Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders with Ranch Sauce

If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously crispy chicken dish that combines sweet, savory, and creamy flavors, look no further than these Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders with Ranch Sauce. This recipe will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table or for your next gathering. Imagine juicy, tender chicken coated with a crunchy, golden-brown crust, drizzled with a rich honey butter sauce and served with a zesty ranch dip. It’s the perfect combination that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests!

These chicken tenders are not just easy to make but also require simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. The buttermilk marinade ensures that the chicken remains tender and flavorful, while the panko breadcrumbs provide that extra crunch. The honey butter adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory chicken, and the homemade ranch sauce is the cherry on top. Trust us, you won’t be able to eat just one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this recipe. Firstly, the combination of textures is simply irresistible. The crispy coating gives way to juicy chicken that practically melts in your mouth, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Secondly, the flavor profile is a beautiful balance of sweet and savory. The honey butter glaze elevates the dish, creating an unforgettable taste experience.

Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve these chicken tenders as a main dish or as a delightful appetizer at parties. Pair them with a side salad for a light meal or add them to a sandwich for a hearty lunch. The ranch sauce pairs beautifully, adding a creamy and tangy element that ties everything together.

Another fantastic aspect of this recipe is its simplicity. The detailed steps make it easy for both novice and experienced cooks to whip up a batch of these crispy chicken tenders. Plus, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and fry them just before serving, which is perfect for entertaining guests. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser on your hands in no time!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival homemade chicken tenders. This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it features a simple marinade that not only tenderizes the chicken but infuses it with flavor. The buttermilk is packed with probiotics that help to create a juicy tender without the need for extensive marinating time.

Additionally, using panko breadcrumbs provides a unique crunch that traditional breadcrumbs can’t match. This recipe ensures that each bite is satisfying, with a delightful crunch that enhances the overall eating experience. The honey butter drizzle is what takes these chicken tenders over the top, providing a sweet contrast that you won’t soon forget.

Finally, the homemade ranch sauce is a game-changer. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, and making it from scratch means you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. Not only does it taste better than store-bought versions, but it also adds a personal touch to your dish. The combination of crispy chicken and creamy ranch sauce is simply divine!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Tenders:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Oil for frying
• For the Honey Butter:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Ranch Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Necessary Utensils

• Mixing bowls
• Shallow dish for dredging
• Deep skillet or fryer
• Meat thermometer
• Whisk
• Paper towels
• Tongs or slotted spoon for frying

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients and utensils ready, let’s dive into the detailed preparation steps for your Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders with Ranch Sauce.

1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This mixture will serve as a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want even more flavor.

2. Dredge the Chicken:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs. This combination creates a crunchy exterior that is essential for crispy chicken tenders.
2. Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour and panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.

3. Fry the Chicken Tenders:

1. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
2. Carefully place the chicken tenders in the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

4. Make the Honey Butter:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and salt until it is well combined. This mixture will create a sweet glaze that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
2. Drizzle the honey butter over the hot chicken tenders while they are still warm, allowing it to soak in for maximum flavor.

5. Prepare the Ranch Sauce:

1. In another mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning if necessary to suit your preference.

6. Serve:

1. Serve the crispy honey butter chicken tenders warm with the ranch sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders with Ranch Sauce are a must-try for anyone who enjoys chicken dishes that are bursting with flavor. With their crispy exterior, juicy interior, and delightful honey butter glaze, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to serve them with the creamy ranch sauce for the ultimate dipping experience.

We hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness it brings to your table. If you loved this recipe, please leave a comment below, share it with your friends, and check out our other recipes for more culinary inspiration! You might also enjoy Sticky Honey Glazed Chicken Wings or Garlic Butter Salmon Bites for your next meal.

For more delicious ideas, check out our Pinterest page!

Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders with Ranch Sauce

These crispy honey butter chicken tenders are perfectly seasoned, coated in a crunchy panko crust, and drizzled with sweet honey butter, served with a creamy ranch sauce for dipping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Deep skillet or fryer
• Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken tenders
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• as needed Oil for frying

Honey Butter

• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter melted
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Ranch Sauce

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dried dill
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add the chicken tenders, making sure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
• In a shallow dish, mix together flour and panko breadcrumbs. Set aside.
• Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C).
• Remove chicken tenders from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour and panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
• Fry the chicken tenders in batches for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, and salt until well combined.
• Drizzle the honey butter over the hot chicken tenders while they are still warm.
• In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth.
• Serve the crispy honey butter chicken tenders warm with the ranch sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. You can also adjust the spice levels by adding cayenne pepper to the dredging mixture.

Keyword chicken tenders, Honey Butter, ranch sauce