These Copycat Chili's Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders are perfect for game day, family dinner night, or when you just want a fun restaurant-style meal without leaving the house. Serve them with fries, coleslaw, or slice them up over a salad for a spicy-sweet protein boost.
If you’ve ever found yourself craving those sweet, smoky, slightly spicy chicken tenders from Chili’s, you are not alone.
There’s something about that sticky honey chipotle glaze paired with crispy fried chicken that makes them totally irresistible. The good news? You can recreate that same restaurant-style flavor right at home — and honestly, it might be even better fresh out of your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Copycat Chili's Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders
- Crispy, golden fried chicken tenders
- Sticky honey chipotle sauce with sweet heat
- Family-friendly (adjust spice easily)
- Great for meal prep or party food
- Restaurant-quality flavor at home
What Do Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders Taste Like?
Think sweet honey barbecue meets smoky chipotle peppers with just a little kick of heat.
The sauce is rich, glossy, and clings perfectly to crispy fried chicken. It’s the kind of flavor that makes you reach for “just one more.”
How to Make Copycat Chili’s Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a ziplock bag, combine chicken tenders, onion powder, garlic powder, seasoning salt, paprika, salt, pepper, 3 eggs, heavy cream, and mayo.
Mix well, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for best flavor).
Step 2: Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- Honey
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Peppers and the Adobo sauce
- White vinegar
- Water
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Breading
In a shallow dish, mix:
- Flour
- Cornstarch
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Seasoning salt
- chili powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Pour the buttermilk into another shallow dish. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken, then dip back into buttermilk, then back into the flour mixture.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet or fryer.
Fry chicken in batches for 4–6 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Place on paper towels or a wire rack to drain.
Step 6: Toss in Sauce
Before tossing the chicken, strain the sauce. If you like it chunky, you don't have to do this step. I like a smooth sauce, so I strain mine.
While the chicken is still warm, toss it in the honey chipotle sauce until fully coated.
Tips for the Best Copycat Tenders
Use cornstarch in the breading
This helps create that light, crispy restaurant texture.
Don’t overcrowd the fryer
Cook in batches so the oil temperature stays steady.
What to Serve With Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders
Final Thoughts
If Chili’s Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders are one of your restaurant favorites, this copycat recipe is a must-try. The combination of crispy fried chicken and sticky, sweet-smoky sauce is comfort food at its finest — and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Once you make these, don’t be surprised if they become a regular request at your dinner table.
Looking for more chicken dishes? Check out these recipes.
- The Crispiest Nashville Hot Chicken You Will Ever Make!
- Sweet and Spicy Oven-Fried Chicken
- Lemon Chicken Piccata
Copycat Chili's Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders
Copycat Chili’s Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders made with a creamy seasoned marinade, crispy breading, and sweet smoky honey chipotle sauce.
Ingredients
for the Marinade + Dredge
- 12 Chicken tenders
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp pepper
For the Breading
- 1/4 cup of all purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder
For the Honey Chipotle Sauce
- 1 can adobo peppers, blended
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- Splash white vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- Splash water
Instructions
In a ziplock bag, combine eggs, heavy cream, mayo, and all seasonings.
Add chicken tenders and mix well. Let it rest on the counter for 30 minutes in the marinade.
To make the breading, in a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and all breading seasonings.
Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Pour the marinade into another shallow bowl for double-dredging.
Coat the chicken well in the breading mixture, then dip it in the marinade, and then back in the flour again.
Let the chicken sit for 5–10 minutes before frying.
Heat oil to 350°F. Fry chicken 4–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels or a rack.
To make the sauce, in a saucepan, combine blended adobo peppers, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and a splash of water. Simmer 5–8 minutes until thick and glossy. If you want a smooth sauce, strain it before tossing the chicken.
Toss hot tenders in sauce and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 352Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 794mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 2gSugar: 16gProtein: 10g