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Honey Chipotle Chicken Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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