Spicy BBQ Chicken Strips with Garlic Ranch Sauce

Posted on August 28, 2025

Spicy BBQ Chicken Strips with Garlic Ranch Sauce

Welcome to a mouthwatering culinary adventure with our Spicy BBQ Chicken Strips with Garlic Ranch Sauce! Perfectly seasoned, crispy chicken strips are coated in a spicy BBQ glaze that will tantalize your taste buds. Paired with a creamy garlic ranch sauce, this dish is ideal for family dinners, game nights, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is simple, delicious, and bound to become a favorite in your household.

In this article, we’ll explore why you’ll love this recipe, why you should try it, the ingredients and utensils required, detailed cooking steps, and even a handy FAQ section to answer your burning questions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Spicy BBQ Chicken Strips with Garlic Ranch Sauce is a delightful fusion of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices in the coating and the sweet, tangy BBQ sauce create a flavor explosion that is hard to resist. Each bite is crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
  • Easy to Make: With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you have unexpected guests.
  • Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. If you like it extra spicy, add more cayenne pepper; if you prefer it milder, reduce the amount.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, preparing a casual family dinner, or having a movie night, these chicken strips fit the bill. They can be served as a main course or as an appetizer.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Making a large batch is easy, and they can be stored in the fridge for a quick reheat during the week. Pair them with salads or wraps for a perfect meal.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Not only is this Spicy BBQ Chicken Strips with Garlic Ranch Sauce recipe delicious, but it also offers a range of benefits:

  • Healthier Alternative: Baking instead of frying reduces the overall fat content, making this a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken strips.
  • Kid-Friendly: The flavors are appealing to children, making it an easy way to get them to enjoy chicken and vegetables when served alongside some crunchy veggies.
  • Impressive Presentation: The golden-brown color and shiny BBQ glaze are visually appealing, making it perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party.
  • Pairing Versatility: These chicken strips pair well with a variety of sides, including coleslaw, corn on the cob, or even a simple green salad. The options are endless!
  • Time-Saving: This recipe can be prepared in under 1 hour, making it a great option for those with busy lifestyles.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Here’s what you’ll need to create your Spicy BBQ Chicken Strips with Garlic Ranch Sauce:

Ingredients for the Chicken Strips:

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)

Ingredients for the Garlic Ranch Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Recommended Utensils:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Shallow dish for coating
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or fork
  • Cooking brush (for BBQ sauce)

With these ingredients and utensils, you’re all set to create a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process:

For the Chicken Strips:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips and buttermilk. Make sure all pieces are submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
  2. Prepare the Coating: In a separate shallow dish, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create a flavorful crust on your chicken.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Place the coated strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking.
  5. Bake: Bake the chicken strips in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. For an extra burst of flavor, brush the strips with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.

For the Garlic Ranch Sauce:

  1. Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Stir until well mixed and smooth.
  2. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

FAQs

What can I serve with Spicy BBQ Chicken Strips with Garlic Ranch Sauce?

These chicken strips pair excellently with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them in wraps for a quick meal!

Can I make the chicken strips ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken strips in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat them in the oven before serving for the best texture.

Can I use a different sauce instead of BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different sauces such as honey mustard, teriyaki, or even hot sauce for a spicier kick.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a crispy texture.

How can I make the chicken strips spicier?

You can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating mixture or add a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for an extra kick.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Spicy BBQ Chicken Strips with Garlic Ranch Sauce is a delectable recipe that combines flavor, ease of preparation, and versatility. With its crispy exterior and juicy chicken, it’s sure to be a hit in any household. We encourage you to try it out, share your experience in the comments, and spread the love by sharing this article with friends and family!

For more delicious recipes, check out these links:
Teriyaki Salmon Bites with Pineapple Glaze and
Spicy Cajun Chicken Strips with Ranch Dressing.

Looking for more inspiration? Visit our Pinterest page for a plethora of tasty ideas: Che Flora on Pinterest.

Spicy BBQ Chicken Strips with Garlic Ranch Sauce

Spicy BBQ Chicken Strips with Garlic Ranch Sauce

Crispy and spicy chicken strips coated in BBQ sauce served with a creamy garlic ranch dipping sauce.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowls

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chicken breast, cut into strips (450g)
  • 1 cup Buttermilk
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
  • 2 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce your choice

Garlic Ranch Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken strips and buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
  • In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Place on a baking sheet.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Bake the chicken strips in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste and mix until smooth.

Notes

Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping and enjoy your spicy chicken strips!
Keyword bbq, chicken, dipping sauce, spicy

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