Honey Chipotle Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Honey Chipotle Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines smoky, spicy chipotle peppers with sweet honey and zesty lime. This simple marinade transforms tender chicken thighs into a deliciously sticky and caramelized meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (about ¼ cup)
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1 lime, juiced (about 2 Tbsp)
• 1 garlic clove, minced (about ½ Tbsp)
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp cooking oil, divided
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (850g)
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients, mincing the chipotle peppers and garlic.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the minced chipotle peppers, honey, lime juice, garlic, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to make the marinade.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
4. Step 4: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If marinating longer than one hour, refrigerate it.
5. Step 5: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of cooking oil and swirl to coat the pan.
6. Step 6: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook on one side until the released water evaporates, the marinade reduces to a glaze, and the chicken browns.
7. Step 7: Flip the chicken and cook the other side until it is browned and cooked through.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat, top with sliced green onions, and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add more chipotle peppers or include a pinch of cayenne powder to the marinade.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of chipotle peppers.
• Serve with rice or a fresh salad to balance the smoky and sweet flavors.
• Marinating overnight will deepen the flavors for a richer taste.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave to preserve moisture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and tend to be less juicy than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.

Is there a substitute for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?

If you don’t have chipotle peppers, you can use smoked paprika with a pinch of chili powder for a similar smoky and spicy flavor, though it won’t be exactly the same.

Honey Chipotle Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 145 reviews

This Honey Chipotle Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a smoky, sweet, and tangy chipotle adobo sauce with honey and lime, pan-cooked to perfection and topped with fresh green onions for a flavorful and easy-to-make dish.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade

• 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (about ¼ cup)
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1 lime, juiced (about 2 Tbsp)
• 1 garlic clove, minced (about ½ Tbsp)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil (for marinade)

Chicken

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 850g)
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil (for cooking)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep: Gather and prepare all ingredients by mincing the chipotle peppers, juicing the lime, and mincing the garlic clove. Slice the green onions for garnish.
2. Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
3. Toss the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top. Thoroughly toss the chicken to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the marinade.
4. Marinate: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more intense flavor, marinate up to one day, refrigerating the chicken if marinating longer than one hour.
5. Heat the skillet: When ready to cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and swirl to coat the skillet surface evenly.
6. Cook chicken: Add the marinated chicken thighs to the hot skillet. Cook on one side until the liquid released by the chicken evaporates and the marinade reduces to a sticky glaze, and the chicken has browned. Flip and cook the other side until browned and fully cooked through. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet, plate, and garnish with the sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• You can adjust the number of chipotle peppers based on your heat preference.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the juiciest results; chicken breasts can be substituted but may be less tender.
• If you prefer, marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
• Make sure to fully cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• Serve this dish with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad to complement the flavors.

Keywords: Honey Chipotle Chicken, chipotle chicken, spicy chicken thighs, Mexican chicken recipe, honey chicken, easy chicken recipes