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Crispy Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders

Crispy, golden chicken tenders coated in a sticky-sweet honey chipotle sauce with the perfect kick of heat. They’re crunchy, saucy, and downright addictive—better make a double batch!
Print Recipe
Crispy Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes

Ingredients

Tenders:

  • oil for frying
  • 10-12 chicken tenderloins Or breasts cut into strips

Dry Flour Mixture

  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Wet Batter

  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Honey Chipotle Sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2/3 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1-2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • In a pie plate or bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients for the flour coating and set it aside.
  • In another pie plate or bowl, whisk together the wet batter ingredients. Once you add the flour, mix gently—small lumps are totally fine!
  • Fill a deep heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven with oil, attach a thermometer, and heat it to 350°F.
  • Dip each chicken tender into the wet batter, letting any extra drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the dry flour mixture.
  • Fry in batches, about 4–5 tenders at a time, until crispy and golden brown. The internal temp should hit 165°F—this usually takes around 4 minutes. Let them rest on a cooling rack in a warm oven to drain excess oil.
  • While the chicken is frying, make the honey chipotle sauce by simmering all the sauce ingredients in a small pan until warmed through and slightly thickened.
  • When ready to serve, toss the crispy tenders in the warm sauce and enjoy immediately!
Servings: 4