Baked Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with Spicy Ranch.

When it comes to game day snacks, nothing quite hits the spot like chicken wings. But what if we took the classic wing and gave it a deliciously sweet and spicy twist? Enter the Baked Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with Spicy Ranch. These succulent, tender bites are coated in a luscious honey BBQ glaze and served with a creamy, zesty ranch that packs a punch. Perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or a simple weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why This Baked Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with Spicy Ranch. Stands Out

This dish is not just your average chicken wing; it’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that come together beautifully. The crispy corn flake coating provides a satisfying crunch, while the honey BBQ sauce adds a touch of sweetness complemented by a hint of heat. The spicy ranch dip takes the flavor profile to another level, ensuring each bite is a flavor explosion. Plus, baking instead of frying means you can enjoy these wings guilt-free!

Ingredient Breakdown

• 2 pounds boneless chicken tenders or breasts: Cut into 2-inch pieces for easy handling and perfect bite sizes.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk: This ingredient adds moisture and tenderness to the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
• 2 cups finely crushed corn flakes: Provides a crunchy coating that mimics fried wings. Gluten-free options are available!
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the chicken.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Used for brushing the chicken, ensuring a crispy finish.
• 3/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce: Choose a brand you love to bring out the best in this dish.
• 1/4 cup honey: Sweetens the sauce and gives it a sticky texture that clings to the chicken.
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds a delightful kick to the BBQ sauce.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Offers a tangy depth of flavor that balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: The base for our spicy ranch dip, providing creaminess and a bit of tang.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds a creamy texture and a slight tang to the ranch.
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley: For a fresh herbal note in the ranch.
• 2 teaspoons dried dill: Introduces a bright flavor that pairs well with the ranch.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Essential for a savory depth in the ranch dip.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and adds more flavor.
• 1 jalapeño: Gives the ranch a spicy kick; feel free to seed it for less heat.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: For seasoning the ranch dip.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: Adds freshness and a pop of color to the ranch.

Must-Have Equipment

• Large mixing bowl: For marinating the chicken and mixing the ranch ingredients.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy surface for baking the chicken wings.
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil: For easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• Whisk: For blending the ranch dip ingredients smoothly.

Baked Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with Spicy Ranch.: How It’s Done

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the 2 pounds of boneless chicken tenders or breasts into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the 1/2 cup of buttermilk, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes—this step is crucial for juicy and flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In another bowl, combine the finely crushed corn flakes, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This crunchy coating will give your wings that irresistible texture.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, remove each piece from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the corn flake mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating. Place the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Brush with Olive Oil

To ensure a crispy crust, lightly brush the chicken pieces with extra virgin olive oil. This will help them brown beautifully in the oven.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip the pieces and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

While the chicken is baking, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, cayenne pepper, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. This sweet and spicy sauce will coat the chicken perfectly.

Step 7: Glaze the Chicken

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven. Brush the honey BBQ sauce generously over each piece, then return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize slightly, creating a sticky finish.

Step 8: Prepare the Spicy Ranch Dip

In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup buttermilk, dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped jalapeño, and kosher salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the Baked Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with the spicy ranch dip and a sprinkle of fresh chives for garnish. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Seasonal Twists

• Fall Flavor: Add pumpkin spice to the ranch for a cozy twist.
• Summer Zing: Incorporate lemon zest into the ranch for a refreshing summer flavor.
• Spicy Winter: Mix in some chipotle powder into the BBQ sauce for a smoky heat.
• Herbal Spring: Add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to the ranch for a vibrant spring flavor.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

• For a crispier coating, consider double-coating the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and then into the corn flakes again.
• Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce with your favorite flavors—smoky, sweet, or even spicy!
• For a lower-calorie option, you can bake the chicken at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
• Don’t skimp on the marinating time; even an extra 15 minutes can elevate the flavor.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

These Baked Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. To freeze, allow the cooked wings to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them at 375°F (190°C) until heated through, and brush with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use regular chicken wings instead of boneless chicken?

Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as bone-in wings will take longer to cook through than boneless pieces.

What can I serve with these chicken wings?

These wings pair wonderfully with celery and carrot sticks, a fresh salad, or even some crispy potato wedges for a complete meal.

Can I make the ranch dip ahead of time?

Yes! The spicy ranch dip can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How spicy is the ranch dip?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Remove the jalapeño seeds for less heat, or add more if you like it spicy!

Ready, Set, Cook

With the bold flavors and crispy texture, the Baked Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with Spicy Ranch will surely become a staple in your home. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and get ready for a delicious culinary adventure. These wings are not just a meal; they’re an experience! Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish, and don’t forget to share your creations with us. Happy cooking!