Tender, Juicy Chicken Nuggets Coated In A Sweet And Spicy Honey Chipotle Glaze – The Perfect Balance Of Heat And Sweetness In Every Bite!
These Honey Chipotle Chicken Nuggets are a hit in our house because they combine the best of both worlds – a crispy, golden exterior and a rich, flavorful glaze that’s the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky. I decided to make these because I wanted to give traditional chicken nuggets a flavorful twist, and the honey chipotle sauce brings a depth of flavor that is both bold and comforting.
My family loves them because they’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for dipping. Whether it’s for a game day snack, family dinner, or just a fun meal, these nuggets are always a crowd-pleaser!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
A: Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Thighs are more tender, but chicken breasts will work just as well.
Q: Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of regular flour to make these nuggets gluten-free. Make sure the chicken is fully coated for the best crispiness.
Q: How can I adjust the heat level?
A: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chipotle in the honey sauce or use a milder chili powder. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if you prefer less heat.
Q: Can I make these nuggets in the oven instead of frying them?
A: Yes! To bake these nuggets, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Q: How do I store leftover nuggets?
A: Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
What You Need to Make Honey Chipotle Chicken Nuggets
For the Chicken Nuggets:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Honey Chipotle Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (more or less depending on your heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Honey Chipotle Chicken Nuggets
1. Prepare the chicken nuggets:
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg.
Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat. Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate.
2. Fry the chicken nuggets:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the nuggets for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken nuggets from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
3. Make the honey chipotle sauce:
While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced chipotle peppers, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Toss the chicken in the sauce:
Once the chicken nuggets are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the honey chipotle sauce over them. Toss gently to coat the nuggets evenly with the sauce.
5. Serve:
Serve the Honey Chipotle Chicken Nuggets immediately with your favorite dipping sauce on the side (like ranch or blue cheese) and enjoy the sweet, spicy goodness!
Tips
- For extra crispiness: Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra crunchy exterior.
- Make it milder: Reduce the amount of chipotle peppers for a less spicy version or use a mild chili powder instead.
- Serve with sides: These nuggets pair wonderfully with a side of fries, a salad, or even some roasted vegetables for a full meal.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan L. – “These Honey Chipotle Chicken Nuggets are out of this world! The sauce is perfectly balanced with sweetness and heat. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside – my family loves them!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel S. – “I made these for dinner, and they were a hit! The honey chipotle sauce has such a great kick to it, and the nuggets are so flavorful. Definitely making these again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “These nuggets are amazing! The crispy coating and sticky honey chipotle glaze are the perfect combination. They’re so addicting – we ate them all in one sitting!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma B. – “I love how easy these are to make, and the flavor is incredible. The honey chipotle sauce is so delicious, and the nuggets are crispy and juicy. I’ll definitely make these again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica H. – “These Honey Chipotle Chicken Nuggets are a new favorite in our house! They’re sweet, spicy, and crispy – absolutely perfect. I love how easy they are to make too!”
Printable Recipe
Honey Chipotle Chicken Nuggets
These Honey Chipotle Chicken Nuggets are crispy, juicy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy honey chipotle glaze – the perfect combination of flavor and heat!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Nuggets:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Honey Chipotle Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (more or less depending on your heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken nuggets:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg.
Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat. Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate.
2. Fry the chicken nuggets:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the nuggets for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken nuggets from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
3. Make the honey chipotle sauce:
- While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced chipotle peppers, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Toss the chicken in the sauce:
- Once the chicken nuggets are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the honey chipotle sauce over them. Toss gently to coat the nuggets evenly with the sauce.
5. Serve:
- Serve the Honey Chipotle Chicken Nuggets immediately with your favorite dipping sauce on the side (like ranch or blue cheese) and enjoy the sweet, spicy goodness!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved these Honey Chipotle Chicken Nuggets, please share them with your friends and family! They’re the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and sweet, and I’m sure everyone will love them. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your nuggets turn out!
