feel free to use any brand of frozen chicken nuggets or chicken tenders you prefer. The key is the sauce!

As mentioned, I was fortunate to find Winger’s Amazing Sauce at my local Costco. However, if you can’t find it in your area, don’t worry! I’ve also found an Amazon link where you can purchase it online, ensuring you don’t miss out on this essential ingredient for your copycat Winger’s Sticky Chicken Salad.

Building Your Dreamy Sticky Chicken Salad: The Perfect Combination

Once your sticky chicken fingers are ready, it’s time to assemble the salad. The beauty of the Winger’s Sticky Chicken Salad lies in its balanced combination of fresh, crisp vegetables, chewy dried fruit, crunchy seeds, and creamy cheese, all tied together by a fantastic dressing. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this delightful salad:

Essential Ingredients for the Ultimate Salad:

• Romaine Lettuce: The foundation of our salad, offering a wonderful crisp texture and fresh taste. Make sure it’s washed and thoroughly dried for the best crunch.
• Cooked Sticky Chicken Fingers: The star protein, providing that signature sweet, savory, and sticky flavor.
• Cucumbers: Fresh, hydrating, and offering a cool, crisp contrast to the richer elements. Slice them thinly or dice them for easy mixing.
• Carrots: Shredded carrots add a touch of sweetness, vibrant color, and an extra layer of crunch.
• Broccoli: Small florets of broccoli add a subtle earthy flavor and nutritional boost. You can lightly steam them if you prefer a softer texture, but raw adds more crunch.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese brings a delightful creaminess and savory depth that complements the chicken and dressing.
• Craisins (Dried Cranberries): These are crucial for the salad’s unique flavor profile, adding a burst of sweet-tart chewiness that perfectly balances the savory notes.
• Sunflower Seeds: For that essential nutty crunch and added texture.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Another excellent source of healthy fats and a satisfying textural element. Their slightly earthy flavor works well with the other ingredients.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes contribute a juicy sweetness and a pop of color to the salad.
• Ranch Dressing: A classic, creamy dressing that forms the base of the “Creamy Amazing Sauce.”
• Amazing Sauce: The legendary Winger’s sauce, which you’ll mix with the ranch for the ultimate dressing, and also use to coat your chicken.

Crafting the Dressing:

The “Creamy Amazing Sauce” is what truly elevates this sticky chicken salad. To make it, simply combine your preferred ranch dressing with Winger’s Amazing Sauce. The ratio can be adjusted to your liking, but a good starting point is equal parts or slightly more ranch for a creamier consistency. This blend creates a unique, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing that coats every ingredient beautifully, bringing all the flavors together harmoniously.

Tips for the Best Sticky Chicken Salad Experience

• Freshness is Key: Always use the freshest possible romaine lettuce and vegetables for maximum crunch and flavor.
• Chill Your Ingredients: A cold salad is a delicious salad! Ensure all your prepped vegetables and the dressing are chilled before assembling.
• Don’t Overdress: Add dressing incrementally. You want to coat the salad, not drown it. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
• Toasted Seeds: For an even deeper nutty flavor, lightly toast your sunflower and pumpkin seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant before adding them to the salad.
• Customization: Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Add avocado for healthy fats, bell peppers for extra crunch, or even a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for a smoky twist. You could also experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or a Colby-Jack blend.
• Make Ahead Tips: Prep your vegetables, cook your chicken, and mix your dressing in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winger’s Sticky Chicken Salad

Q: Can I use grilled chicken instead of air-fried nuggets?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter option, grill or bake chicken breasts, then dice them and toss with Winger’s Amazing Sauce. It will still be delicious, just with a slightly different texture.

Q: What if I can’t find Winger’s Amazing Sauce?
A: While the original sauce is key for an authentic copycat, you can try a homemade version. Many recipes for a “sweet and spicy chili sauce” or “Asian sticky sauce” can be adapted. Look for recipes combining soy sauce, honey/brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sriracha or chili flakes. It won’t be identical, but it will capture the essence of sticky chicken.

Q: Can I prepare this salad for meal prep?
A: Yes, with a few modifications. Keep the wet ingredients (dressing, sticky chicken) separate from the dry ingredients (lettuce, other veggies, seeds). Store them in separate containers and combine just before eating to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

Q: Is this salad spicy?
A: Winger’s Amazing Sauce has a distinct sweet and tangy flavor with a very mild hint of spice. It’s generally not considered spicy for most palates, but individuals sensitive to spice might detect a slight warmth.

Q: Can I add other nuts instead of sunflower and pumpkin seeds?
A: Definitely! Pecans, walnuts, or even candied almonds would be excellent additions, providing different flavor and texture profiles to your Winger’s Sticky Chicken Salad.

If you give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, or snap a photo and tag it with @TheAlexDaynes on Instagram!  I love to see what you’ve been cooking. It always makes my day!

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