What is in Chipotle's honey chicken?

Chipotle’s honey chicken features a blend of bold, smoky flavors and sweetness. The recipe typically includes chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic, salt, and oil. These ingredients come together to create a tangy, spicy glaze with a hint of caramelized sweetness that clings perfectly to grilled or seared chicken.

How to make honey and chipotle marinade?

To make a flavorful honey and chipotle marinade, combine finely minced chipotle peppers, honey, lime juice, garlic, salt, and a splash of oil. Stir until smooth and use it to coat the chicken evenly. Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes—or up to overnight—for maximum flavor and a tender, juicy result when cooked.

What is the marinade for chipotle chicken?

The classic chipotle chicken marinade relies on the smoky heat of chipotle peppers balanced with sweet and tangy elements. In this chipotle honey chicken recipe, the marinade uses honey, lime juice, garlic, and oil alongside the chipotles to create a bold and well-rounded flavor that penetrates the chicken while helping it caramelize during cooking.

What is in honey chipotle sauce?

Honey chipotle sauce blends spicy, sweet, and tangy elements into one bold glaze. The sauce includes honey for sweetness, chipotle peppers in adobo for heat and smokiness, fresh lime juice for brightness, and garlic for depth. It’s often used both as a marinade and as a finishing glaze in a chipotle honey chicken recipe to enhance every bite.

Chipotle Honey Chicken Recipe – Bold & Easy in 30 Min

Name: Chipotle Honey Chicken Recipe That’s Sweet, Smoky & Easy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 clove garlic – minced; 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo – use 4 tbsp for extra spice; 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; 1/4 cup honey

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 clove garlic – minced
2 tbsp chipotle in adobo – use 4 tbsp for extra spice
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
1/4 cup honey

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix chipotle in adobo, honey, vinegar, garlic, and all spices.

2. Add chicken thighs and coat thoroughly in marinade.

3. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.

4. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

5. Sear chicken on one side until browned and caramelized.

6. Flip and cook through, about 4–5 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

7. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or serve whole.

Notes

Adjust chipotle amount for desired heat level.

Leftovers make great wraps, bowls, or tacos.

Use cast iron for best caramelization and flavor.

Author: Jack
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Chicken
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Southwest