Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers from Chili's feature tender, crispy chicken strips glazed with a sweet and smoky honey-chipotle sauce, garnished with fresh green onions and served with a zesty dipping sauce, delivering a flavorful combination of spicy, sweet, and crunchy bites.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Baking sheet or tray
- Paper towels
- Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or spider
- Saucepan
- Spoon or spatula
- Grater or zester (if needed for garnish)
- Serving plates
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken tenders
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Salt (to taste, for sauce)
- Pepper (to taste, for sauce)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
When preparing Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers, be sure to use fresh chicken tenders for tender, juicy results. The combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch in the coating ensures a crispy texture, while the addition of baking powder helps create a light, airy crust. Use canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to achieve that distinct smoky and spicy flavor central to the glaze, balancing it with honey for sweetness. Make sure your oil is heated to the right temperature before frying to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken. Your homemade Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers from Chili's copycat menu will deliver the perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and crunchy bites just like the original.
Instructions
- Prepare dredging stations with flour/cornstarch mixture and seasoned egg-buttermilk mixture.
- Whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Dredge chicken tenders in flour mixture, then egg-buttermilk mixture, then back into flour mixture, evenly coating.
- Place coated tenders on a baking sheet or tray.
- Preheat deep fryer or pot of oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken tenders in batches until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per batch.
- Remove chicken with slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, chopped chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, unsalted butter, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
- Bring sauce to simmer over medium heat, stirring until thickened and glossy.
- Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss hot, crispy chicken tenders in honey-chipotle sauce until well coated.
- Arrange glazed chicken on serving plates.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and lime wedges (optional).
- Serve immediately with zesty dipping sauce of choice.
Substitution
Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers from Chili's copycat menu offer a deliciously crispy and tender chicken bite with a perfectly balanced sweet and smoky honey-chipotle glaze. If chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are unavailable, you can substitute with smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper to mimic the smoky heat. For a dairy-free alternative, replace buttermilk with a mixture of almond milk and apple cider vinegar to maintain the tenderizing effect. When frying, use a thermometer to keep oil temperature steady at 350degF (175degC) to achieve optimum crispiness without greasiness. Your choice of dipping sauce can also be customized from ranch to a spicy mayo for extra flavor contrast.
Tips
Patting your chicken tenders completely dry before dredging ensures the coating adheres better, resulting in a crispier crust. Maintaining the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) throughout frying prevents greasy, undercooked chicken and promotes even browning. Toss chicken immediately after frying while still hot; this helps the honey-chipotle glaze stick well and enhances flavor absorption. Your glaze should simmer until thick and glossy; avoid boiling it too long to maintain a balanced sweetness and smoky depth.
Nutritions
Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers from Chili's provide a balanced mix of protein and carbohydrates, primarily from chicken tenders coated in a flour and cornstarch blend. The dish includes approximately 2 lbs of chicken, which offers a substantial protein source essential for muscle repair and satiety. The honey-chipotle sauce adds natural sugars from honey and calories from butter, contributing to its sweet and smoky flavor while increasing fat content. Your meal's nutrient profile will include sodium from seasoning and vinegar, with green onions adding small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants.
Storage
To keep your Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness and warm the honey-chipotle glaze without drying out the chicken. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy and diminish the sauce's texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or pork for chicken tenders to create a different flavor profile while maintaining a tender texture. For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour and cornstarch with a blend of rice flour and tapioca starch. Experiment with baking the coated tenders at 400degF (200degC) for 20 minutes to reduce oil content, flipping halfway for even crispiness. Adjust the honey-chipotle sauce by adding a splash of orange juice or substituting agave nectar for honey to vary the sweetness and acidity balance.
Allergies
Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers contain common allergens such as eggs and dairy from the buttermilk and unsalted butter, which may cause reactions in sensitive individuals. The all-purpose flour contains gluten, posing a risk for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. You should inform the restaurant about any allergies to ensure safe preparation and avoid ingredients like honey and chipotle that could trigger sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers from Chili's combine tender, crispy chicken strips with a sweet and smoky honey-chipotle glaze that balances bold and savory flavors. The dish offers a satisfying crunch paired with a spicy kick, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy flavorful comfort food. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the heat level and sweetness to fit Your personal taste preferences while enjoying a restaurant-quality experience at home. Recreating this menu item is worth the effort because it delivers a unique blend of textures and flavors that are hard to find in other casual dining options.