When I start craving some extra spice, this sweet and smoky chipotle chicken marinade gets the job done. Made with chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic, this marinade really turns up the heat on grilled chicken! My advice…keep this one away from the kiddos.
Top Reader Review
My husband and I loved this recipe! I pretty much followed the recipe, but I omitted the olive oil. We’re on a low fat food plan (don’t tell my husband!) so I cut oil where I can. I sprayed my tablespoon with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure all of my honey went into the sauce. But, that was the only change in the sauce. Only prepared two chicken breast, so poured about 1/2 – 2/3 of sauce into bag with chicken. Retained the rest separately and heated to mix into wild rice that I served the chicken on. Served with an avocado salad and sliced cantaloupe. Delicious, light supper. Today, my husband is still raving about how good it was. Thanks for the great recipe. I’ve become a big fan!
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Chipotle Honey Lime Marinade — Perfect for Grilled Chicken Breasts!
I can’t think of a better use for this chipotle chicken marinade than slathering it on some juicy grilled chicken breasts. The spicy, smoky flavor goes so well with a little char. Plus, the marinade can pull double duty as a basting and dipping sauce. Win-win! I use a slightly different version of this adobo marinade to make my baked chipotle chicken, but both versions can be used on any cut of chicken, with any cooking method. It infuses flavor no matter how you do it!
Whether you’re looking to add some heat to simple summer dinners, or spice up your lunchtime burrito bowl, this grilled chipotle lime chicken is a surefire winner.
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Marinating Time
This smoky chipotle lime marinade works its magic in as little as 2 hours, but the chicken can marinate for up to 12 hours in the fridge. I don’t like letting it sit for much longer, because it can start to break down too much and turn mushy. To help the marinade penetrate deeper for maximum flavor, lightly score the chicken with shallow cuts.
Chipotle Chicken Marinade Recipe
Equipment
- Grill or Indoor Grill Pan
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (*)
For the Marinade:
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced; from 1 (7-ounce) can)
- ¼ cup adobo sauce (from the can)
- 2 tablespoons honey (**)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 dash kosher salt
- 1 dash ground black pepper
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- Whisk together the marinade ingredients and pour into a sealable plastic bag or large dish.2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ¼ cup adobo sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 3 cloves garlic, 1 dash kosher salt, 1 dash ground black pepper
- Add the chicken to the plastic bag or dish and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours.2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- When ready to cook, remove chicken from marinade and set aside.
- Pour the marinade into a saucepan, and bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer for a couple of minutes, until thickened.
- For a smoother sauce, transfer to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Grill the Chicken:
- Heat a grill to medium-high heat (or place a skillet over medium-high heat).
- Add marinated chicken to the grill (or skillet) and brush liberally with the sauce.
- Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, brushing both sides with sauce. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165℉.
Notes
- For better flavor penetration, score the chicken breasts or lightly pound them to even thickness.
- Use smoked paprika in the marinade to enhance smokiness if you’re grilling indoors and can’t get that charred flavor naturally.
- I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours.
- If grilling, lightly brush the grill with olive oil, this prevents the chicken from sticking and tearing.
- Ideally, use a covered grill. A covered grill creates a sealed, oven-like environment that surrounds your food on all sides, which is especially important when you’re trying to thoroughly cook chicken.
- Brush sauce on only during the last few minutes of cooking if you want a thick glaze without burning the sugars in the honey.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This locks in juices and keeps the meat tender and flavorful.
- Properly cooked chicken should read 165°F at the thickest point.
- The finished chicken is great with some fresh lime juice squeezed on top.
- Baking Instructions: Marinate, then bake at 400℉ for 25-35 minutes.
- Crockpot Instructions: Place the chicken and all of the marinade/sauce in your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Note: Water, salt, pepper, oil, and broth are not counted as ingredients on this site.
How to Make Marinated Chipotle Adobo Chicken Step by Step
Make the Marinade: Whisk together 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ¼ cup of adobo sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, ¼ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 3 minced cloves of garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Marinate the Chicken: Cover 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with the chipotle marinade. I like to score the chicken breasts or pound them to an even thickness for better marinade penetration. Transfer it to a zip-top bag, or keep it in the bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.
Simmer the Sauce: Pour all of the marinade from the bag/bowl into a pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and keep the chipotle sauce simmering for a few minutes until thickened. This not only concentrates the flavors into a delicious sauce, but it also cooks off any dangerous bacteria from the chicken.
Blend the Sauce: Pour the adobo sauce into a food processor or blender, and pulse until smooth. This step is optional, but great if you like an extra-smooth sauce!
Brush the Chicken: Preheat your grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (375-450°F). Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Then add the marinated chicken, and brush each piece liberally with the chipotle sauce.
Grill the Chicken: Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until 165°F internally, making sure each side is coated in plenty of that delicious sauce! Serve hot off the grill and enjoy.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Store chipotle grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, reheat chicken in a 350℉ air fryer or oven until warmed through.
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