Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with Chili Ranch Dip

Lora Lopez

Posted on August 1, 2025

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with Chili Ranch Dip

Welcome to a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Today, we’re diving into a delectable recipe for Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with Chili Ranch Dip. This dish combines the irresistible crunch of perfectly fried chicken tenders with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, all paired with a zesty chili ranch dip that elevates the entire experience. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a game day snack, or a cozy night in, these chicken tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

In this article, we will walk you through every step of the recipe, share tips for achieving that perfect crunch, and highlight why this dish is a must-try. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy chicken tender that’s both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with Chili Ranch Dip not only deliver on taste but also on texture. The combination of panko breadcrumbs and a quick fry ensures that each bite is satisfyingly crunchy. But it doesn’t stop there these tenders are then tossed in a luscious honey garlic sauce that beautifully balances sweet and savory flavors.

The chili ranch dip adds an exciting twist, providing a creamy, spicy kick that complements the honey garlic sauce perfectly. This dynamic duo of flavors makes these chicken tenders a hit at any gathering. Plus, they are incredibly versatile! Serve them as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as part of a fun finger food spread.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to whip up this dish even on a busy weeknight. It’s perfect for families, and the kids will love getting involved in the cooking process. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a little bit of kitchen creativity?

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about satisfying your taste buds; it’s also about creating memorable moments in the kitchen. Cooking together is a fantastic way to bond with family and friends, and this dish is perfect for involving everyone. Kids will have a blast dipping the chicken tenders into the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixtures, and they’ll be proud to see the final product.

Moreover, this dish is adaptable. Feel free to tweak the spice level of the chili ranch dip to suit your family’s preferences or experiment with different herbs and spices in the honey garlic sauce. The recipe is a canvas for your culinary skills, allowing you to make it your own!

Let’s not forget the health aspect. Chicken tenders are a lean source of protein, and when paired with a homemade dip, you can control the ingredients and make healthier choices. The use of fresh garlic in the honey garlic sauce not only enhances the flavor but also adds health benefits, as garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Chili Ranch Dip:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Necessary Utensils

Large skillet for frying
Shallow bowls for breading
Paper towels for draining
Small saucepan for sauce preparation
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Having the right tools will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. A large skillet is essential for getting that perfect fry on the chicken tenders, while shallow bowls make the breading process much easier.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process! Follow these detailed steps to create your Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with Chili Ranch Dip.

1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders

In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will create a flavorful coating for your chicken.
In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. Panko will give your tenders that delightful crunch.

2. Coat the Chicken

Take each chicken tender and dip it first into the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour.
Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any surplus to drip off. This step is crucial for getting a good coating of breadcrumbs.
Finally, coat the tender in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well. This step gives the tenders their signature crunch.

3. Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to fry the chicken but not so hot that it burns.
Once hot, carefully add the chicken tenders in batches. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Always monitor the temperature to maintain even cooking.
Remove the cooked tenders and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This helps keep them crispy.

4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. This concentrated flavor will coat your chicken perfectly.
Toss the cooked chicken tenders in the honey garlic sauce until well coated. Make sure each tender is generously covered for maximum flavor.

5. Prepare the Chili Ranch Dip

In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, sriracha, chili powder, and chopped chives until well combined. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level.

6. Serve

Serve the Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders hot, alongside the chili ranch dip on the side. Enjoy the delightful contrast of flavors!

FAQs

What’s the best way to keep chicken tenders crispy?

To keep your chicken tenders crispy, avoid stacking them right after frying. Place them on a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to allow air circulation. You can also reheat them in an oven to retain their crunch.

Can I make the honey garlic sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the honey garlic sauce in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it on the stove before tossing your chicken tenders in it.

How can I make the ranch dip spicier?

To make the ranch dip spicier, simply add more sriracha or include other spicy ingredients like cayenne pepper or jalapeño. Adjust to your taste preference for a fiery kick!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! You can cut chicken breasts into strips to make your own chicken tenders. Just ensure they are of similar thickness for even cooking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with Chili Ranch Dip is a delightful recipe that offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It is easy to prepare, making it suitable for any occasion, whether casual or special. We hope you enjoyed this recipe as much as we do and encourage you to share your experiences in the comments below.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, and check out more delicious recipes on our blog! For instance, try our Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip or Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Sauce for more tasty ideas. Happy cooking!

For more inspiration, don’t forget to visit our Pinterest page here!