What is in Chipotle's honey chicken?

Chipotle doesn’t currently offer a honey chicken on their menu, but this recipe mimics what it could be: boneless chicken thighs marinated in chipotle in adobo, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and honey—grilled to perfection for smoky, sweet, and spicy flavor.

What is the marinade for chipotle chicken?

Chipotle’s classic marinade includes chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic, cumin, and vinegar. This chipotle honey chicken recipe builds on that foundation by adding honey and smoked paprika for a deeper, slightly sweet twist. For a citrusy variation, you can substitute fresh lime juice for the vinegar—keeping the flavor vibrant while staying true to the bold essence of this sweet and smoky chipotle honey chicken.

How to make honey and chipotle marinade?

In a bowl, mash garlic and chipotle in adobo with the spices to build the bold base of this chipotle honey chicken recipe. Whisk in honey, vinegar (or lime juice for a fresh kick), and oil until smooth. Be sure to reserve some of the marinade before adding the chicken—this keeps it safe and ready to finish your grilled chipotle honey chicken with a final burst of flavor.

What is honey chicken sauce made of?

Honey chicken sauce is typically made from honey, garlic, and soy or vinegar. In this chipotle honey chicken recipe, the sauce gets a bold upgrade, blending honey with smoky chipotle peppers, garlic, vinegar, and warm spices. The result is a rich, sticky glaze that clings to every bite of the chipotle honey chicken, delivering sweet heat and deep flavor in every mouthful.

Chipotle Honey Chicken Recipe – Ultimate 30 Minute Flavor Bomb

Description

This chipotle honey chicken recipe features juicy grilled chicken thighs coated in a smoky, spicy, and sweet marinade, perfect for tacos, bowls, or salads.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tbsp chipotle in adobo (4 tbsp for spicy)

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 or lime juice

1/4 cup honey

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Instructions

1. Mash garlic, chipotle, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper into a paste.

2. Whisk in oil, vinegar, and honey until smooth.

3. Reserve 2 tbsp marinade, refrigerate separately.

4. Coat chicken with remaining marinade and refrigerate 1–24 hours.

5. Preheat grill to 400ºF.

6. Grill chicken 5–6 min per side until done.

7. Chop and toss with reserved marinade.

8. Serve immediately.

Notes

Instead of chipotle in adobo, use chipotle powder.

Use lime juice instead of vinegar for citrus flavor.

Melt solid honey before mixing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American, Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 208
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 491mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 108mg