These honey chipotle chicken tenders are the perfect option for a last-minute dinner. They have the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, making them a great dinner option for the whole family.
These honey chipotle chicken tenders are such an easy recipe to make! They require just a few simple ingredients and there is almost no prep work.
I love making this recipe on a busy weeknight because all you have to do is pop it in the oven and wait for it to cook! The chicken tenders do not have any breading, which makes them a perfect low-carb, gluten-free option!
This recipe was inspired by my honey chipotle chicken wings; I loved the flavor so much that I decided it would be fun to recreate it into a chicken tender recipe. This pairs well with these easy gluten-free scalloped potatoes or this healthy cowboy caviar.
Sometimes I will chop up the leftover chicken tenders and turn them into a giant salad. I love adding them to this Hawaiian Salad or just putting them on a bed of romaine lettuce with some chopped tomatoes and this honey lime dressing.
If you are looking for more healthy chicken recipes, be sure to check out this healthy chicken risotto or this spicy southwest chicken salad!
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Ingredients
- Chili Peppers in Chipotle Sauce: these are typically found with Mexican foods at the grocery store. They are also called chili peppers in adobo sauce. Look for a brand that is already pureed, such as La Goya.
- Chicken Tenders: I prefer the purchase the pre-cut chicken tenders at the store for convenience. You can also use chicken breast and cut it into strips the size of tenders.
- Soy Sauce: this adds flavor. Alternative options are to use low sodium soy sauce, Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce), or coconut aminos.
- Honey: adds sweetness. The best taste is from honey, however, you can substitute with agave nectar.
Instructions
Prep the sauce: combine the chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, garlic powder, lime juice, and soy sauce. Mix well. Set aside ¼ cup of sauce. (This will be used after the chicken tenders are cooked.
Add the chicken tenders to the remaining sauce. Mix well. Pour the chicken tenders/sauce into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and seal tightly
Cook the chicken in the oven for 30 minutes or until done. Top with the remaining sauce and broil for 1-2 minutes. Serve warm!
Hint: be sure to cover the chicken with foil! This creates steam while cooking, which helps prevent the chicken from drying out.
Variations
This recipe can be modified to meet your dietary needs or taste preferences. Here are a few recommendations on how to add variety to this dish.
- Spicy - add red chili pepper flakes to the adobo sauce. you can also add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Meat- replace the chicken tenders with any cut of chicken. Options are chicken breast (sliced), chicken thighs, or chicken wings.
- Cooking Method- this recipe can be made in the crock pot or on the stove. Cooking times will vary.
Cooking Method
These chicken tenders are cooked in the oven. The foil covering creates steam, which helps to produce a more tender chicken tender. The chicken can also be cooked in a crock pot or on the stovetop.
Crockpot Method: Add the chicken tenders to a large crock pot. Prep the sauce, save back ¼ cup, and add the rest to the crock pot. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Remove from crockpot and top with reserved sauce.
Stovetop Method: Place a medium skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and the chicken tenders. Allow chicken to cook for 3 minutes on each side. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. Add the sauce, cover, and continue to cook until the chicken is done. Flip as needed to prevent burning.
Storage
Place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to follow these USDA guidelines on safely storing food.
The chicken will freeze well for up to 3 months. Be sure to place it in a freezer-safe storage container, such as a freezer ziplock bag.
Expert Tips
Don't overcook the chicken! The chicken is done when it reaches a temperature of 165F. Cooking too long will result in a dry chicken.
Make this extra saucy by doubling the sauce. Wait to add half of the sauce until finished cooking. Help thicken the sauce by adding a tablespoon of cornstarch and cooking over the stove for a couple minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile and pairs with almost any type of side dish. Since chicken is high in protein, I like to pair it with a grain and a vegetable to make it a balanced meal. Listed below are some additional recipes to serve with the chipotle tenders.
- Serve with a veggie such as Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes or Instant Pot Asparagus
- Make some Creamy Spaghetti Squash and add the chicken to the top
- Chop up the chicken and mix it with a Southwest Quinoa Salad
- Serve with a side of chips and this Healthy Cowboy Caviar
- Place it in a tortilla with lettuce and cheese. Serve as a wrap or quesadilla.
- Chop up the chicken and serve with an egg white wrap for an easy, low carb lunch! Dip in some Chipotle Southwest sauce for an extra kick!
Frequently Asked Questions
The recipe is gluten-free is you use a gluten-free soy sauce, such as Tamari or coconut aminos.
Yes, make a double batch and then eat throughout the week! The chicken holds up great in both the refrigerator and the freezer.
This recipe does have a small amount of spice, however, it's not over powering. I would feel comfortable feeding it to my toddler, but it depends on your family's preferences!
Chicken must be cooked to an internal temperature of 165F. Use a meat thermometer to measure the temperature.
Related Recipes
Honey Chipotle Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 can 7.5 oz chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F. Spary a baking pan with nonstick pan release spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, garlic powder, lime juice and soy sauce. Mix well.
- Set aside ¼ cup of sauce.
- Add the chicken tenders to the remaining sauce. Mix well.
- Pour the chicken tenders/sauce into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and seal tightly.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until chicken reaches 165F.
- Remove from oven, top with the remaining ¼ cup of sauce. Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow sauce ot thicken.
Jennifer says
Turned our perfect. Chicken was moist. I cut into pieces and ate with my salad.