Honey Chipotle Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Honey Chipotle Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet and smoky heat, making it an exciting and flavorful dish for any meal. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty chipotle and honey mixture, then pan-seared to create a delicious glaze.
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 (about 850g)
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients, including mincing the chipotle peppers and garlic, and juicing the lime.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the minced chipotle peppers, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to make the marinade.
- Step 3: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Toss the chicken until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If marinating longer than one hour, cover and refrigerate.
- Step 5: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, swirling to coat the skillet.
- Step 6: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook on one side until the liquid has evaporated, the marinade has thickened to a glaze, and the chicken is browned.
- Step 7: Flip the chicken and cook the other side until browned and cooked through.
- Step 8: Remove from heat, top with sliced green onions, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or remove the seeds before mincing.
- For added depth, you can marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge.
- Serve this chicken over rice, quinoa, or with grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the glaze and avoid drying out the meat.
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 can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly and monitor closely.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a moderate heat level from the chipotle peppers which are smoky and moderately spicy. You can reduce the quantity for milder flavor or add more for extra heat.
PrintHoney Chipotle Chicken Recipe
This Honey Chipotle Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of smoky chipotle peppers, sweet honey, tangy lime juice, and garlic. The chicken is then pan-cooked to develop a rich, sticky glaze that perfectly balances sweet and smoky heat. Garnished with fresh green onions, this dish is quick to prepare and makes a deliciously vibrant main course for any weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Marinade
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (about ¼ cup)
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 lime, juiced (about 2 Tbsp)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (½ Tbsp)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Chicken
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (850g)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prep: Gather and prepare all ingredients by mincing the chipotle peppers, juicing the lime, mincing the garlic, slicing the green onions, and measuring out the honey, salt, and cooking oil.
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced chipotle peppers with honey, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Mix well to create a spicy-sweet marinade.
- Toss the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated in the marinade.
- Marinate: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. For longer marinating times up to one day, cover and refrigerate the chicken to keep it fresh.
- Heat the skillet: When ready to cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and swirl it around to coat the surface of the pan.
- Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook on one side until the liquid released from the chicken evaporates and the marinade reduces to a sticky glaze, and the chicken is nicely browned. Flip the thighs and cook on the other side until browned and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a serving dish. Top with the sliced green onions for a fresh and colorful garnish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for a stronger chipotle flavor, but always refrigerate if marinating over one hour.
- Use boneless, skinless thighs for juicier and more tender chicken compared to breasts.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the number of chipotle peppers or omit the adobo sauce.
- This dish pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
- Make sure to cook the chicken fully to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Keywords: Honey Chipotle Chicken, spicy chicken, chipotle chicken thighs, pan-fried chicken, quick chicken recipe, smoky honey chicken
