Hot Honey Ranch Chicken Tenders Sauce

My friend Sarah brought over a jar of local hot honey last winter, and we spent an entire afternoon dipping everything in sight into various combinations. When I stirred it into homemade ranch, the whole kitchen went quiet. That first taste—creamy, tangy, with this slow burn at the back—changed my dipping sauce game forever.

Last summer I made a batch for my nephews who swear they hate anything spicy. They finished the entire bowl and spent the rest of the afternoon debating whether to dip their fries in it or just eat it with spoons. Now they request it every time they visit, and Ive stopped pretending this is for adults only.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: Use real mayo, not the light stuff, it carries the honey and spices better
• Sour cream: Adds that classic ranch tang and makes the sauce silky and thick
• Hot honey: If you cant find it, mix regular honey with your favorite hot sauce until it feels right
• Buttermilk: Thins everything out slightly while adding richness you cant get from regular milk
• Fresh lemon juice: Cuts through the creaminess so nothing feels too heavy
• Garlic powder and onion powder: The backbone of ranch flavor, dont skip either one
• Dried dill and parsley: Fresh herbs work too but dried ones actually distribute more evenly here
• Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness that plays beautifully with the honey
• Salt and pepper: Essential for waking up all the other flavors

Instructions

Make the creamy base:

Whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until completely smooth with no lumps remaining

Add the honey and heat:

Pour in the hot honey along with lemon juice and all your spices, whisking until everything is fully incorporated

Taste and adjust:

Dip a spoon in and decide if you want more heat or honey, remembering the flavors will deepen as it chills

Let it rest:

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the dried herbs soften and the flavors become friends

Serve it up:

Pair with crispy chicken tenders, drizzle over sandwiches, or just keep a spoon nearby

Save Pin

This sauce became my go-to for impromptu gatherings because it transforms even storebought chicken tenders into something people ask about. Something about the combination feels both familiar and completely new.

Make It Your Own

Swap Greek yogurt for the sour cream if you want something lighter and tangier. The texture changes slightly but the flavor profile stays bright. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey for a darker, more caramel sweetness that works surprisingly well with the smoked paprika.

Beyond Chicken Tenders

This sauce lives on my roasted vegetable sheet pan, especially on sweet potatoes and cauliflower. It also makes an incredible dressing for wedge salads, and Ive caught people drizzling it over pizza more times than I can count. The honey plays nicely with salty things you wouldnt expect.

Storage and Make Ahead

This keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week, though it rarely lasts that long in my house. The flavors actually develop and get more complex after a day or two. If the sauce separates, just give it a quick whisk and it will come right back to life.

• Make a double batch and portion half into a small jar for gift giving
• Let the sauce come to room temperature before serving for the best texture
• Store in a glass container with a tight lid, plastic can hold onto odors

Save Pin

Sometimes the simplest additions are the ones that stick around, and this honey ranch has earned a permanent spot in my fridge rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this sauce thinner?

Yes, simply add extra buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce will thicken slightly when chilled.

→ What's the best way to store this sauce?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors will meld and improve after chilling for at least 30 minutes before serving.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Try using vegan mayonnaise and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

→ How spicy is this sauce?

The heat level depends on your hot honey. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more hot sauce if you prefer extra spice. You can always adjust to taste.

→ What can I serve this with besides chicken tenders?

This versatile sauce works great as a dip for vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, or a drizzle over roasted vegetables and fried chicken sandwiches.