You can make these Copycat Chili’s Original Chicken Crispers at home- it doesn’t matter if Chili’s took them off the menu. Satisfy your cravings with this easy recipe!
A DELICIOUS COPYCAT RECIPE
Do you have a craving for Chili’s Original Chicken Crispers but are bummed since Chili’s took them off the menu? Fret no more! I have an easy copycat recipe that will make your taste buds happy and satisfy that craving. Our homemade version of the original Chili’s chicken crispers has the best tempura style batter and is so tasty–crispy, savory, and tender–and it only takes 20 minutes from start to finish. Soft yet crispy batter, the edges get super crunchy and the seasoning on the chicken really stands out, no bland chicken tenders here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
I gotta serve them with honey mustard just like Chili’s – I have a super easy copycat recipe here! But you can simply use ranch dressing or ketchup – whatever you enjoy!
Chili’s serves them with French Fries. But you could try potato wedges or a baked potato. Some cole slaw or baked beans would be good too!
I do have an Air Fryer Chicken Crispers version here. Cooking them any other way than frying in oil is not going to give you the exact same taste and texture though but it comes fairly close.
To substitute the self-rising flour, you’ll need to add baking powder and salt to all-purpose flour. For this recipe you would add 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to all purpose flour and mix well. Continue with the recipe as written.
Transfer chicken tenders to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Additionally, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
To reheat these chicken crispers, place them on a wire rack over a sheet tray in the oven so they don’t get soggy (until heated through) Additionally, you could use an air fryer to reheat. I don’t recommend a microwave or they will not be crispy.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)
- all-purpose flour
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- sweet paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- chicken tenderloins
- chicken broth
- milk
- egg
- self-rising flour
HOW TO MAKE COPYCAT CHILI’S ORIGINAL CHICKEN CRISPERS
In a gallon-sized zip-top bag, add the all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Close the top and toss to combine the flour with the spices.
Add the chicken tender, close it again, and toss until the chicken is coated in the flour mixture, set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, milk, and beaten egg.
Add the self-rising flour and whisk until combined, the mixture will be thin.
Using a deep fryer, set to 350°F. Or in a large, heavy-bottom skillet with deep sides with 2 inches of oil, heat the oil to 350°F. Add the chicken tenders (allow the excess batter to drip off back into the bowl) very carefully to the hot oil.
If using a deep fryer, immediately shake the basket, so the chicken tender does not stick to it. Fry, occasionally flipping until golden brown on both sides and an internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will take 6-10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken tender.
Immediately place the chicken tender on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil. Then, place it on a wire rack set over a sheet tray (doing this will keep them crispy.)
Repeat with the remaining tenders. Serve and enjoy.
CRAVING MORE RECIPES?
- Copycat Chili’s Salsa
- Chili’s Southwestern Egg Rolls
- Air Fryer Crunchy Chicken Tenders
- Southern Fried Chicken
- Chicken Fried Chicken
Copycat Chili’s Chicken Crispers
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg, well beaten
- 1 cup self-rising flour
Instructions
- In a gallon-sized zip-top bag, add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. Close the top and toss to combine the flour with the spices.
- Add 1 pound chicken tenderloins, close it again, and toss until the chicken is coated in the flour mixture, set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup milk and 1 large egg, well beaten.
- Add 1 cup self-rising flour and whisk until combined, the mixture will be thin.
- Using a deep fryer, set to 350°F. Or in a large, heavy-bottom skillet with deep sides with 2 inches of oil, heat the oil to 350°F. Add the chicken tenders (allow the excess batter to drip off back into the bowl) very carefully to the hot oil.
- If using a deep fryer, immediately shake the basket, so the chicken tender does not stick to it. Fry, occasionally flipping until golden brown on both sides and an internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will take 6-10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken tender. Do not overcrowd the fryer.
- Immediately place the chicken tender on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil. Then, place it on a wire rack set over a sheet tray (this keeps the chicken from getting soggy.) Repeat with the remaining tenders.
Notes
- You can serve these with ranch, ketchup, or honey mustard dipping sauce like they do at the restaurant.
- This makes more batter than you will use, but you need it to make sure you coat the tenders thoroughly.
- See my FAQ section above for recipe for honey mustard and sides you can serve with it as well as how to make these in an air fryer.