Perfectly sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of heat, Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken is about to become your go-to recipe for summer barbecues and weeknight dinners. The honey chipotle glaze does double duty as a marinade and a glaze to create the most tender, juicy chicken thighs or breasts bursting with bold flavors.
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As soon as the warm weather rolls in, I’m ready to fire up the grill. I love cooking, but turning on the oven in summer? No thanks. Grilled chicken is one of my go-to meals, and after trying a delicious honey chipotle version at a restaurant, I knew I had to make my own. This homemade take is just as good—maybe even better—and it’s easier on my budget, too!
How Spicy Is This Chicken, Really?
Let’s just say—it’s got personality! The heat level all depends on how many chipotle peppers you use. One pepper keeps it smoky with just a little kick. Want to crank it up? Add two (or more!) for bold, fiery flavor. If you’re cooking for a crowd or little ones, you can skip the peppers and just use the adobo sauce for a milder version that still brings that deep, smoky taste.
Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Trim any fat as needed.
- Honey Glaze – This is just honey, a few finely chopped chipotle peppers with the adobo, lime juice(apple cider vinegar also works,) garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Grilling Needs – Brush the grill grates with olive oil to help keep the chicken from sticking.
Mix It Up – Recipe Variations
- Swap the Protein: Try this glaze with shrimp, pork chops, beef, or even roasted vegetables.
- Extra Smokiness: Add a pinch of cumin or a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- Less Heat: Omit the chopped chipotle pepper and just use the adobo sauce for a milder flavor.
- No grill? Sear the chicken on a cast iron pan and finish it in the oven.
Let’s Make It – Step-by-Step
- Whisk together the honey chipotle glaze in a bowl.
- Prep the chicken by drying it off with paper towels, then coating it with most of the glaze and marinating for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side.
- Brush with the remaining honey chipotle sauce for the last 2 minutes of cooking for the best sticky-sweet sauce!
Can Honey Go On Chicken Before Grilling?
It sure can, and it’s great! I recommend brushing on some more at the end of the cook time to get that really delicious, sticky glaze. Otherwise, the heat cooks off a lot of the glaze initially (although it’s infused into the chicken).
Can I Bake Honey Chipotle Chicken?
Sure! If you don’t have a grill, bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, brushing with glaze halfway through.
How Long Does This Chicken Stay Good For?
This Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
This honey chipotle grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Yes, but cooking time will increase. Expect around 10–12 minutes per side, depending on the size.
Sure! Chipotles in adobo can be quit spicy so add a little at a time, taste, and add mroe as desired. Once you add too much it’s hard to make it less spicy so start little.
How To Use Chipotle Honey Chicken
This chicken is delicious in so many ways! My favorites to serve it with cucumber tomato avocado salad, corn on the cob and corn bread muffins. It’s also great in wraps, or tacos with pineapple salsa.
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you tried this Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo finely chopped (adjust for heat)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Olive oil for brushing grill grates
Instructions
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, stir together the honey, adobo sauce, chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Set aside about ¼ of the glaze for brushing during grilling, and coat the rest over the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with olive oil. Grill chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until it reaches 165°F inside and has nice char marks.
- Glaze & serve: Brush with reserved glaze during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Let rest for a few minutes, then serve.
Notes
- Swap the Protein: This glaze is great on shrimp, pork chops, or even roasted veggies.
- Extra Smokiness: Add a pinch of cumin or a splash of liquid smoke to deepen the flavor.
- Less Heat: Skip the chopped chipotle pepper and just use the adobo sauce for a gentler kick.
- No Grill? Sear the chicken in a cast iron skillet, then finish it in a 400°F oven until cooked through.
Nutrition
5 Days of Southern Summer Comfort Food!
My go-to summer recipes!
