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Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers

A delightful combination of sweet honey and spicy chipotle makes these crispy chicken tenderloins a perfect treat for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken
  • 10-12 pieces chicken tenderloins Remove tendons before cooking.
  • Peanut oil for frying Peanut oil for frying Heat to 350 degrees.
  • 1 large egg Large egg for wet batter.
  • 1/2 cup milk Use regular or low-fat milk.
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock Broth can be used instead.
For the dry mixture
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 3/4 cup flour Flour for coating.
  • 1 1/2 cups flour Flour for the dry flour mixture.
  • 1 teaspoon salt For the dry mixture.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika For the dry mixture.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder For the dry mixture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper For the dry mixture.
For the honey chipotle sauce
  • 2/3 cup honey Use quality honey for better flavor.
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup water Mix with cornstarch to make a slurry.
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch Mix with water before adding.
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce From canned chipotles in adobo.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1-2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by removing the tendons from the chicken tenderloins.
  2. In a shallow dish or pie pan, combine all the dry ingredients (the flour mixture) and set it aside.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the wet ingredients together. Remember not to over-mix after adding the flour; a few small clumps are okay.
Cooking
  1. Add peanut oil to a heavy pot or Dutch oven, then heat it to 350 degrees using a thermometer.
  2. Dip each chicken piece in the wet batter, ensuring both sides are well coated. Let any extra batter drip off and then coat it in the dry flour mixture.
  3. Fry the chicken in batches, about 4-5 pieces at a time, until golden brown. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, which takes about 4 minutes. Place cooked chicken on a cooling rack to remove excess oil.
  4. While the chicken is frying, combine all the honey chipotle sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Simmer until warmed through and slightly thickened.
  5. Once the chicken is ready, place it in a large bowl and pour the warm honey chipotle sauce over it. Toss gently to coat the chicken in the sauce. Wait to sauce the chicken until you are ready to serve.

Notes

Serve Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers as an appetizer or a main dish. They go great with a side of coleslaw or fresh veggies. You can also add some extra sauce on top if you like it saucy, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs can make it look even better! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheat for best results.