Honey chipotle chicken crispers

When it comes to irresistible chicken dishes, few recipes can match the bold flavors of Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers.

Sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy, this dish takes crispy fried chicken tenders to the next level with a sticky honey-chipotle glaze that clings to every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, game day, or a family gathering, these crispers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

What Are Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers?

Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers are golden, crunchy chicken tenders coated in a luscious honey-chipotle sauce.

The magic lies in the perfect balance—crispy fried chicken on the outside, juicy and tender inside, and glazed with a sauce that blends sweet honey, smoky chipotle peppers, and tangy spices.

This dish gained popularity in restaurants like Chili’s, but the good news is you can easily recreate it at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Juicy – The double coating ensures your chicken stays crunchy while sealing in the moisture.

• Perfect Balance of Flavors – Sweet honey meets smoky chipotle peppers for a mouthwatering glaze.

• Family-Friendly Meal – Loved by kids and adults alike, these crispers are great with fries, rice, or a fresh salad.

• Better Than Takeout – Skip the restaurant bill and enjoy the same flavors in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make homemade Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers, you’ll need:

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of lemon juice)

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Oil for frying

For the Honey Chipotle Sauce

• ½ cup honey

• 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped)

• 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

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   Season chicken tenders with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

2. In one bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk.

3. In another bowl, place the flour.

Step 2: Bread and Fry

1. Dip each chicken strip into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour for a double coating.

2. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).

3. Fry chicken in batches for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked inside. Place on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce

1. In a saucepan, combine honey, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.

2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).

Step 4: Toss & Serve

1. Add fried chicken crispers to a large mixing bowl.

2. Pour the honey chipotle sauce over them and toss until each piece is coated.

3. Serve immediately with fries, corn on the cob, or a side salad.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crispy French fries and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

• Serve alongside buttery corn on the cob for a southern-inspired meal.

• Add to tacos or wraps for a fun twist on weeknight dinners.

• Plate with coleslaw and mashed potatoes for comfort food at its best.

Tips for Perfect Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers

• Don’t overcrowd the pan – frying in small batches keeps the chicken extra crispy.

• Adjust heat levels – add more or fewer chipotle peppers depending on your spice preference.

• Make it lighter – instead of frying, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers are the ultimate combination of crunch, sweetness, and smoky heat.

Whether you’re making them for dinner or a party, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.

The homemade honey-chipotle glaze brings a restaurant-quality flavor right to your table—without leaving home.

Honey chipotle chicken crispers

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

For the Honey Chipotle Sauce:

• ½ cup honey
• 2 –3 chipotle peppers in adobo finely chopped
• 2 tbsp adobo sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Pinch of cayenne pepper optional

Method

 

1. Prep Chicken – Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Coat – Dip chicken strips in flour → egg + buttermilk → back into flour for a double coating.
3. Fry – Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. Make Sauce – In a saucepan, simmer honey, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and paprika until slightly thickened.
5. Toss & Serve – Coat fried chicken in sauce and serve hot with fries, salad, or corn.