This Chipotle Honey Chicken combines smoky chipotle with sweet honey for a perfectly balanced, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive for guests. The marinade caramelizes into a sticky glaze, keeping the chicken juicy inside with irresistible charred edges.
If you're looking for the perfect Chipotle Honey Chicken, you're in the right place. Whether you love Chicken Breast Recipes or want to explore our Breakfast & Brunch collection, we've got you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Honey Chicken
- Sweet & Smoky: Honey caramelizes into a crust while chipotle adds warm, smoky depth.
- Versatile Prep: Grill, bake, or skillet-cook—perfect for tacos, rice, or salads.
- Flavor Powerhouse: A simple marinade doubles as a sticky, clingy glaze.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Impressive for any occasion with easy, accessible ingredients.
Ingredients & Tools
- 600 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Tools: A medium-sized bowl, whisk, zip-top bag or baking dish for marinating, and a grill pan, outdoor grill, or baking sheet.
Notes: Quality chipotle in adobo is key for signature smokiness. Don’t skip the fresh lime juice—its acidity cuts the richness perfectly.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories: | 310 kcal |
| Protein: | 28 g |
| Fat: | 15 g |
| Carbs: | 15 g |
| Fiber: | 1 g |
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- Chicken thighs are your best friend here. They stay incredibly juicy and flavorful compared to breasts, which can dry out more easily. The higher fat content is perfect for standing up to the bold marinade.
- Don’t be scared of the chipotle peppers. They provide a warm, smoky heat rather than a sharp, burning spice. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can start with just 1 tablespoon and scrape out the seeds from the peppers before mincing.
- Marinating time is non-negotiable for maximum flavor. At least 30 minutes is good, but if you can let it go for 2-4 hours (or even overnight), the flavor penetration is phenomenal. The acid in the lime juice helps tenderize the meat, too.
- Have all your garnishes ready. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and maybe even some crumbled cotija cheese or sliced avocado take this dish from great to absolutely unforgettable.
How to Make Chipotle Honey Chicken
Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced chipotle peppers and their adobo sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. You’ll notice the marinade will be a deep, reddish-brown color and have an incredible smoky-sweet aroma. Give it a taste—it should be a bold balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy.
Step 2: Place your chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a shallow baking dish. Pour about two-thirds of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the remaining third for basting later. Seal the bag or cover the dish, making sure all the chicken pieces are coated in the marinade. Massage it in a little to ensure every nook and cranny is covered. Pop it in the refrigerator to marinate.
Step 3: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill, grill pan, or oven to medium-high heat (about 200°C/400°F for the oven). If you’re baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Discard the used marinade that the raw chicken was sitting in.
Step 4: Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on the first side. You’re looking for those beautiful grill marks and for the chicken to release easily from the grates. The surface should look opaque and slightly caramelized. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the second side.
Step 5: Now, brush the reserved, clean marinade over the cooked side of the chicken. Continue to cook, flipping and basting occasionally, for another 2-3 minutes per side. The glaze will bubble and become sticky and glossy. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C/165°F and the juices run clear.
Step 6: Transfer the chicken to a clean plate or cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This is a crucial step—it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and tender. You’ll see the glaze set into a beautiful, shiny coating.
Step 7: Garnish the Chipotle Honey Chicken with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing. The final dish should be sticky, slightly charred, and smell absolutely divine.
Storage & Freshness Guide
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in marinade up to 2 months; thaw in fridge before cooking.
- Reviving: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to re-crisp without drying.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- Cilantro Lime Rice — The fresh, citrusy notes of the rice are the perfect fluffy base to soak up any extra glaze from the chicken.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob — A little char on the corn echoes the smokiness of the chipotle, and a brush of butter and chili powder ties everything together beautifully.
- Black Bean and Avocado Salad — The creaminess of the avocado and the earthiness of the beans provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy chicken.
Drinks
- Classic Margarita — The tangy lime and clean tequila cut through the richness of the dish and complement the smoky flavors perfectly.
- Ice-Cold Mexican Lager — A crisp, light beer is a no-fail pairing that cleanses the palate between each flavorful bite.
- Sparkling Water with Lime — For a non-alcoholic option, the bubbles and citrus are incredibly refreshing against the sweet and spicy glaze.
Something Sweet
- Mango Sorbet — The bright, tropical fruitiness of the mango is a lovely, light way to finish the meal and cool down your palate.
- Churros with Chocolate Sauce — For a truly indulgent end, the warm cinnamon sugar and rich chocolate are a fantastic match for the meal’s smoky undertones.
- Flan — The smooth, creamy caramel custard provides a silky, sweet contrast that balances the spice from the chipotle beautifully.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using the marinade that touched raw chicken as a glaze. This is a major food safety no-no. Always reserve a portion of the marinade before adding the chicken, or boil the used marinade for several minutes if you must use it.
- Mistake: Skipping the resting time. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but if you slice the chicken immediately, all those precious juices will run out onto the cutting board, leaving you with drier meat. A short rest makes all the difference.
Chipotle Honey Chicken
Make this easy Chipotle Honey Chicken with a sweet, smoky glaze. Perfect for grilling or baking. Get the simple recipe for a crowd-pleasing dinner tonight!
Ingredients
For the marinade and chicken:
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600 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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3 tbsp honey
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2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely minced)
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3 cloves garlic (minced)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced chipotle peppers and their adobo sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.01
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Place your chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a shallow baking dish. Pour about two-thirds of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the remaining third for basting later. Seal the bag or cover the dish, making sure all the chicken pieces are coated in the marinade. Pop it in the refrigerator to marinate.02
-
When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill, grill pan, or oven to medium-high heat (about 200°C/400°F for the oven). Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Discard the used marinade that the raw chicken was sitting in.03
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Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on the first side.04
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Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the second side.05
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Brush the reserved, clean marinade over the cooked side of the chicken. Continue to cook, flipping and basting occasionally, for another 2-3 minutes per side. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C/165°F and the juices run clear.06
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Transfer the chicken to a clean plate or cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes.07
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Garnish the Chipotle Honey Chicken with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.08
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