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–+ servings
grilled chicken recipe

Grilled Honey Chipotle Chicken

This Grilled Honey Chipotle Chicken recipe is the perfect blend of mildly spicy meets subtly sweet! The perfect easy summer barbecue chicken recipe!
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes
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Ingredients
  

Marinade Ingredients

  • 3 medium chipotle chile peppers (in adobo sauce) Chipotle Chile Peppers (use 1 chile for less spiciness, use 4-5 for more heat)
  • 2 tablespoons Adobo Sauce (from the can)
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 small Shallot (peeled)
  • 3 tablespoons Cilantro (plus more for garnishing)
  • 0.33 cup Honey
  • 0.25 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 3.5 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 3 tablespoons Ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons Lime Juice (about 3-4 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (I recommend reduced sodium or lite soy sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste)

Chicken

  • 4 pounds Boneless Chicken Thighs (boneless skinless chicken breasts may be substituted)

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Combine all marinade ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend on high for about 30 seconds, or until pureed and smooth.
  • Transfer the marinade to a large ziptop bag or mixing bowl. Add the chicken, seal the bag (or cover the bowl tightly), and squish or stir to coat the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4-6 hours.
  • When ready to grill, oil the grill grates and preheat your grill. Let the chicken sit at room temperature while the grill preheats.
  • Place chicken on the grill, close lid, and grill for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Be careful not to burn the chicken due to the honey and brown sugar.
  • Flip the chicken, brush with a generous amount of marinade (discard any remaining marinade), and grill for another 4-5 minutes. Flip one last time and grill for 1 minute, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160F. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to reach 165F.
  • Rest the chicken for 5-10 minutes. Optionally garnish with cilantro or other fresh herbs. Serve.

Notes

This recipe is perfect for summer grilling and can be adapted for indoor cooking if needed. Please see the blog post FAQs for alternative cooking methods.