The Best Appetizer

The Best Appetizer at Chili’s

By[email protected]

Here’s a copycat recipe inspired by the popular “secret” off-menu appetizer at Chili’s, known as Chili’s Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers. These crispy, sticky chicken tenders with honey-chipotle sauce are perfect as an appetizer or a game-day snack!

Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers Recipe

Servings: 4-6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken Crispers:

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • Oil for frying

For the Honey-Chipotle Sauce:

  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup hot sauce
  •  1 tablespoon adobo sauce (sourced from canned chipotle peppers in adobo).
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
  1. Prepare the Honey-Chipotle Sauce:
    In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, ketchup, hot sauce, adobo sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken Batter:
    In a bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Place the buttermilk in a separate bowl.
  3. Coat the Chicken:
    Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk, and back into the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat.
  4. Fry the Chicken:

Warm oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large skillet. Fry the chicken tenders in batches for about 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.

  1. Coat the Chicken in Sauce:
    Place the fried chicken in a large bowl, pour the honey-chipotle sauce over them, and gently toss to coat.
  2. Serve:

Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!

Tips
  • Adjust the Heat: Add more adobo sauce for extra spice or a bit more honey to tone it down.
  • Serve as an Appetizer or Entrée: These are great as appetizers, but they’re also perfect for a main dish when served with fries or a side salad.

Enjoy this off-menu Chili’s-inspired appetizer that’s sweet, spicy, and perfectly crispy

Looking for a hearty meal? Try our delicious (beef) recipes, packed with bold flavors and tender cuts of meat.

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