Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders with Garlic Ranch Sauce

Posted on August 10, 2025

Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders with Garlic Ranch Sauce

If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine, look no further than these Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders with Garlic Ranch Sauce. This delicious recipe combines the crunch of perfectly baked chicken tenders with a sweet and spicy glaze and a creamy garlic ranch dipping sauce. Perfect for family dinners or game day snacks, these chicken tenders will surely impress your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.

In this article, we’ll take you through everything from the ingredients you’ll need to detailed instructions and cooking tips to ensure your chicken tenders come out perfectly every time. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in a meal that balances flavors beautifully while being easy to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why the Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders with Garlic Ranch Sauce will become a new favorite in your household. First and foremost, the combination of sweet and spicy flavors creates a harmonious balance that is both satisfying and addictive. The honey adds a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the heat from the sriracha and cayenne pepper.

Moreover, these chicken tenders are baked rather than fried, making them a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Using panko breadcrumbs gives them an extra crunch, while the baking method ensures they remain juicy and tender on the inside. You’ll feel good serving these to your family and guests.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can serve these tenders as a main dish, a snack, or even as part of a party platter. Pair them with the garlic ranch sauce for dipping, and you have a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will enjoy. Plus, the recipe is straightforward enough for novice cooks to master while providing enough flavor and flair to impress seasoned chefs.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This recipe is not just about taste; it’s also about ease and convenience. Preparing Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders with Garlic Ranch Sauce requires minimal effort and time. With just a few simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you can whip up a delicious meal that feels gourmet.

Additionally, cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and make adjustments based on personal preferences. If you like it extra spicy, add more sriracha or cayenne to the glaze. Prefer a milder flavor? Simply reduce the heat and enjoy the sweet honey flavor. The flexibility of this recipe makes it perfect for accommodating various dietary preferences and spice tolerances.

Moreover, these chicken tenders can be stored for later, making them an ideal meal prep option. Cook a big batch and keep them in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat and serve with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a delicious meal ready in minutes.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken Tenders:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • For the Garlic Ranch Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Recommended Tools

  • Parchment paper or baking sheet
  • Three mixing bowls (for coating the chicken)
  • Small saucepan (for the glaze)
  • Whisk or fork (for beating the eggs)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven mitts (for handling hot trays)

Detailed Recipe Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. In a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will provide a flavorful coating for your chicken tenders.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Take each chicken tender and dip it first into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Then, dip it into the egg to help the breadcrumbs stick, followed by the breadcrumbs themselves. Make sure each tender is well-coated for maximum crunch.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching to achieve even cooking. Drizzle with olive oil to help them crisp up nicely in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is baking, it’s time to whip up the garlic ranch sauce. In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing, minced garlic, fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, sriracha, and soy sauce. Stir until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes. This glaze will add a deliciously sticky sweet and spicy flavor to your chicken tenders.

Step 6: Glaze the Chicken

Once the chicken tenders are done baking, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the spicy honey glaze over the top, tossing gently to ensure each tender is nicely coated. This step is crucial as it adds that scrumptious flavor that will keep you coming back for more!

FAQs

How do I store leftovers of Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders with Garlic Ranch Sauce?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F until heated through to maintain their crispiness.

Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and coat the chicken tenders ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. This makes for a speedy meal on busy days!

Can I make the garlic ranch sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic ranch sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop even further.

What sides go well with Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders with Garlic Ranch Sauce?

These tenders pair beautifully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or classic fries. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

How can I make these tenders gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders with Garlic Ranch Sauce, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Conclusion

In summary, these Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders with Garlic Ranch Sauce are a delightful addition to any meal. With their crispy exterior, juicy interior, and a deliciously sweet and spicy glaze, they are sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to pair them with the creamy garlic ranch sauce for that perfect dipping experience.

We invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below! If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends and family or pin it for later inspiration. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out our other favorites like Sweet Soy Beef Strips with Sesame Ginger Dipping Sauce and Spicy Chili Shrimp Skewers with Tangy Lime Dip!

For more culinary inspiration, don’t forget to check out our Pinterest for creative ideas: Cheflora Pinterest.

Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders with Garlic Ranch Sauce

Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders with Garlic Ranch Sauce

These Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders are crispy, tender, and coated in a sweet and spicy glaze, served with a creamy garlic ranch sauce for dipping.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chicken Tenders
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Panko)
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 2 tbsp Sriracha Adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil

Garlic Ranch Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice
  • 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 bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are well-coated.
  • Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through.
  • While the chicken is baking, in a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing, minced garlic, fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, sriracha, and soy sauce. Stir until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Once the chicken tenders are done baking, remove them from the oven and drizzle the spicy honey glaze over the top, tossing gently to coat.
  • Serve the spicy honey chicken tenders hot with the garlic ranch sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Adjust the sriracha and cayenne pepper to achieve your desired spice level.
Keyword chicken tenders, honey, ranch sauce, spicy

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