If you’re craving a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors all wrapped up in crunchy, tender bites, then this Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders with Creamy Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These chicken tenders are baked to golden perfection, then coated in a luscious sriracha honey glaze that wakes up your taste buds, while the cool and zesty creamy lime dipping sauce provides the ideal refreshing contrast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers comfort and excitement in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the crunchy panko adding an irresistible crisp to the zing of lime that brightens everything up beautifully.
- Chicken fillets (1 pound): Choose tender, boneless pieces for easy cooking and chewing.
- Panko crumbs (1 cup): Adds a light and crispy coating essential for that satisfying crunch.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Helps the egg create an adhesive batter for the panko crumbs to stick.
- Egg (1): Works with milk to bind the coating to the chicken.
- Sriracha (1/4 cup): Brings the perfect kick of heat and vibrant color to the honey glaze.
- Honey (1/2 cup): Sweetens and balances the spice with a luscious, sticky finish.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth with a savory umami twist.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle tang that sharpens the glaze’s flavor complexity.
- Lime juice (from 1 lime): Infuses the dipping sauce with bright, fresh acidity.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Creates a creamy, cooling base for the lime dipping sauce.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and silky texture to the dipping sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Gives a nuanced savory edge to the sauce.
- Lime zest (from 1 lime): Enhances the sauce’s citrus aroma and flavor.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring all the elements into harmony.
How to Make Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders with Creamy Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 425°F and position the rack towards the upper third of the oven. This ensures your chicken tenders bake evenly and develop a gorgeous golden crust without drying out.
Step 2: Set Up the Coating Station
Grab two mixing bowls—one filled with the panko crumbs, and the other whisking together the egg and milk. This setup makes the breading process quick and neat, helping each tender get perfectly coated for maximum crunch.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Take each chicken fillet and dip it into the egg and milk mixture, letting any excess drip off before pressing it firmly into the panko crumbs. Lay each coated tender on a non-stick baking sheet, and trust that this double-step breading will give you the crispiness you adore.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until your chicken tenders are cooked through with no pink inside. The panko crumbs will toast to a beautiful golden brown, promising a crunchy bite.
Step 5: Prepare the Sriracha Honey Glaze and Lime Sauce
While the chicken cooks, mix together the sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in one bowl for the sticky glaze. In a separate small bowl, whisk the sour cream, mayo, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, lime zest, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy lime dipping sauce will be the refreshing companion your tenders deserve.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once your chicken tenders are out of the oven, use tongs or your fingers to dip each tender into the sriracha honey glaze, coating it generously. Serve immediately, pairing these spicy, sweet tenders with the creamy lime dipping sauce on the side for dipping heaven.
How to Serve Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders with Creamy Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or sliced green onions on top of the tenders before serving. These garnishes add a pop of color and freshness that complements the bold flavors while making your dish look irresistibly inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair these tenders with a crisp side salad, garlic roasted potatoes, or steamed jasmine rice. Each side adds a different texture and flavor profile that balances the richness and spice of the chicken, helping you create a satisfying, complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken tenders in soft tortillas with shredded lettuce and extra drizzle of creamy lime sauce for a fun taco twist. Or present them as bite-sized appetizers on skewers alongside dipping bowls to amp up the party vibe. The versatility of this recipe invites you to get creative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain crispiness, store the sauce separately and only add it before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken tenders by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-friendly container or bag. They’ll stay delicious in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to regain that crisp crust. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve their crunch, but if pressed for time, microwave briefly and finish with a quick broil.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Absolutely! Swap out the panko crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal to keep the crispiness intact while making it safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
Is the dipping sauce very spicy?
No, the creamy lime dipping sauce provides a cooling contrast that balances the heat from the sriracha honey glaze. It mellows out the spiciness and adds a tangy, refreshing touch.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, chicken breasts can work. Just slice them into strips similar in size to tenders so they cook evenly and get that perfect crunchy coating.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this dish?
The whole process takes about 25-30 minutes, with 10 minutes prep and 15-20 minutes baking time, making it a great choice for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?
Definitely! Baking is the method used here, providing a healthier alternative to frying while still delivering a crispy, delicious result thanks to the panko crumbs.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders with Creamy Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe, it could quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s simple, bold, and packed with personality—perfect for cozy nights in or casual entertaining. Give it a go and watch these tenders disappear faster than you can say spicy-sweet goodness!
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Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders with Creamy Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy baked chicken tenders coated in a sweet and spicy sriracha honey glaze, served with a tangy lime sour cream dipping sauce. Perfectly balanced with a hint of heat and a creamy dip for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound chicken fillets
- 1 cup panko crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Sriracha Honey Glaze
- 1/4 cup sriracha
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Juice of 1 lime
Lime Sour Cream Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Zest of 1 lime
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the oven rack in the top third of the oven to ensure the tenders get a nice crisp finish.
- Prepare Coating Stations: Set up two bowls: one with panko crumbs and another with a mixture of egg and milk whisked together.
- Coat the Chicken: Season the chicken fillets with salt and pepper. Dip each piece first into the egg and milk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, then dredge it in the panko crumbs to fully coat. Place coated tenders on a non-stick baking sheet.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the breaded chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- Make the Sriracha Honey Glaze: While the chicken bakes, mix together the sriracha, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and lime juice in a bowl until combined.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and lime zest to create a creamy dipping sauce.
- Glaze and Serve: Once cooked, use tongs or fingers to dip each chicken tender into the sriracha honey glaze, coating thoroughly. Serve immediately with the lime sour cream dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken fillets with chicken tenders for an even quicker prep.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of sriracha in the glaze.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Make the dipping sauce ahead and chill for more developed flavors.
