Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders

These Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders are sweet, smoky, and spicy with a crispy crunch that hits every craving. Made from juicy strips of chicken breast, double-dredged and fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a bold honey chipotle sauce that brings the heat with just the right amount of sweet. Perfect for dinner, game day, or anytime you need finger-lickin' flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into strips) or chicken tenders

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 2 cups vegetable Oil for frying

  For the Honey Chipotle Sauce:

• ½ cup honey

• ⅓ cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped

• ¼ cup water

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Directions

1. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper.

2. Dredge the chicken in 1 1/2 cups of flour and let sit for about 5 minutes.

3. To the same flour, add cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and additional salt and pepper. Mix well.

4. In a separate bowl, pour 1 cup of buttermilk.

5. Dip each floured chicken strip into the buttermilk, then back into the seasoned flour mixture.

6. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer. Once hot 350F degrees , fry chicken until crispy and cooked through. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

7. For the sauce, combine honey, chopped chipotles in adobo, water, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Stir well. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce until thickened.

8. Place the fried chicken in a large bowl, pour the sauce over the top, cover with a lid, and shake to coat evenly.

   Enjoy these sweet and spicy tenders hot!