Honey Chipotle Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Honey Chipotle Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors with a kick of heat. It’s simple to prepare and ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with bold taste.

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.
2. Step 2: Mince the chipotle peppers and combine them in a bowl with honey, lime juice, minced 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 the chicken until evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, up to one day. Refrigerate if marinating longer than one hour.
5. Step 5: When ready to cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 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 liquid evaporates, the marinade reduces to a glaze, and the chicken is browned.
7. Step 7: Flip the chicken and cook the other side until browned and cooked through.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat, top with sliced green onions, and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For milder heat, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or use smoked paprika instead.
• Try marinating the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
• Serve with rice or a fresh salad to balance the smoky sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat to keep it moist and avoid drying out the glaze.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is it safe to marinate chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating chicken in the refrigerator overnight is safe and helps develop more intense flavors.

Honey Chipotle Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

This Honey Chipotle Chicken recipe features succulent boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of smoky chipotle peppers, sweet honey, tangy lime juice, and garlic. The chicken is cooked in a skillet to a perfect golden brown and finished with fresh green onions for a delightful balance of smoky, sweet, and fresh flavors. It’s an easy stovetop dish ready in under an hour, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings.

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

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 and Cooking

• 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 slicing the green onions.
2. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced chipotle peppers, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Stir well to create a smooth marinade.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Toss the chicken until fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, ensuring deeper flavor penetration.
4. 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 pan evenly.
5. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken thighs to the hot skillet. Cook on one side until the released liquid evaporates, the marinade reduces to a glaze, and the chicken is browned. Flip the thighs and cook the other side until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
6. Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet, top with sliced green onions, and serve hot.

Notes

• Marinating longer than one hour requires refrigeration for food safety.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the number of chipotle peppers or remove seeds before mincing.
• Chicken thighs can be substituted with breasts, but cooking times will vary.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Keywords: Honey Chipotle Chicken, smoky chicken, spicy chicken recipe, skillet chicken, marinated chicken thighs, easy Mexican chicken