Honey Chili Ranch Sauce

This sauce has it all! First of all, it’s quite delicious; it’s got heat from some chili crisp oil, coolness from the sour cream, sweetness from a bit of honey, and loads of savoury flavour from an abundance of dried herbs. Honey Chili Ranch Sauce is great as a dip or a spread!

In our home we dip just about everything in a sauce of some type. It can be regular ketchup, a home ranch dressing, or my cheddar green onion dip. It depends on what we’re eating. Lately, I’ve been on a chicken finger kick and because I love hot and spicy food, I’ll forego the traditional sauces served with chicken fingers like plum or sweet and sour sauce for something with a kick. Dipping them into copious amounts of this Honey Chili Ranch Sauce is just the thing!

This sauce has everything I need to make me happy. It is spicy and sweet, it is super thick and sticky, and the ranch seasonings make it one of the best sauce flavour combinations ever. I absolutely love the addition of the chili crisp oil. That stuff has been around for a long time in Asian cuisine, but I think it has only recently been making a splash here in North America. It probably has something to do with the increased popularity of ramen.

SPICE RACKS

Unless you are a seasoned cook, most home cooks will have a spice rack that sits on the countertop. You know the kind I speak of. They are either plastic or chrome and most of them spin around so that you have easy access to the spices.

Some home cooks have old-fashioned wooden spice racks that are mounted to the kitchen wall. To be honest, these are the types of spice racks I prefer. My mom used to have one of them and I have fond memories it. When we bought our house, despite wanting to modernize everything, I wanted to keep some old-time charm to it too.

I found this spice rack on Amazon. I admit, it is a little expensive, but when you consider what you’re getting, it’s not that much of a stretch. The rack is well-made with real wood. And, the spice jars are completely full. I trust the McCormick brand and use it often. It was a no-brainer for me. It used to hang quite nicely in our kitchen, but when it comes to spice racks, I rest not, Dear Reader! I’m constantly changing and re-organizing my spice storage system.

LET’S CHAT ABOUT SPICES FOR A BIT!

Anyone who knows me well will confirm that I am obsessed with spice racks and spice jars. John.e can attest to the fact that over the past ten years, I have updated and completely changed our spice storage system at least half a dozen times.

Initially, I had to have all of our spices in mason jars. That lasted for a year or so. Then, I found some really great glass jars with a pull-off lid. The seal was great, but again, they were quite big. Next, I used smaller bottles, and then spice bottles that I picked up from Ikea. I could go on, but I digress.

My obsession has taught me a few things about buying spices. First, keep your spices in a cabinet or at least out of direct sunlight. Yes, I have my spice rack on the wall in my kitchen, but it is as far away from the windows as I could possibly get it.

Secondly, buy spices in small amounts. You should never have more than three to six months’ supply. Spices lose their pungency and flavour. The only seasonings I buy in larger quantities are salt and pepper. That’s why I love the McCormick jars. They’re not too large for me but keep in mind, I cook quite often. And, when I run out, it’s easy to replace that one jar.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO PREPARE THIS RECIPE

The following is a list of the ingredients needed to prepare this recipe. For exact amounts and measurements, refer to the printable recipe card located near the bottom of this post. 

• Sour Cream – You can use regular, light, or fat-free here. Keep in mind that a higher-fat sour cream will result in a thicker sauce in the end.
• Honey
• Chili Crisp Oil – You can leave this out if you want a honey ranch sauce instead, but the little bit that is in this recipe is quite mild, so don’t be worried about it being too hot.
• Dried Herbs and Spices – You will need dried chives, dried parsley, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground black pepper.
• Sugar

HOW TO MAKE HONEY CHILI RANCH SAUCE

Measure all of the ingredients into a bowl and whisk to combine. Transfer to a food-safe container and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours before using. Honey Chili Ranch Sauce will keep safely refrigerated for 7-10 days.

This sauce is certainly best after it has had time to sit in the fridge for at least two hours before using. If you have any leftovers, just pop it back into the fridge. This sauce will keep for about five days. But, it’s really delicious, so you might not have it that long anyway! If you do store the sauce, be sure to stir well before serving, because the liquids and solids may have separated.

WHAT IS CHILI CRISP OIL?

My personal favourite brand of chili crisp oil is Lee Kum Kee. According to the website, “chili crisp oil is a versatile and flavourful blend that brings the authentic taste of traditional Chinese cuisine to your kitchen. Crafted with a perfect balance of crispy chili flakes, aromatic garlic, and savoury spices, this premium chili oil delivers an irresistible crunch and bold heat that enhances any dish.

Whether you’re adding a spicy kick to stir-fries, drizzling over noodles, or dipping your dumplings, this chili oil is your go-to for a burst of flavour. Its rich and layered profile makes it ideal for those who love a fiery touch in their meals. Our flavourful chili crisp oil combined with the deep flavors of garlic, ensures a mouthwatering experience with every bite.

Lee Kum Kee Chiu Chow Style Chili Crisp Oil is not just another chili oil; it’s a chili garlic oil that brings the essence of Asian cuisine into your home. Perfect for those who enjoy the intense, lingering heat and the satisfying crunch, this chili crunch oil is a must-have in every kitchen. Perfect for enhancing your favorite recipes or discovering new ones, this chili oil is the secret ingredient that makes everything delicious.”

HONEY CHILI RANCH SAUCE SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• As a Dip for Chicken – I love to use this sauce as a dip for chicken fingers or chicken nuggets. In fact, if you want to further enhance the dill experience, try this sauce with my Dill Ranch Chicken Fingers!
• Make a Sandwich – In our home, we love the combination of tuna salad with dill. You could make your own version of a Dill Pickle Tuna Salad Sandwich, or use the sauce as the spread for any sandwich you like! Egg Salad Sandwiches are so good with dill too!
• Toss a Salad – If you like sweet, spicy, and creamy salad dressings, use Honey Chili Ranch Sauce!
• Drizzle on Veggies – Try drizzling some of this sauce over a baking sheet full of piping hot roasted vegetables! What a great way to add even more flavour to an already delicious side!

QUESTIONS?

If I have not answered all of your questions in the text above, don’t hesitate to reach out to me! You can contact me by sending me a message in the comments section further down the page. I will try my best to answer as soon as possible! You might reach me even faster by following me on Facebook and sending me a private message. Scroll down below the recipe card to find my Follow Me on Social Media box and never miss another recipe!