Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers
Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Recipe Introduction: Sweet Heat Awaits!
Fancy a bit of alright? These honey chipotle chicken crispers are just the ticket. I proper needed these the other night.
Sweet, smoky, and ever so slightly naughty, they are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Think homemade restaurant food , but even better.
Quick Hook: Craving That Je Ne Sais Quoi ?
Ever get a craving for something both sweet and spicy? I did. These honey chipotle crispers bring that flavour party. They are absolutely banging and just a little bit addictive.
Brief Overview: A Fusion of Flavors
This recipe isn't exactly from Granny's cookbook, you know? But it's definitely got soul. Inspired by American diner favourites, these honey chipotle chicken strips take about 40 minutes to whip up.
It is a super easy, accessible chicken finger recipe . It makes enough for 4 to share or for one very hungry person.
Main Benefits: Tasty, Tidy, Terrific
Honestly, these are moreish. The honey and chipotle combo is a total winner, the sweet and spicy chicken recipe is great.
Plus, chicken is a pretty decent source of protein. Perfect for a chill night in, or even better, a BBQ.
What makes them so special? It’s that copycat Sonic flavour vibe, but homemade with love! The crispy texture takes these crispy chicken appetizer to a whole new level of deliciousness.
I can’t help but making them. Now that is an easy chicken appetizer recipe !
Ready to get your hands dirty? Let's dive into the ingredients!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make these Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers sing. Honestly, getting the right ingredients and a few key tools is half the battle.
It's all about that sweet and spicy chicken recipe !
Ingredients & Equipment
So, you wanna whip up some banging Homemade Restaurant Food ? First, let’s raid the pantry!
Main Ingredients
Here’s the lowdown on what you need, with all the measurements.
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Fresh is best, right? Look for chicken that's plump and pink.
- Flour: 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour. This is for the initial breading.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs. These help the breadcrumbs stick like glue.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (100g) Panko. Trust me, the panko makes the crisp.
- Honey: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Any good honey will do.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: 2 tbsp (30ml) , finely chopped, plus 1 tbsp of the adobo sauce. These add a smoky kick.
Seasoning Notes
Let's talk spice, baby!
This is where the magic happens. A pinch of this, a dash of that.
- Essential spice combo: salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and smoked paprika. The smoked paprika gives it that extra oomph .
- Quick sub: No chipotle peppers? Use 1/2 tsp chipotle powder. Taste and adjust.
- Flavor enhancer: A little Dijon mustard ( 1 tsp ) adds tang and depth to the sauce.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah?
- Three shallow dishes. One for flour, one for eggs, one for panko.
- Large skillet or deep fryer. For achieving that perfect crisp.
- Tongs. Because nobody likes getting splashed with hot oil.
- Whisk. For the sauce.
- Chopping board and knife. For chopping the chicken and peppers.
- Wire rack (optional). Helps drain excess oil.
Think of these Honey Chipotle Chicken Strips as a copycat sonic recipe done right. They are the best crispy chicken appetizer!
Alright, let's dive into making these Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers . Honestly, this recipe is my go-to when I'm craving that homemade restaurant food vibe.
You know, like those copycat Sonic snacks but, dare I say, even better . It's dead easy, even if you're not a seasoned chef.
Cracking the Code: Prep Steps
First things first, mise en place. Sounds fancy, right? It just means getting all your bits and bobs ready. Chop your 1.
5 lbs (680g) of chicken into roughly 1 inch cubes. Whisk together your sauce ingredients: 1/4 cup (60ml) honey, 2 tbsp (30ml) chopped chipotle peppers, 1 tbsp adobo sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika.
Make sure you have three dishes ready for breading: one with 1 cup (120g) flour, 1 tsp salt (5g), 1/2 tsp black pepper (2.
5g), 1 tsp garlic powder (5g), 1/2 tsp paprika (2.5g), another with 2 beaten eggs, and the last with 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs.
Organisation is key, luv! This makes the whole process so much smoother.
Nailing It: Step-by-Step
- Dredge each chicken cube in the flour mix.
- Dip in the beaten eggs.
- Coat thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Fry in batches for 3- 4 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a thermometer, yeah?
- Drain on a wire rack to keep them crispy.
- Toss with that glorious honey chipotle sauce.
Boss Level: Pro Tips
Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Honestly, that's the secret to getting that proper crispy chicken appetizer. If you're feeling extra, double dip the chicken for even more crunch.
For a lighter touch, consider these honey chipotle chicken bites baked instead of fried. This sweet and spicy chicken recipe is totally customizable, too.
One mistake people make is not checking the internal temp. Get yourself a cheap thermometer. The Honey Chipotle Crispers can be served with some crispy sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or with my family's favourite dipping sauce.
Enjoy these Honey Chipotle Chicken Strips and make sure to share this chicken finger recipe with your mates! After all, who doesn't love an easy chicken appetizer recipe .
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers Game
So, you're about to make these banging honey chipotle chicken crispers ? Awesome. Before you get started, here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom.
Think of it as your cheat sheet to Homemade Restaurant Food .
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!
Plating can seriously elevate your honey chipotle chicken strips . You know? Pile them high on a platter, garnish with some fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for a proper restaurant vibe.
For sides, a cool, creamy coleslaw is spot on. It cuts through the richness of the chicken perfectly. Or maybe some sweet potato fries? And a cold beer or even just some lemonade!
Storage Tips: Leftover Love
Got leftovers? Honestly, I doubt it. But if you do, pop those Chipotle Crispers in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge.
They'll be good for 3-4 days . To reheat, the oven is your best bet. Pop them in at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes to re-crisp.
Microwaving them is ok in a pinch, but they won't be as crispy bummer.
Freezing: I wouldn't recommend freezing these once they've been sauced. The crispy chicken appetizer just won't be the same after thawing.
However, you can freeze the cooked, un-sauced chicken for up to a month.
Variations: Tweaking the Recipe
Fancy a healthier version? Try baking these. Toss the breaded chicken in a little olive oil and bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for about 20 minutes.
Flip them halfway through for even browning.
Gluten free? No sweat! Just swap the regular flour and breadcrumbs for gluten free alternatives. Easy peasy.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
These honey chipotle chicken bites are a tasty treat, but let's be real, they are fried. They offer protein from the chicken and energy from the honey, with a bit of spice.
One serving is roughly 450 calories. It contains 35g of protein, 20g of fat, and 30g of carbohydrates with 15g of sugar. Sodium is an estimated 500mg per serving.
This is an estimated value. Enjoy this easy chicken appetizer recipe in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Think of this as an awesome version of Copycat Sonic .
I reckon you will love the Sweet and spicy chicken recipe as much as I do. Honestly, give it a go and tell me what you think. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these honey chipotle chicken crispers ahead of time? They sound like the bee's knees!
You can prep some elements in advance. The honey chipotle sauce actually benefits from sitting for a bit, allowing the flavours to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to fry and sauce the chicken just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
No one likes a soggy bottom, eh?
How do I stop my honey chipotle chicken crispers from getting soggy? I always seem to have this problem!
Sogginess is a common foe! A few things can help. Make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) before frying. Also, don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
Draining the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels allows air to circulate and keeps them crispier for longer. Finally, toss with the sauce right before serving.
My kids aren't keen on spice, how can I reduce the heat in these honey chipotle chicken crispers?
Not a problem at all! The heat is easily adjustable. Start by using fewer chipotle peppers, or just the adobo sauce for a smoky flavour without as much kick. You could also add a touch more honey to balance the heat with sweetness. Test the sauce as you go and adjust until it suits your family's tastes.
Happy kids, happy days!
What's the best way to store leftover honey chipotle chicken crispers, assuming there are any?
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers (more likely than finding hens' teeth!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They're best consumed within 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the chicken will lose some of its crispness, so re-heating them in an air fryer or a hot oven is preferable to microwaving for a little bit of a crispier outcome.
Can I bake the honey chipotle chicken crispers instead of frying them? I am on a diet, see?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
While they won't be quite as crispy as the fried version, they'll still be delicious and a bit kinder to your waistline. Bob's your uncle!
Are there any good variations on the honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe?
Definitely! For a twist, try using a different type of chili pepper, like ancho or guajillo, for a unique smoky flavour. You could also add a splash of lime juice to the sauce for a bit of zing. Experiment with different herbs and spices, like a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika, to customize the flavour to your liking.
Get creative and have a go!
