This recipe for Chipotle Chicken Tenders is a great option for those looking for a spicy and flavorful dish. The nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a spicy kick from chipotle peppers.
With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, these nuggets are easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or as an appetizer. In addition, this recipe doubles easily and freezes well.
This Chipotle Chicken Tenders recipe uses various ingredients to create a delicious and flavorful chipotle chicken nugget. The pickled brine not only adds a tangy flavor but also prevents the chicken from drying out. The chipotle powder provides a spicy kick, while the granulated onion and garlic add a depth of savory taste. Baking soda in the recipe reacts with the acid in the pickled juice, creating a crispy texture.
The egg whites, acting as a binding agent, hold the breading together and ensure that it adheres perfectly to the chicken. The combination of panko bread crumbs and flour gives a crunchy exterior and a satisfying bite.
Finally, the peanut oil used for frying has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, which results in a perfectly crispy and delicious nugget. These Chipotle Chicken Tenders can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even as a main dish and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Chipotle Chicken Tenders
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Whisk 2 cups of picked brine and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt in a large bowl until salt dissolves. Add the chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. Remove chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
Combine 1 cup panko, 1 cup flour, 2 teaspoons granulated onion, 1 teaspoon granulated garlic, 2 teaspoons chipotle powder, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1-½ tablespoons powdered sugar, and baking powder in a shallow dish.
Whisk egg whites in a second shallow dish until foamy. Coat half the chicken pieces with the egg whites and dredge in flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 200 degrees. Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet.Add oil to a large high-sided frying pan until it measures 1 inch deep and heat over medium-high heat to 350 degrees.
Fry a few chicken tenders in the hot oil without overcrowding the pan for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and place it in the oven to keep them warm. Return oil to 350 degrees and repeat with the remaining chicken.
How to Make Honey Mustard
Whisk the honey and mustard in a small bowl until smooth-season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
This recipe for Chipotle Chicken Tenders is a great option for those looking for a spicy and flavorful dish. The nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a spicy kick from chipotle peppers. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cook time, these nuggets are easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or as an appetizer. In addition, this recipe doubles easily and freezes well..
2lbschicken tenders or boneless, or chicken breast cut into 1- to 1 ½-inch strip; ensure your strips are all the same size to cook evenly. For example, 1 chicken breast can yield 5 to 7 strips, depending on the width of the strips.
2CupsLeftover picked juice Brine (we used Sweet Heat Mt.Olive Brand) or 2 cups of water combined with 1 tablespoon kosher salt and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
Whisk 2 cups of picked brine and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt in a large bowl until salt dissolves. Add the chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. Remove chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
Combine 1 cup panko, 1 cup flour, 2 teaspoons granulated onion, 1 teaspoon granulated garlic, 2 teaspoons chipotle powder, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1-½ tablespoons powdered sugar, and baking powder in a shallow dish.
Whisk egg whites in a second shallow dish until foamy. Coat half the chicken pieces with the egg whites and dredge in flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 200 degrees. Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Add oil to a large high-sided frying pan until it measures 1 inch deep and heat over medium-high heat to 350 degrees.
Fry a few chicken tenders in the hot oil without overcrowding the pan for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and place it in the oven to keep them warm. Return oil to 350 degrees and repeat with the remaining chicken.
Watch how to make it
Notes
How to Store & ReheatHere are a few tips for storing and reheating Chipotle Chicken Tenders:
Storing: Allow the Chipotle Chicken Tenders to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat the tenders, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the microwave by placing them on a microwave-safe plate and heating them for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Crispiness: To restore crispiness, you can also reheat the tenders by shallow frying them in a pan with a bit of oil over medium heat until they are hot and crispy. 👀Note: It's always best to reheat the Chipotle Chicken tenders in the oven or pan for better crispiness and texture.
How to Make AheadIf you want to make ahead Chipotle Chicken Tenders, it is best to cook them according to the recipe instructions, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to get them crispy again before serving. However, for optimal taste and texture, it is best to cook and serve the Chipotle Chicken Tenders as close to the time of consumption as possible.How to Freeze the fried Chipotle Chicken Tenders cool, transfer them to a zipper and freeze for up to 1 Month. To serve, adjust the oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 350 degrees. Place tenders on a rimmed baking sheet and bake, flipping once until heated through about 15 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Easy Chipotle Chicken Tenders
Amount per Serving
Calories
158
% Daily Value*
Fat
4
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
0.02
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
1
g
Cholesterol
73
mg
24
%
Sodium
399
mg
17
%
Potassium
484
mg
14
%
Carbohydrates
4
g
1
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
2
g
2
%
Protein
26
g
52
%
Vitamin A
195
IU
4
%
Vitamin C
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
21
mg
2
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
