What is in Chipotle's honey chicken?

Chipotle’s honey chicken typically features tender grilled chicken marinated in a blend of chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, lime juice, garlic, oil, and seasonings like cumin and paprika. The result is a slightly sweet, smoky, and spicy flavor that works well in bowls, tacos, and salads. This chipotle honey chicken recipe offers a homemade version that captures the same balance of flavor.

How to make honey and chipotle marinade?

To make a simple honey chipotle marinade, mix together minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic, salt, and a small amount of cooking oil. For best results, blend until smooth. This mixture is the key to the bold flavor in the chipotle honey chicken recipe and can be used on chicken thighs, breasts, or even vegetables.

What seasoning does Chipotle use for their chicken?

Chipotle’s chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices including cumin, garlic, oregano, black pepper, and smoky chipotle chili. It is grilled for extra flavor. This chipotle honey chicken recipe builds on those same spices while adding honey and lime to create a glaze that balances sweet and smoky perfectly.

What is a good substitute for adobo sauce?

If you don’t have canned chipotle in adobo, you can substitute it with a mix of smoked paprika, chili powder, a splash of vinegar, and a small amount of tomato paste or ketchup. This substitute keeps the smoky and tangy profile that defines the flavor in any chipotle honey chicken recipe.

Chipotle Honey Chicken Recipe – The Best Sweet & Smoky Dinner

Ingredients

Scale

3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)

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Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together chipotle peppers, honey, lime juice, garlic, salt, and 1 tablespoon oil.
Add the chicken thighs to a shallow dish or bag and pour marinade over. Toss to coat.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours in the fridge.
Heat a skillet over medium and add remaining oil.
Add chicken and cook until glaze forms and the meat browns.
Flip and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest, slice, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.

Notes

Adjust the number of chipotle peppers for heat level.
Works well with chicken breasts if sliced thin.
Great in tacos, wraps, or rice bowls.
Keeps in the fridge up to 4 days or freezer up to 3 months.

Author: Mia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 to 18 minutes