Sticky Honey Chipotle Chicken Marinade Recipe

This sticky tender Honey Chipotle Chicken Marinade Recipe is made with chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, and fresh lime juice and ready in 55 minutes. The sweet honey chars against the hot grill to create dark caramelized edges on the chicken. I make a double batch of this every week for my meal prep lunches.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to buy bottled marinades to save time on busy weeknights. However, I soon realized that blending fresh garlic and real chipotle peppers creates a vastly superior flavor.

The biggest lesson I learned was balancing the spicy adobo sauce with enough honey. Now I always taste the marinade before adding the raw chicken to ensure the heat level is exactly right.

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Honey Chipotle Chicken Marinade Recipe Ingredients

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the can)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

How To Make Honey Chipotle Chicken Marinade Recipe

1. Blend the marinade: In a food processor or blender, combine the honey, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Coat the chicken: Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the blended marinade over the meat, turning to coat every piece evenly.
3. Marinate the meat: Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate. Let the chicken soak in the flavors for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
4. Cook the chicken: Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Rest before slicing: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute before slicing and serving.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust the heat: Use fewer chipotle peppers if you prefer a milder flavor, or add an extra pepper for an intense spicy kick.
• Do not over-marinate: Leaving the chicken in the lime juice mixture for more than 24 hours can cause the meat to become mushy.
• Grease your grates: The honey in the marinade burns easily, so lightly oil your grill grates or skillet before cooking to prevent sticking.
• Save some sauce: Reserve a few tablespoons of the marinade before touching the raw meat to brush over the cooked chicken as a glaze.

What To Serve With Honey Chipotle Chicken

This smoky chicken pairs beautifully with cilantro lime rice and warm black beans. You can also slice it thin to serve inside warm tortillas for quick weeknight tacos. A crisp green salad helps balance the sticky sweetness of the meat.

How To Store

Keep leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the raw chicken directly in the marinade in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

FAQs

Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake it at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes. Broil for the last two minutes to get those caramelized edges.

What cuts of chicken work best?

Boneless skinless chicken thighs are the most forgiving and stay incredibly juicy. Chicken breasts also work well but require careful monitoring so they do not dry out.

Is chipotle in adobo very spicy?

It has a moderate to high heat level depending on your tolerance. Removing the seeds from the peppers before blending will significantly reduce the spiciness.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Maple syrup or agave nectar are great substitutes for honey. They will provide a similar sticky texture and balance out the smoky chili flavor.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
• Protein: 24 g