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Chipotle Honey Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 84 reviews
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes (includes minimum marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Description

Chipotle Honey Chicken is a flavorful grilled dish featuring boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a smoky, sweet, and spicy chipotle-infused honey marinade. The marinade blends chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic, honey, red wine vinegar, and avocado oil to create a rich and tangy glaze that enhances the tender grilled chicken. Ideal for a quick yet delicious meal, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of smoky heat and natural sweetness with every bite.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo (use 4 tbsp for extra spicy, see notes)
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or substitute with fresh lime juice as noted)
  • 1/4 cup honey (melt first if solid, see notes)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, mash together the minced garlic, chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, ground cumin, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper with the back of a spoon to form a thick paste.
  2. Emulsify the Marinade: Whisk in the avocado oil, red wine vinegar, and honey until the mixture is smooth and fully emulsified. Reserve 2 tablespoons of this marinade in a separate small container and refrigerate it for later use.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a suitable container and pour the remaining marinade over them. Toss or turn to ensure all the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
  4. Preheat and Oil the Grill: Preheat your grill to maintain a temperature around 400ºF. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking once the chicken is placed on the grill.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken and the reserved marinade from the refrigerator. Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill and cook for 5-6 minutes until they can be easily lifted off without sticking. Flip the chicken and grill for an additional 4-6 minutes until fully cooked through.
  6. Finish and Serve: Take the grilled chicken off the heat and carefully chop into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chopped chicken with the reserved chipotle honey marinade that was kept separate to avoid contamination. Serve immediately for best flavor. Note: Do not reuse any marinade that contacted raw chicken for safety reasons; only use the reserved fresh marinade.

Notes

  • If you prefer, substitute chipotle in adobo with 2 tsp ground chipotle chili powder; increase amount if you want more heat.
  • If your honey is solid, gently warm it over low heat before whisking it into the marinade to ensure smooth blending.
  • Chipotle brand often uses fresh lime juice instead of red wine vinegar in the marinade; feel free to swap for fresher tang.
  • Never reuse marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken for safety; only use the reserved portion kept separate.

Find it online: https://emilysplate.com/chipotle-honey-chicken-recipe/