Description
This Chipotle Honey Chicken Copycat recipe offers a delicious smoky, spicy, and sweet flavor profile perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, and quesadillas. The chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful chipotle honey mixture, then grilled to juicy perfection before being tossed in the reserved marinade for extra taste. It’s easy to prepare and a great protein addition to Mexican-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo (use 4 tbsp for spicier version)
- 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
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, mash the minced garlic, chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper with the back of a spoon until it forms a paste.
- Combine the Ingredients: Whisk in the avocado oil, red wine vinegar, and honey into the paste until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Reserve 2 tablespoons of this marinade in a small container, and refrigerate it for later use.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a container and pour the remaining marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to around 400°F. Remove the marinated chicken and the reserved marinade from the refrigerator. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Lay the chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken easily releases from the grill and is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and chop into bite-sized pieces. Toss the pieces gently with the reserved chipotle honey marinade. Serve immediately for best flavor and freshness.
- Important Safety Note: Never reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken. Only use the reserved marinade that was untouched by raw meat for tossing the cooked chicken.
Notes
- This recipe is inspired by Chipotle’s new menu item and is ideal for Mexican-style dishes like tacos, quesadillas, and burrito bowls.
- For a spicier chicken, increase chipotle in adobo to 4 tablespoons.
- The reserved marinade enhances the flavor when tossed with cooked chicken but must never be used if it contacted the raw chicken.
- Marinating time can be adjusted within 1 to 24 hours depending on schedule and desired flavor intensity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 208 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 491 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 108 mg
