You’ve never had chicken tenders like this before! These Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders are juicy, marinated, and fried to golden perfection, then glazed in a sweet and spicy honey chipotle sauce. It’s a flawless balance of sweetness and smoky heat that you absolutely deserve. Let’s dive into how easy it is to make these delectable tenders!
Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients for this mouth-watering recipe:
- For the Honey Chipotle Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Hot sauce (to taste)
- For the Dredge:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Steps
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get started with the preparation!
Making the Honey Chipotle Sauce
First, to create the honey chipotle sauce, combine honey, water, vinegar, ketchup, chipotle in adobo sauce, salt, and pepper in a pan. Cook over medium heat, reducing it until it thickens nicely. This will be the star sauce that elevates your chicken tenders!
Preparing the Chicken Tenders
Next, in a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Add the chicken tenders and mix until they are well coated. This marination will ensure that your chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
Dredging the Chicken
In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Take the marinated chicken tenders, transfer them to the seasoned flour mixture, and dredge until evenly coated. Place the coated tenders on a rack and let them rest for a few minutes; this helps the coating adhere better during frying.
Frying the Chicken Tenders
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken tenders in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they are golden brown on both sides, approximately 5-7 minutes. The result will be crispy, golden tenders that are simply irresistible!
Coating with Honey Chipotle Sauce
Once fried, drizzle the honey chipotle sauce over the tenders in a large bowl. Toss them until they are well coated. Even after being sauced, these tenders will maintain their crispy texture, making every bite a delight!
Serving Suggestions
These Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping—because ranch is superior, and we all know it!
- Pair with a fresh salad for a lighter option.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
- For a fun twist, wrap them in tortillas and create spicy chicken wraps!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These chicken tenders are not just delicious; they are quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. The blend of sweet and spicy flavors from the honey chipotle sauce creates a mouth-watering experience that will keep everyone coming back for more.
In conclusion, the Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders are a must-try for anyone looking to add a burst of flavor to their dinner table. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. So go ahead, treat yourself to these amazing tenders—you deserve it!
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, these Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders will not disappoint. They are the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy. So, roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it!
