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Chipotle Chicken Tenders

Easy Chipotle Chicken Tenders

Camila Benitez
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..
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 59 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Tools

Ingredients
  

For the Chipotle Chicken Tenders

  • 2 lbs chicken 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. 
  • 2 Cups Leftover 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
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt , divided
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons granulated onion
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 2 teaspoons Chipotle powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1-½ tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 3 large egg whites or 2 large eggs , lightly beaten
  • 1 quart peanut oil or vegetable oil

For the Honey Mustard Sauce

Instructions
 

  • 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.

Notes

How to Store & Reheat
Here 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 Ahead
If 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 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.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.

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