Crispy Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders

This crispy, sticky Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders Recipe is made with fresh chicken tenderloins, smoky chipotle peppers, and honey, ready in just 30 minutes. Tossing the freshly fried, crunchy chicken into the warm, sweet and spicy glaze coats every crevice perfectly. I always make a double batch because they disappear from the plate instantly.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to order these sweet and spicy tenders every time we went out for dinner. Recreating the sticky glaze at home taught me that the secret is blending the chipotle peppers into a smooth paste.

Skipping the buttermilk marinade was a mistake I made early on, resulting in dry meat. Now, I let the chicken soak briefly, ensuring every single bite stays tender under that crunchy coating.

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Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders Recipe Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce

• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

How To Make Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders Recipe

1. Prep the chicken: Place the chicken tenderloins in a shallow bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, letting them rest for 15 minutes.
2. Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk the honey, chipotle peppers, ketchup, and vinegar over medium-low heat until bubbling and smooth.
3. Coat the tenders: Whisk the flour, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a dish, then dredge each buttermilk-soaked tender in the flour mixture.
4. Fry to perfection: Heat two inches of oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F and fry the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown.
5. Toss and serve: Drain the crispy tenders on a wire rack for one minute before tossing them thoroughly in the warm honey chipotle sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Blend the sauce: Pureeing the chipotle peppers and adobo sauce prevents large chunks of chili from overpowering a single bite.
• Use a thermometer: Keeping the frying oil exactly at 350°F ensures the coating gets crispy without burning or soaking up excess grease.
• Don’t skip the resting rack: Placing fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels keeps the bottom crust from getting soggy.

What To Serve With Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders

These sticky tenders pair beautifully with creamy coleslaw and crispy french fries to balance the heat. I also love serving them alongside buttermilk ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

How To Store

Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for a few minutes to restore the crispy texture. Avoid freezing them once coated in sauce.

FAQs

• Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the breaded tenders at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be quite as crunchy, but the sauce still coats them well.
• How spicy is the honey chipotle sauce? The sauce has a medium heat level. You can reduce the chipotle peppers to one tablespoon if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins? Absolutely. Just slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform strips so they cook evenly in the hot oil.

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
• Protein: 22 g