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Crispy, spicy-sweet, and irresistibly delicious—this honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love These Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers
Are you craving something that hits the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy? These Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers are what comfort food dreams are made of. Whether you’re prepping a weeknight dinner, serving guests on game day, or just treating yourself, these crispy bites will become a household favorite in no time.
Not only are they easy to make, but they taste just like your favorite restaurant-style chicken tenders—with a spicy-sweet twist! Plus, they’re made with real ingredients, and you can even bake or air-fry them for a healthier twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need for both the crispy chicken and the sticky-sweet honey chipotle sauce.
For the Chicken Crispers:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders or breasts (cut into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Chipotle Sauce:
• ½ cup honey
• 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced)
• 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• A squeeze of fresh lime juice (optional for brightness)
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Step-By-Step: How To Make Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
First things first—marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you have time). This helps tenderize the chicken and keeps it juicy on the inside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the chicken marinates, prepare the honey chipotle sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Dredge
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This flour mixture will help create that crispy, golden coating everyone loves.
Step 4: Coat and Fry
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
💡 Want a healthier version? Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 5: Toss in Sauce
Now comes the best part—drizzle or toss the hot chicken crispers in the sticky honey chipotle sauce until coated. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
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These honey chipotle chicken crispers are so versatile! Here are a few ideas to serve them:
• With a side of ranch or chipotle mayo dip
• Over a bed of buttered corn and rice
• In a wrap or sandwich with lettuce and pickles
• As an appetizer at your next game-day party
You can even chop them up and toss them on a Tex-Mex salad for a protein-packed punch.
Why These Chicken Crispers Are a Must-Try
Still wondering if this recipe is worth trying? Here’s why we’re obsessed:
• Restaurant-quality flavor at home
• Easy to make and family-approved
• The sauce is sweet, smoky, and spicy all at once
• Perfect for meal prep, gatherings, or comfort food cravings
• Customizable spice level (just adjust the chipotle!)
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage
Want to get ahead on prep? Marinate the chicken and make the sauce the night before. You can also refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze cooked crispers for up to a month. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness.
Final Thoughts: Crispy, Saucy, and Totally Crave-Worthy
If you’re ready to upgrade your chicken dinner game, these Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers are the answer. The contrast between the crispy coating and the bold, sticky-sweet sauce creates pure magic. Even better? You control the heat, the sweetness, and the method of cooking.
So go ahead—whip up a batch and watch them disappear in minutes. Just don’t forget the napkins!