chili's honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe with cooling lime-cilantro crema

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I’m so excited to share how you can recreate a restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen! This homemade chili’s honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe promises those perfectly crispy edges and that irresistible sweet-spicy aroma that fills your home. It’s the ultimate easy dinner idea for busy families, budget-conscious cooks, or anyone craving a little comfort food magic without the takeout price tag. We’ll make crispy chicken tenders and that signature sweet-spicy sauce, plus I’ll share tons of tips for healthy twists and meal prep.

chili's honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe — Chili'S Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers Recipe 9

Ingredient Essentials & Healthy Upgrades

Crafting delicious chili’s honey chipotle chicken crispers starts with quality ingredients, but don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to adapt this family-friendly meal for different needs.

600 g (1.3 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-2 cm (0.6-0.8 inch) strips (for tender, quick-cooking pieces). Choose organic, cage-free chicken for a premium option.
240 ml (1 cup) full-fat plain yogurt, divided (creates a tenderizing marinade; use Greek yogurt for extra tang, or sour cream if that’s what’s in the fridge).
15 ml (1 tbsp) alcohol-free hot sauce (adds a subtle kick to the marinade).
5 g (1 tsp) salt, divided, & 5 g (1 tsp) black pepper, divided (essential seasonings for flavor).
120 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour (base for breading; use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option).
30 g (1/4 cup) cornstarch (for extra crispiness in the breading).
5 g (1 tsp) smoked paprika (adds a smoky depth to the breading and glaze).
5 g (1 tsp) garlic powder, divided (flavor enhancer for chicken and crema).
5 g (1 tsp) onion powder (rounds out the savory flavors in the breading).
2 g (1/2 tsp) cayenne pepper (for a hint of heat in the breading).
2 large eggs (binds the breading to the chicken).
60 ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil, divided (for baking; I often use avocado oil for a neutral, healthy fat).
150 g (1.5 cups) vegetable-sourced Panko breadcrumbs (for superior crunch; whole wheat Panko or even crushed pork rinds work for low-carb meals).
60 ml (1/4 cup) honey (the sweet balance to the chipotle; use pure, local honey).
2 large chipotle peppers in adobo, minced (the smoky, spicy heart of the glaze).
15 ml (1 tbsp) adobo sauce from canned chipotles (intensifies the chipotle flavor).
15 ml (1 tbsp) apple cider vinegar (cuts through richness and brightens the glaze).
15 g (1/2 cup) fresh cilantro, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish (for the vibrant crema and fresh finish).
30 ml (2 tbsp) fresh lime juice (essential for the bright, cooling crema).
Pinch of salt for crema (enhances the crema’s flavor).
2 lime wedges, for garnish (adds a final touch of freshness).

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps closely to achieve perfectly crispy, flavorful chili’s honey chipotle chicken crispers at home, making for an excellent high-protein meal.

Prepare the chicken (30-120 minutes marinating): In a medium bowl, combine chicken strips with 120 ml (1/2 cup) of yogurt, hot sauce, 2.5 g (1/2 tsp) salt, and 2.5 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper. Mix well to coat chicken, then cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This tenderizes the chicken.
Set up the breading station: Arrange three shallow dishes. In the first, whisk together flour, cornstarch, 5 g (1 tsp) smoked paprika, 5 g (1 tsp) garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, remaining 2.5 g (1/2 tsp) salt, and 2.5 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper until fully combined. In the second, whisk eggs with 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil until frothy. In the third, place Panko breadcrumbs.
Bread the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip. Dredge each strip first in flour, ensuring full coverage, then dip in egg, and finally press firmly into Panko breadcrumbs until thoroughly coated. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
Bake the chicken crispers (25-35 minutes): Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Drizzle a clean baking sheet generously with 30 ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil. Arrange breaded crispers in a single layer, not overcrowded. Drizzle remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) oil over tops. Bake 15-20 minutes until edges begin to turn golden, then flip and bake 10-15 minutes more. Cook until golden brown, crispy, and 74°C (165°F) internal temp. If not golden/crispy enough, bake 5-7 minutes longer.
Prepare the honey chipotle glaze (5-7 minutes): While chicken bakes, combine honey, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, remaining 2.5 g (1/2 tsp) smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer 5-7 minutes, stirring until glaze slightly thickens and smells aromatic. This creates the signature coating for your chili’s honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe.
Make the lime-cilantro crema: Whisk remaining 120 ml (1/2 cup) yogurt, fresh lime juice, finely chopped cilantro, remaining 2.5 g (1/2 tsp) garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. This forms a pale green, tangy sauce; my secret for balancing the heat.
Glaze the crispers: Once cooked, transfer crispers immediately to a large bowl. Pour warm honey chipotle glaze over them and toss gently to ensure even coating, transforming them into their iconic sweet-spicy finish.
Plate and serve: Arrange glazed chicken crispers attractively on a platter. Drizzle pale green lime-cilantro crema in a zigzag pattern, allowing it to pool slightly for visual contrast. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a vibrant finish, ready to enjoy your amazing chili’s honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe!

Variations for Common Appliances

Air Fryer Method: For crispy air-fried chicken, spray breaded crispers with oil. Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Quick Fixes for Common Cooking Errors

Not crispy enough? If oven-baked, extend baking 5-7 minutes. For air-fried crispers, cook 2-3 minutes more.
Sauce too thick? Whisk in 1-2 teaspoons of hot water or broth to reach desired consistency.
Too spicy? Stir in extra honey or a dollop of crema into the glaze to mellow the heat.

Best Occasions & Serving Inspiration

This chili’s honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe is perfect for many meals. I love making it for game day; I always make extra sauce because it goes fast!

Serve for: Weeknight dinners, game day, family gatherings, packed lunches.
Pair with: Fries, mac & cheese, corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked potatoes.
Garnish with: Ranch, blue cheese, extra sauce, green onions, sesame seeds.

Store crispers and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. For crispness, reheat chicken in an air fryer (350°F for 5-7 mins) or oven (375°F for 10-12 mins). Sauce freezes well for up to 2 months.

Health & Lifestyle Benefits

Enjoying homemade chili’s honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe offers key benefits for a healthy lifestyle:

Protein Boost: Excellent lean protein for energy and satiety, ideal for high-protein meals.
Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, appealing even to picky eaters.
Weight Balance: Adaptable for weight loss meal prep using air frying or lighter coatings, making it a healthy dinner idea.
Budget-Friendly: Much cheaper than restaurant versions, enabling more frequent high-protein meals without breaking the bank.
Customizable: Easily tweaked for various dietary needs, perfect for gluten-free recipes or low-carb options.

Budget & Meal Planning Advantages

Making this chili’s honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe at home saves money and streamlines meal planning.

Time: Prep ~20-25 mins, cook ~15-20 mins.
Cost: ~$2.50-$3.50 per serving, significantly less than dining out.
Meal Prep: Double the recipe, freeze pre-breaded chicken, or make sauce ahead for quick assembly during the week.

Ingredient Shopping & Online Delivery

Sourcing ingredients for this chili’s honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe is easy, locally or online.

Where to Buy: Supermarkets for basics; specialty stores for organic/gluten-free; farmers’ markets for local honey.
Online Options: Instacart or Amazon Fresh for convenient delivery.
Organic vs. Conventional: Organic chicken if possible; conventional spices/honey are fine.
Tip: Grocery subscriptions help with pantry staples.

Pro Tips & Adjustments

Elevate your chili’s honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe with these adjustments:

Flavor Upgrades: Add smoked paprika for depth; garnish with fresh cilantro for color.
Spice Level: Fewer chipotles for milder heat, or cayenne for extra kick.
Sweetness: Increase honey for a sweeter sauce.
Allergy Swaps: Gluten-free flour, dairy-free ranch, maple syrup (vegan honey alternative).

FAQs

Is chili’s honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe good for weight loss?

Yes, this recipe can be part of a balanced weight loss plan. Opt for healthier methods like air frying or baking the chicken, and use a lighter breading. Serving them with a fresh salad instead of heavy sides also helps keep it light and makes a great healthy dinner idea.

Can I make this chili’s honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prep components in advance. The honey chipotle sauce can be made and stored in the fridge for a few days. You can also bread the chicken ahead and store it in the fridge, but for the best crispness, I recommend frying or baking it just before serving.

How long does chili’s honey chipotle chicken crispers last in the fridge/freezer?

The cooked chicken crispers will last 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer for best texture.

What’s a healthy substitute for chicken crispers?

For a healthier twist, opt for baked or air-fried chicken tenders coated in a whole wheat or gluten-free breading. Alternatively, serve grilled chicken breast drizzled with the homemade honey chipotle sauce for a high-protein, lighter option.

How do I make the honey chipotle sauce less spicy?

To reduce the heat, simply use fewer chipotle peppers, or remove the seeds from the peppers before chopping them. You can also balance out the spice by adding an extra tablespoon or two of honey to the sauce.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this recipe?

Classic pairings include crispy homemade french fries, creamy mac and cheese, or simple roasted corn. For a lighter option, a crisp garden salad or tangy coleslaw makes a refreshing complement to the sweet and spicy flavors.

CONCLUSION

This chili’s honey chipotle chicken crispers recipe brings restaurant flavor home, offering an easy, budget-friendly, and satisfying meal. You’ll love making it for quick meals and family dinners!

Save, print, or pin this recipe now for your next delicious family dinner and healthy eating plan!

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Chili’S Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers Recipe