Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than these Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with Tangy Lime Ranch. This recipe brings together the mouthwatering sweetness of honey, the savory notes of garlic, and the refreshing tang of lime in a creamy ranch dip that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply craving a comforting meal, these chicken tenders promise to deliver satisfaction with every bite.
Perfectly baked to golden-brown perfection, these chicken tenders are coated in a crunchy layer of Panko breadcrumbs that add an irresistible texture. The secret lies in the honey garlic glaze that’s drizzled on top, which seeps into the chicken, making it tender and juicy. Pair this with a homemade tangy lime ranch sauce, and you have a dish that’s not just a meal but an experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to love these Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with Tangy Lime Ranch. First and foremost, the flavor profile is simply unbeatable. The sweetness of honey balances beautifully with the savory garlic and the umami of soy sauce, creating a delicious glaze that will leave you wanting more. As for the tangy lime ranch, it adds a fresh twist that cuts through the richness of the chicken, making each bite feel light and refreshing.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes!
- Kid-Approved: Kids love chicken tenders, and the sweet honey glaze makes them even more appealing. Pair it with the ranch for a fun dipping experience!
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the glaze and ranch sauce to suit your preferences. Add more lime for a zestier flavor or spice it up with some chili flakes!
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, making them a great choice for families.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re looking for a new go-to recipe that combines ease, flavor, and healthiness, then these Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with Tangy Lime Ranch are a must-try! The baking method ensures that the chicken remains moist and tender, while the Panko breadcrumb coating provides the perfect crunch that everyone loves. Not only does this recipe satisfy hunger, but it also impresses with its fantastic flavor.
Additionally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve these chicken tenders with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even on a bed of rice. They are equally delicious as leftovers, making them perfect for meal prep or lunch the next day. The honey garlic glaze is adaptable too; you can experiment with different types of honey or soy sauce to create your unique twist.
Moreover, the homemade tangy lime ranch is a game changer. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a dressing that’s far superior to store-bought versions. The freshness of lime juice and zest combined with creamy mayo and sour cream creates a dip that’s perfect for not just the chicken tenders, but also for vegetables and chips.
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Ingredients for Tangy Lime Ranch
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Necessary Utensils
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Three shallow bowls for breading
- Whisk for beating eggs
- Mixing bowls for sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula for flipping chicken tenders
Using the right tools can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. These utensils will help you achieve the perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with Tangy Lime Ranch without any hassle!
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the preparation of these scrumptious chicken tenders.
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the chicken tenders bake evenly and prevent them from sticking.
- Prepare the breading station: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will form the first layer of flavor and will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- Beat the eggs: In another bowl, beat the two large eggs until well combined. This egg wash acts as glue for the breadcrumbs.
- Coat the chicken: Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl. Take each chicken tender, dip it into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumbs. Make sure each tender is fully covered for optimal crunchiness. Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and vegetable oil. Drizzle half of this mixture over the coated chicken tenders, reserving the other half for later.
- Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should be golden brown and cooked through when ready.
- Prepare the tangy lime ranch: While the chicken is baking, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, dried dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. This ranch dressing adds a tangy kick that complements the sweetness of the chicken.
- Finish and serve: Once the chicken tenders are cooked and golden, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the remaining honey garlic sauce over the top before serving. Enjoy them warm with the tangy lime ranch on the side for dipping.
FAQs
Can I make Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with Tangy Lime Ranch ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time by coating them and storing them in the refrigerator for a few hours. Bake them just before you plan to serve for the best results.
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders?
These chicken tenders pair well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice. You can also serve them as an appetizer with the tangy lime ranch dip.
How do I store leftovers of Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness.
Can I make the ranch dressing in advance?
Absolutely! The tangy lime ranch dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips as an alternative to chicken tenderloins. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly, as the cooking time may vary slightly.
Conclusion
In summary, the Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with Tangy Lime Ranch is a delicious, quick, and healthy dish that your whole family will love. The combination of sweet and savory flavors paired with a tangy, creamy dip is sure to impress at any meal. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below or share this recipe with friends on social media!
For more delightful recipes, check out our other favorites such as Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders with Garlic Ranch Sauce or Honey Garlic Chicken Strips with Tangy Ranch Sauce.
And if you’re looking for inspiration, don’t forget to visit our Pinterest page here for more amazing recipes!

Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with Tangy Lime Ranch
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Bowls
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 Large eggs
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
Tangy Lime Ranch Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Lime zest
- 1 teaspoon Dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and vegetable oil.
- Drizzle half of the honey garlic mixture over the chicken tenders, reserving the other half for later.
- Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, dried dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the oven and drizzle the remaining honey garlic sauce over the top. Serve warm with the Tangy Lime Ranch on the side for dipping.