Chipotle Honey Chicken Recipe: Sweet, Spicy, and Delicious

If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors, this Chipotle Honey Chicken recipe is a must-try. The smoky heat from chipotle peppers pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is quick, easy, and sure to impress.

Ingredients

To make Chipotle Honey Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional, for added tang)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation Steps

Follow these simple steps to create your Chipotle Honey Chicken:

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Make the chipotle honey sauce: In a small bowl, combine the honey, chopped chipotle peppers, minced garlic, olive oil, and lime juice. Mix well until smooth.
3. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a shallow dish or zip-lock bag and pour half of the chipotle honey sauce over it. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
4. Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add a little olive oil if using a skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Glaze the chicken: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the remaining chipotle honey sauce over the chicken to create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
6. Serve: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.

Tips for the Best Chipotle Honey Chicken

• Adjust the number of chipotle peppers depending on how spicy you like your food.
• For extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes instead of pan-frying.

This Chipotle Honey Chicken is sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy—a perfect combination that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the bold flavors and simple preparation of this crowd-pleasing dish!