Looking for a crispy, flavorful chicken recipe with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy? This Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders recipe is exactly what you need! These crispy chicken strips are coated in a delicious honey chipotle sauce, making them a must-try for any food lover.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 egg
- Oil (for frying)
For the Honey Chipotle Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk and egg. Add the chicken strips and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
Step 2: Make the Crispy Coating
- In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Take each piece of chicken, remove excess buttermilk, and coat it well in the dry mixture. Press the coating firmly to ensure extra crispiness.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 5-6 minutes per batch).
- Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add chopped chipotle peppers, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder.
- Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
- Toss the crispy chicken tenders in the honey chipotle sauce until fully coated.
- Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite dip!
Tips for the Best Honey Chipotle Chicken
- Marinate Longer: Let the chicken sit in buttermilk overnight for extra juicy tenders.
- Extra Crunch: Double coat the chicken in flour for a crispier bite.
- Adjust Spice: Add more chipotle peppers if you like it extra spicy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with ranch dressing or garlic aioli for dipping.
- Pair with a side of coleslaw or fries for a complete meal.
- Add to a sandwich or wrap for a delicious twist!
Conclusion
This Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispy Tenders recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a mix of sweet and spicy flavors. Try it at home and impress your family with this restaurant-quality dish!
FAQs
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. What can I use instead of chipotle peppers?
You can substitute smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce for a similar flavor.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs will be juicier and more flavorful.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
5. Is this sauce too spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the spice by adding or reducing the chipotle peppers.
Enjoy your homemade Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders! 
