You know that one dish you always order at Chili’s? The honey chipotle chicken crispers—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and smothered in that addictive sweet-and-spicy sauce. Well, guess what? This copycat recipe is even better than the restaurant version (and I don’t say that lightly).
After testing countless batches, I’ve nailed the perfect balance of crispy fried chicken tenders and that smoky, sticky honey chipotle sauce. Ready to make magic in your kitchen? Let’s fry up some happiness.
What Are Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers?
Think of your favorite fried chicken tenders—now imagine them coated in a sweet and spicy honey chipotle sauce. That’s what honey chipotle chicken crispers are all about. They’re crispy, golden brown, and full of bold flavor. You’ve probably had them at Chili’s. Their honey chipotle chicken crisper recipe is a top pick for many. But this homemade version? It’s a copycat that’s even better. It brings you that same crunch and sauce right from your kitchen.
Crispers are a little different from regular chicken tenders. They’re dipped in a wet batter, then fried until extra crispy. The batter gives them a light but crunchy shell. It’s not your usual breading—it’s crispier, airier, and holds the sauce better.The real magic? The sauce. It’s a spicy honey chipotle blend made with chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, and hot sauce. The sweet and spicy flavor clings to every bite. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to dip everything into.
Ingredients for Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers
Here’s what you need to make these crispy, saucy chicken tenders at home:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or cut chicken breasts)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- Oil for frying
For the Honey Chipotle Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Equipment and Tools
- Large Mixing Bowl
- tenders
- Whisk
- Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot
- Small Saucepan
- Tongs
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
How to Make Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken: Start trimming your chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts, if you prefer). You want those pieces to be lovely, and even so, they cook up uniformly. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder and adobo seasoning for that extra kick. Give the chicken a good rub, ensuring every piece is coated.
Step 2: Make the Wet Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, a splash of hot sauce, and some cornstarch. This will be your wet batter. The cornstarch helps give your chicken that airy, crispy texture once fried. Make sure it’s smooth and ready for dipping.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken: Now, let’s talk about the breading. In a separate bowl, combine flour, a pinch of garlic powder, and any extra spices you love (I like to add a bit of chili powder for additional flavor). Dip each piece of chicken into the wet batter first, then coat it with the seasoned flour mixture. This double-dip process is key to getting that extra crispy coating.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken: Heat your fryer (or a large pot) with oil to 350 degrees. You want it hot enough for the chicken to fry up crispy but not so hot that it burns. Fry your chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan—this ensures they fry evenly and get that perfect, golden brown exterior. Cook until crispy, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Trust me, the crispy chicken texture you’re going for is worth the wait!
Step 5: Make the Sweet and Spicy Honey Chipotle Sauce: While the chicken is frying, it’s time to make the magic happen—the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, honey, brown sugar, hot sauce, and a touch of apple cider vinegar. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, whisking the ingredients together to combine the flavors. For an ultra-smooth sauce, you can strain it, but I love the texture with the bits of chipotle still in it.
Step 6: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Once your chicken is crispy and the sauce is ready, it’s time to combine. Toss the chicken in the sweet and spicy honey chipotle sauce, making sure each piece is generously coated. Or, if you prefer, you can serve the sauce on the side as a dipping sauce—either way, it’s a win!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy: Serve your honey chipotle chicken crispers hot with a side of ranch dressing for dipping or some crispy corn on the cob. These are perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests at your next party. And if you want to take it a step further, pair them with a refreshing drink to balance the sweet and spicy flavors.
Watch How to Make
How to Make the Sweet and Spicy Honey Chipotle Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chipotle Peppers: Finely chop the chipotle peppers from the can of adobo sauce. You can add a little of the adobo sauce as well, depending on how spicy you want your sauce to be.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients: In a small saucepan, add the honey, chopped chipotle peppers, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 3: Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, spice, or tanginess as desired. If you want it sweeter, add more honey or brown sugar. For extra heat, add more chipotle peppers or hot sauce.
Step 5: Cool and Serve: Once the sauce is thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly before using it to coat your crispy Chipotle Chicken Crispers or serving it as a dip.
Tips for the Best Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer: It might be tempting to fry all the chicken at once, but giving each piece space ensures even cooking and crispy results.
- Double dip for extra crispy: If you like your chicken extra crispy, dip each piece in the batter, coat with flour, dip again in the batter, and coat with flour again.
- Keep the oil at 350°F: A thermometer is your best friend here. Too hot, and your chicken will burn; too cold, and it won’t crisp up properly.
Serving Ideas for Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers
- Perfect with Dipping Sauces: Serve these crispy honey chipotle chicken crispers with a side of cool ranch dressing or a zesty blue cheese dip. The contrast between the hot chicken and cool dip makes every bite irresistible!
- Pair with Corn on the Cob: For a classic combo, serve your crispers with some buttery corn on the cob. The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the spicy honey chipotle sauce.
- Add a Salad: If you want to balance out the flavors, serve these crispers with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the sweet and spicy chicken beautifully.
- Serve with Fries or Rice: If you’re in the mood for something hearty, crispy fries or fluffy white rice make great sides. They soak up that extra honey chipotle sauce!
- Perfect for Parties: These crispers are a crowd-pleaser! Serve them as appetizers at your next gathering, or make them the star of your dinner spread. Either way, they’re sure to disappear quickly.
FAQs about Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes! Chicken breasts work just as well. Cut them into even-sized strips so they cook evenly and resemble traditional tenders.
Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
You can! While frying gives the crispiest result, baking at 425°F for 20–25 minutes (flipping halfway) still gives a crunchy exterior. For extra crispiness, spray the coated chicken with cooking spray before baking.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the chicken in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with a little oil to help achieve a crispy finish.
What makes this recipe better than Chili’s?
This homemade version uses fresher ingredients, allows you to control the spice and sweetness, and delivers that crispy texture straight from your kitchen—no soggy takeout bags here!
How spicy is the honey chipotle sauce?
It’s a mild-to-medium heat. You can adjust it by using fewer Chipotle Chicken Crispers peppers or adding more honey. If you love heat, toss a pinch of cayenne or extra hot sauce.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The honey chipotle sauce can be made 3–4 days in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Just warm it slightly before tossing it with your chicken.
What’s the best oil for frying the chicken?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. These oils let the chicken crisp up without adding unwanted flavor.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake or air fry at 375°F for 5–8 minutes to restore that crispiness. Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn soggy.
Can I freeze the Chipotle Chicken Crispers?
Yes. Freeze cooked and cooled chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
What dipping sauces go well with Chipotle Chicken Crispers?
Ranch dressing is the classic go-to, but blue cheese, garlic aioli, or even a creamy cilantro-lime sauce are all delicious alternatives.
Crispy, Sweet, and Totally Irresistible
The dish is a delightful combination of flavors that are both crispy and sweet. To prepare the sauce, combine your favorite sweet and spicy sauce with other essential ingredients and simmer for optimal flavor. As the mixture heats, whisk together the flour to create a smooth consistency. Once it reaches a gentle heat, bring it to a simmer and allow it to simmer for 2 minutes. Finally, whisk in flour to achieve the perfect texture, ensuring every bite is totally irresistible.
