Some meals just hit all the right notes—bold, smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy. Chipotle Lime Chicken Tenders are exactly that. They’re juicy, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving them up for dinner, meal prep, or game night, they’re bound to disappear fast.

The smoky heat from chipotle pairs beautifully with the bright citrusy punch of fresh lime, creating a flavor combination that keeps you coming back for more. These tenders are lightly marinated, quickly cooked, and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces. Serve them with rice, inside tacos, or on a salad, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s as flexible as it is delicious.

Let’s get right into how you can make these juicy, flavor-packed chicken tenders at home.

Table of contents

What Makes These Chicken Tenders Special?

Unlike the usual fried or breaded tenders, these Chipotle Lime Chicken Tenders focus on pure flavor and juicy texture. The secret is in the marinade—it’s simple but powerful. Here’s what makes these tenders a must-try:

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce – These bring a deep, smoky heat that blends beautifully with the marinade. You can adjust the amount to control the spice level.
Fresh Lime Juice & Zest – Lime brightens up the dish and balances out the smoky heat from the chipotle.
Garlic & Honey – Garlic adds depth, while a touch of honey rounds out the flavors with a subtle sweetness.
Smoked Paprika & Cumin – These spices enhance the smoky flavor while adding warmth and depth.

How to Make Chipotle Lime Chicken Tenders

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together lime juice, chopped chipotle peppers, honey, garlic, and seasonings. Add the chicken tenders and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
Cook the Tenders: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the tenders for 3–4 minutes per side until they develop a nice char and are cooked through. You can also grill or bake them.
Let Them Rest: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep them juicy.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve them with extra lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and your favorite sides.

Ways to Customize Your Chicken Tenders

These tenders are easy to switch up based on what you’re craving. Here are a few ways to tweak the recipe:

Extra Heat – Add an extra chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne if you want more spice.
Crispy Version – Coat them in panko breadcrumbs before cooking for a crunchy texture.
Low-Carb Option – Swap honey for a sugar-free sweetener to keep them keto-friendly.
Creamy Twist – Drizzle with a cool cilantro-lime crema for an extra layer of flavor.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

There’s a reason these Chipotle Lime Chicken Tenders are so satisfying:

Big, Bold Flavors – The smoky chipotle, fresh lime, and blend of spices create an unforgettable flavor combination.
Quick & Easy – With minimal prep and fast cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile – Serve them in tacos, over rice, or on a salad. They work with almost anything!

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Best Sides to Serve with Chipotle Lime Chicken Tenders

To complete the meal, here are a few side dishes that go perfectly with these spicy, smoky chicken tenders:

Cilantro Lime Rice – A fresh and zesty side that balances the smoky heat of the chicken.
Street Corn Salad – Sweet, tangy, and creamy—this side dish complements the bold flavors of the tenders.
Avocado Salsa – A refreshing mix of avocado, tomato, and lime that pairs beautifully with the spice of the chipotle.
Sweet Potato Fries – The slight sweetness of roasted or air-fried sweet potatoes balances out the heat of the chicken.

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Chipotle Lime Chicken Tenders

These Chipotle Lime Chicken Tenders are smoky, juicy, and packed with bold flavors. With a simple marinade of chipotle peppers, fresh lime, and spices, they cook up quickly and pair well with a variety of sides. Whether grilled, pan-seared, or baked, they’re a must-try!

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Servings serving

Equipment

Mixing Bowl For marinating the chicken
Skillet or Grill For cooking the chicken

Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenders
2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce minced
1 teaspoon honey for balance

Instructions

In a bowl, mix lime juice, minced chipotle peppers, honey, garlic, and seasonings. Add chicken tenders and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with extra lime wedges and fresh cilantro. Enjoy!

Notes

Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers based on your spice preference.
For extra char, cook the tenders on an outdoor grill.
These chicken tenders are great for tacos, salads, or wraps.

Keyword chipotle chicken, easy chicken recipe, lime chicken tenders

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Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!