Description
This Honey Chipotle Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of chipotle peppers, honey, lime juice, garlic, and spices. The chicken is pan-cooked to a beautifully glazed, caramelized finish and topped with fresh green onions for a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Ideal for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this dish serves six and can be prepared in under an hour.
Ingredients
Marinade 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
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil (for marinade)
Chicken and Cooking
- 6 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless (850g)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil (for cooking)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep: Gather and prepare all ingredients, including mincing the chipotle peppers and garlic, juicing the lime, and slicing the green onions.
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced chipotle peppers, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Toss the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Marinate: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes; for deeper flavor, refrigerate and marinate up to one day, ensuring the chicken is chilled if marinated longer than an hour.
- Heat the skillet: When ready to cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of cooking oil and swirl to coat the skillet surface evenly.
- 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 that caramelizes the chicken. Once browned, flip and cook the other side until the chicken is fully cooked through and browned.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Marinating for longer enhances the depth of flavor but remember to refrigerate if marinating over an hour.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicy, tender results; chicken breasts can be used but may be less moist.
- Adjust honey amount if you prefer a sweeter or spicier balance.
- Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding chicken to achieve a nice caramelized glaze.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo can be spicy – adjust quantity according to your heat preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired