Name: Baked Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with Spicy Ranch.
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken tenders or breasts (cut into 2-inch pieces); 1/2 cup buttermilk; 2 cups finely crushed corn flakes (use gluten-free if needed); 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste); Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing); 3/4 cup your favorite BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 2 teaspoons dried dill; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

If you’re looking for a game-day delight or a family-friendly dinner that will impress everyone at the table, you’ve landed in the right place. These Baked Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with Spicy Ranch are crispy, sticky, and packed with flavor. Perfectly baked to give you that delightful crunch without the mess of frying, these wings are a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Paired with a zesty homemade spicy ranch, they’ll have you reaching for seconds and thirds!

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

The combination of sweet and spicy in these baked wings is simply irresistible. The juicy chicken is enveloped in a crispy cornflake coating and tossed in a luscious honey BBQ sauce that’s easy to whip up. The spicy ranch adds a creamy tang that perfectly complements the sweetness of the wings. Not only are they delicious, but they are also easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Plus, the fact that they are baked means less oil and mess in your kitchen!

What’s in the Bowl

To create your delicious Baked Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with Spicy Ranch, gather the following ingredients:

2 pounds boneless chicken tenders or breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups finely crushed corn flakes (use gluten-free, if needed)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
3/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons dried dill
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 jalapeño, seeded, if desired, and chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Must-Have Equipment

Before you get started, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:

Baking Sheet: A large sheet pan to bake the chicken wings evenly.
Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken and preparing the ranch.
Whisk: To blend your ranch dressing ingredients smoothly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Prepare Baked Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with Spicy Ranch.

Follow these easy steps to create your flavorful Baked Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with Spicy Ranch:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large plate, mix the crushed corn flakes, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will create a deliciously crunchy coating for your wings.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Dip each piece of chicken into the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Brush with Olive Oil

Lightly brush the tops of the coated chicken pieces with extra virgin olive oil. This helps achieve a golden-brown crunch as they bake.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, flip each piece and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy.

Step 6: Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, cayenne pepper, and Dijon mustard. Stir until heated through and well combined. Remove from heat.

Step 7: Toss the Wings

Once the chicken is done baking, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and toss until each piece is evenly coated.

Step 8: Make the Spicy Ranch

In another bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, buttermilk, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, jalapeño, and kosher salt. Whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your baked boneless honey BBQ chicken wings warm with the spicy ranch on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired.

Texture-Safe Substitutions

If you need to make some adjustments for dietary preferences or availability, consider the following substitutions:

Chicken: Use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
Buttermilk: Substitute with dairy-free milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Corn Flakes: Try crushed rice cereal or panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
Greek Yogurt: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative to maintain the creamy texture.

Flavor Logic

The beauty of these Baked Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with Spicy Ranch lies in their balanced flavor profile. The sweetness from the honey pairs perfectly with the tangy BBQ sauce, while the cayenne pepper adds just enough heat to keep your taste buds dancing. The creamy ranch, infused with herbs and spices, brings a cooling contrast to the warm wings, making each bite a delightful experience. Here’s a deeper look at how the flavors coalesce:

Sweetness: Honey and BBQ sauce combine for a rich, sweet glaze.
Spice: Cayenne pepper and jalapeño provide a nice kick that elevates the dish.
Creaminess: The ranch dressing adds a velvety texture and a refreshing taste.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like chives and dried dill enhance the overall flavor and aroma.

Make Ahead Like a Pro

Want to save time? Here are some tips for making these Baked Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with Spicy Ranch ahead of time:

Marinate the Chicken: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to coat and bake.
Prepare the Ranch Dressing: Make the spicy ranch a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight.
Coat and Store: Coat the chicken pieces and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can bake them straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Quick Q&A

Can I use chicken wings instead of boneless chicken?

Absolutely! If you prefer traditional wings, just adjust the cooking time as bone-in wings may take longer to cook through.

How can I make these wings extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, you can place the coated wings under the broiler for the last few minutes of baking, but watch them closely to avoid burning.

Can I make this recipe spicy without the ranch?

Yes! Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the BBQ sauce for more heat or add some hot sauce to the wings before serving.

What can I serve with these wings?

These wings pair perfectly with classic sides like coleslaw, potato wedges, or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal.

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Final Bite

These Baked Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with Spicy Ranch are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavors that will become a staple in your kitchen. They’re easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply treating your family to something special, these wings are sure to impress. Enjoy every sticky, sweet, spicy bite!