Zesty Sweet Chili Ranch Grilled Chicken Recipe

Sizzling summer nights call for a mouthwatering chili ranch chicken that delivers an explosion of flavor with every bite.

This grilled sweet recipe combines tangy ranch with a hint of spicy chili for an irresistible main dish.

Marinades work magic on chicken, infusing each tender piece with incredible depth and zest.

Tender, juicy chicken becomes something extraordinary when seasoned just right.

The secret lies in balancing sweet and spicy notes that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together for a delicious weeknight dinner that everyone will devour.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 2 hours

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Grilled Sweet Chili Ranch Chicken

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Vibrant, tangy condiment that adds a spicy-sweet kick and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy, herb-infused sauce that provides rich depth and helps seal in moisture during grilling.

• Chicken Tenders: Lean, tender cuts that cook quickly and absorb marinades beautifully, perfect for weeknight dinners and quick meal preparation.

Tools for Grilled Chicken Dish

• Large Bowl: Perfect for whisking the sweet chili and ranch marinade together.
• Whisk: Essential for blending the marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Gallon Ziplock Bag: Ideal for marinating chicken and ensuring even coating.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Key for cooking chicken to perfection with those delicious charred edges.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken safely and easily on the grill.
• Meat Thermometer: Helps check that chicken is fully cooked to safe internal temperature.

Cooking Method for Sweet Chili Ranch Chicken

Flavor Fusion Chicken

• Marinade Magic Mixing a tangy blend of sweet and creamy sauces creates a mouthwatering coating that transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary adventure. Whisk sweet chili sauce and ranch dressing in a bowl until perfectly combined, letting each ingredient dance together.
• Marinating Transformation Place chicken tenders in a sealable bag and pour the magical marinade over them. Seal and shake, ensuring every piece gets a luxurious flavor bath. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors deeply penetrate the meat.
• Grill Preparation Fire up the grill to a medium-high temperature, creating the perfect cooking environment for your soon-to-be-delicious chicken.
• Sizzling Finale Remove chicken from the marinade and place on the hot grill. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve beautiful grill marks and ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked with crispy, caramelized edges.

Flavor Twists for Chili Ranch Chicken

• Flavor Boosting Tip: Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and juicier results.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by selecting mild or hot sweet chili sauce based on your personal preference for spiciness.
• Marinade Magic: Reserve a small portion of marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a quick brush-on sauce during grilling for extra flavor intensity.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: If outdoor grilling isn't possible, cook chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time.

How to Serve Grilled Chili Ranch Chicken

• Party Platter Presentation: Create a colorful spread by arranging grilled chicken tenders on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of extra ranch and sweet chili sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for a vibrant look.
• Wrap and Roll Adventure: Transform these juicy chicken tenders into delicious wraps using soft flour tortillas, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of additional ranch dressing for extra flavor and texture.
• Salad Bowl Transformation: Slice the grilled chicken and place atop a bed of mixed greens, cucumber ribbons, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with a light ranch vinaigrette to complement the sweet chili marinade and create a protein-packed meal.
• Perfect Picnic Pairing: Pack these chicken tenders in a portable container for outdoor meals. Serve alongside crisp coleslaw, corn chips, and refreshing watermelon slices for a complete summer dining experience.

Storage Strategy for Sweet Chili Chicken

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare a double batch of marinated chicken and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. This strategy saves time and ensures delicious dinners are always within reach.
• Refrigerator Longevity: Cooked chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in sealed containers. Always place in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual chicken tenders in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen marinated chicken remains delectable for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Pack grilled chicken with fresh salads, grain bowls, or wraps for effortless lunch solutions. Slice chicken thinly for maximum versatility and enjoyment throughout the week.

Irresistible Chili Ranch Chicken

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Zesty sweet chili ranch chicken delivers bold flavors from Korean and American cuisine. Ranch seasoning and sweet chili sauce create a mouthwatering marinade that elevates your grilling experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken tenders
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) sweet chili sauce
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) bottled ranch dressing

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Instructions

1. Marinade Fusion: Blend sweet chili sauce and ranch dressing in a medium bowl, whisking until achieving a harmonious, velvety consistency.
2. Marination Process: Submerge chicken tenders in ziplock bag, thoroughly coating each piece with the prepared marinade through gentle massaging, then seal and refrigerate for 2-4 hours to allow flavor infiltration.
3. Grill Preparation: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, creating an optimal searing environment for caramelizing and cooking chicken tenders.
4. Grilling Technique: Remove chicken from marinade, discard liquid, and place tenders on hot grill surface, rotating every few minutes to ensure even cooking and developing a perfect golden-brown exterior.
5. Doneness Verification: Cook for approximately 10 minutes, carefully monitoring chicken to achieve complete internal cooking – meat should display no pink zones and exhibit a slightly charred, appetizing surface.
6. Resting Stage: Transfer grilled chicken from heat, allowing a brief resting period to redistribute internal juices, which guarantees maximum tenderness and flavor preservation before serving.

Notes

• Marinate Masterfully: Let chicken soak in the sweet chili ranch blend for at least 2 hours, with overnight marination delivering maximum flavor depth.
• Grill with Precision: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization and even cooking, ensuring a slightly charred exterior.
• Cross-Contamination Guard: Always discard used marinade and never reuse liquid that has been in contact with raw chicken to prevent foodborne illness.
• Rest and Redistribute: Allow grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking, which helps retain juices and guarantees tender, succulent meat.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 1080 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg