Are you looking for a deliciously satisfying meal that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and spicy? Look no further than these Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip. This recipe is tailored for those who crave a bit of heat with a touch of sweetness, making it ideal for family dinners, game days, or any casual get-together. The chicken tenders are coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and glazed with a tantalizing honey and hot sauce mixture that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Paired with a creamy ranch dip, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone!
Not only are these chicken tenders easy to prepare, but they also provide a fantastic opportunity to customize the level of spiciness according to your preference. Plus, they can be served as a main dish or a finger food, making them incredibly versatile. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip. Here are just a few:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet honey with spicy hot sauce creates a flavor profile that is both unique and addictive. The glaze caramelizes beautifully as it bakes, resulting in a sticky and irresistible coating.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it a breeze to whip up on a busy weeknight. Even novice cooks will find it manageable and rewarding!
- Healthier Option: Baking the chicken instead of frying it significantly reduces the fat content while still delivering that satisfying crunch. You can indulge without the guilt!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a party, or a casual gathering, these chicken tenders are sure to please a crowd. Serve them up with a side of veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Customization: The recipe allows you to adjust the spice level by varying the amount of hot sauce used in the glaze. You can easily tailor it to suit your taste or your guests’ preferences.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Trying out the Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip recipe is a decision you won’t regret. Here’s why:
- Quick Preparation: With a prep time of less than 30 minutes and cook time of about 25 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love finger foods, and these tenders are no exception! Your little ones will enjoy dipping them in ranch, making it an excellent way to get them excited about dinner.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These chicken tenders are great for meal prepping. Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week. They taste just as good reheated!
- Garnish and Serve: You can elevate your serving game by garnishing the chicken tenders with fresh herbs or sesame seeds, making them visually appealing and even more delicious.
- Versatile Pairing: While this recipe features a delicious ranch dip, feel free to pair it with other sauces like BBQ, garlic aioli, or even a spicy mayo for an exciting twist!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
To whip up these Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Ranch Dip:
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Tools or Utensils:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Shallow bowls (for coating the chicken)
- Whisk (for beating eggs)
- Brush (for applying the glaze)
- Small saucepan (for making the glaze)
These utensils will ensure that you achieve the best results while preparing your Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip.
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the detailed steps to prepare the Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip.
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs, and in a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken tenders in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake the Chicken: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the chicken tenders on it. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken tenders. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Spicy Honey Glaze: While the chicken is baking, combine honey and hot sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until well combined and warmed through, then remove from heat.
- Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken tenders are done baking, remove them from the oven and brush the spicy honey glaze generously over each tender.
- Prepare the Ranch Dip: In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the spicy honey glazed chicken tenders warm with the ranch dip on the side. Enjoy!
**Cooking Tips:**
- For an extra crispy coating, consider double-dipping the chicken tenders. After the first breading, dip them again in the egg and breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices in the flour mixture to suit your taste preferences.
FAQs
What can I serve with Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders?
These chicken tenders pair well with a variety of sides such as coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with different dipping sauces like BBQ or sweet chili.
How can I make these chicken tenders spicier?
To increase the heat level, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or increase the amount of hot sauce in the glaze. You can also use a hotter variety of hot sauce.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, chicken breasts can be cut into strips and used in place of tenders. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as larger pieces may take longer to cook through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to make this recipe gluten-free.
In conclusion, these Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip are a delightful addition to any meal plan. They’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. We invite you to try this recipe and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below, or share this recipe with your friends. Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our other creations like Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders with Ranch Sauce and Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp and Orzo with Chili Sauce.
Looking for more inspiration? Visit our Pinterest page for a plethora of tasty ideas!
Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Saucepan
- Bowls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken tenders Approximately 450g
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper Adjust to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 Large eggs
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup Honey
- 2 tablespoons Hot sauce Adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Ranch Dip Ingredients
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dried dill
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the chicken tenders in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the chicken tenders on it.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken tenders.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken is baking, combine honey and hot sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until well combined and warmed through, then remove from heat.
- Once the chicken tenders are done baking, remove them from the oven and brush the spicy honey glaze generously over each tender.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Serve the spicy honey glazed chicken tenders warm with the ranch dip on the side.
