Love crispy chicken with a sweet and spicy kick? This honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe is just what you need! It’s crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a bold honey chipotle sauce. Perfect for dinner, parties, or anytime you’re craving restaurant-style flavor at home.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
For the Honey Chipotle Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 3 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken strips with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
In a bowl, mix buttermilk and one egg, and add the chicken. Let it soak for 30 minutes. This makes the chicken tender and flavorful.
2. Prepare the Breading
In another bowl, mix flour and cornstarch. This gives your chicken the extra crispy texture when fried.
3. Coat and Fry the Chicken
Take the marinated chicken, coat each piece well in the flour mixture, then fry in hot oil until golden and crispy.
Set aside on a paper towel to remove extra oil.
4. Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce
In a small pan over medium heat, mix honey, chipotle peppers, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Toss Chicken in the Sauce
Place the crispy chicken in a large bowl and pour the honey chipotle sauce over it. Toss gently until each piece is coated evenly.
Serving Tips
Serve these crispy honey chipotle chicken strips hot with:
- French fries or curly fries
- Ranch or blue cheese dip
- A side of coleslaw for crunch
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside
✅ Sweet and Spicy Sauce
✅ Better Than Takeout
✅ Perfect for Game Day or Parties
Tips for Best Results
- Double fry for extra crunch if desired.
- Use fresh oil for the cleanest frying flavor.
- Adjust the chipotle level to control the heat.
Final Thoughts
This honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe is super easy and tastes just like something from a restaurant. The spicy-sweet sauce and crunchy coating make it a crowd favorite every time. Try it once, and you’ll want to make it again and again!
FAQs
Q1: Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until crispy.
Q2: What can I use instead of chipotle peppers?
Try hot sauce or smoked paprika for milder heat.
Q3: Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work great and stay juicy.
Q4: How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best crispiness.
Q5: Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze before adding sauce. Reheat and toss in warm sauce before serving.