Description
Easy Chipotle Honey Chicken Poppers are crispy fried bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with spices, breaded, and tossed in a sweet and spicy honey chipotle sauce, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tsp salt (for seasoning chicken)
- 1 tsp black pepper (for seasoning chicken)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (for seasoning chicken)
- 1 tsp chili powder (for seasoning chicken)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for breading)
- 3 eggs, beaten
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- For the Honey Chipotle Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the honey chipotle sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, water, hot sauce, ketchup, and chipotle chili powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring for one minute until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cut the chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Set up your breading station: one shallow bowl with flour, and another with the beaten eggs.
- Dip each chicken piece first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, return it to the flour for a second coating. Repeat with all chicken pieces. For best results, chill the breaded chicken for 20 minutes.
- Heat about 1-2 inches of frying oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers (around 350-375°F).
- Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- Remove the cooked chicken poppers with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the fried chicken poppers with the prepared honey chipotle sauce. Toss thoroughly until every piece is beautifully glazed.
- Serve immediately as a spicy and sweet appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Adjust hot sauce for desired spiciness.
- Chilling the breaded chicken helps the coating adhere better during frying.