Introduction
Welcome to this delicious honey chipotle tenders recipe! If you’re a fan of sweet and spicy flavors, then you’re in for a treat. These tenders are perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The combination of honey and chipotle peppers provides a unique and irresistible flavor that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or hosting a party, these honey chipotle tenders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of chicken tenders
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup of honey
– 2 tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
Steps
Follow these steps to make the honey chipotle tenders:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This will help the coating adhere better to the chicken.
Step 2: Make the Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the honey, making sure to coat all sides. Then, roll the tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.
Step 4: Fry the Tenders
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the hot oil and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the honey and finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to your desired level of spiciness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the tenders are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve the tenders hot with the honey chipotle sauce on the side for dipping.
Variations
Here are a few variations you can try with this recipe:
Sweet and Tangy
If you prefer a tangy flavor, you can add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the honey chipotle sauce.
Extra Spicy
If you’re a heat lover, you can increase the amount of chipotle peppers in the sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
Baked Tenders
If you want a healthier alternative, you can bake the tenders instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), place the coated tenders on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your honey chipotle tenders turn out perfectly:
– Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the tenders. Test it by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil; if it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is ready.
– Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the tenders. Cook them in batches, if necessary, to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
– For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the tenders in the honey and breadcrumb mixture.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve mastered the art of making honey chipotle tenders. These flavorful and crispy tenders are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, main course, or snack, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the sweet and spicy combination of honey and chipotle peppers in every bite!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of tenders. Simply cut the chicken breast into strips or nugget-sized pieces before coating and frying.
Can I make the tenders ahead of time?
While these tenders are best enjoyed fresh, you can make them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
What can I serve with honey chipotle tenders?
These tenders pair well with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, sweet potato fries, or a fresh garden salad.
Can I freeze the tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the tenders after they have been cooked and cooled. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
honey chipotle tenders Recipe
Crispy and juicy chicken tenders coated in a sweet and spicy combination of honey and chipotle peppers. Perfect for any occasion, these tenders are sure to impress with their delicious flavor.
Ingredients
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1 pound chicken tenders
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup honey
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2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Vegetable oil for frying
Directions
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Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
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In a shallow dish, combine flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
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Dip each chicken tender in honey, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
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Fry the coated chicken tenders in hot oil for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
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Mix honey and chipotle peppers to make a sauce.
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Serve the cooked tenders hot with the honey chipotle sauce for dipping.
