Description
Chili’s Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers are crispy, golden fried chicken tenders tossed in a sweet and smoky honey chipotle sauce with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, inspired by the popular restaurant favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Place chicken tenders in buttermilk and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in flour mixture until fully coated.
- Fry chicken in batches for 4–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss fried chicken tenders in the warm honey chipotle sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Adjust chipotle amount to control spice level.
- For extra crispiness, double dredge the chicken.
- You can bake at 425°F for 18–22 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes as a lighter option.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American