Chilis Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers Recipe

This crispy sticky Copycat Chilis Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers Recipe is made with chicken breast, honey, and chipotle peppers, and ready in 35 minutes. Hearing the sizzle as the golden crust hits the sweet and spicy glaze is incredibly satisfying. I love making these for casual weekend dinners at home.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to order these every time I visited the restaurant. I thought replicating that thick, crackly batter at home would require special equipment.

The surprise was finding out a simple flour and egg dredge works perfectly. My early attempts lacked heat until I started blending the chipotle peppers directly into the sauce.

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Copycat Chilis Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers Recipe Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

How To Make Copycat Chilis Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers Recipe

1. Mix The Sauce: Whisk the honey, chopped chipotles, ketchup, and vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened, then set aside.
2. Prepare The Dredge: In one bowl, whisk the egg and milk together. In a second shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, and garlic powder.
3. Coat The Chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the dry ingredients into the meat to adhere.
4. Fry The Crispers: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry the chicken strips for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Toss And Serve: Drain the chicken on a wire rack for one minute. Toss the hot chicken in the honey chipotle sauce until completely coated.

Recipe Tips

• Double dredge for extra crunch: Dipping the chicken twice creates a thicker crust that holds up to the sticky sauce.
• Rest the coated chicken: Letting the flour hydrate on the chicken for a few minutes prevents the breading from falling off in the hot oil.
• Use a wire rack: Draining fried chicken on a rack instead of paper towels keeps the bottom from getting soggy.

What To Serve With Chicken Crispers

Serve these sweet and spicy tenders with crispy french fries and a side of ranch dressing for dipping. A fresh corn on the cob or a simple cabbage slaw also balances out the rich flavors perfectly.

How To Store

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For the best texture, keep the sauce separate until you are ready to reheat the chicken in the oven.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. However, they will not be quite as crispy as the fried version.

Are these very spicy?
They have a moderate kick from the chipotle peppers. You can reduce the amount of adobo sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs?
Boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and remain very juicy. Just ensure you cut them into even strips for consistent cooking times.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
• Protein: 28 g