Chipotle Honey Chicken Copycat
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbboneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 clovegarlic
minced
- 2 tbspchipotle in adobo
4 tbsp for spicy, see notes
- 2 tspsmoked paprika
- 1 tspground cumin
- ½ tsporegano
- 1 tspsea salt
- ½ tspblack pepper
- 1 tbspavocado oil
- 2 tbspred wine vinegar
- ¼ choney
see notes
Directions
- 1
In a medium bowl, mash the garlic, Chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper with the back of a spoon to form a paste.
- 2
Whisk in the avocado oil, red wine vinegar, and honey until smooth and emulsified. Reserve 2 tbsp of the marinade in a small container, and refrigerate it.
- 3
Place the chicken into a container, and pour the remaining marinade over the top. Make sure the chicken is coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
- 4
Preheat the grill to maintain a temperature around 400ºF. Remove the chicken and the reserved marinade from the fridge. When the grill is preheated, lightly coat it with oil and lay the chicken thighs onto the grill.
- 5
Grill for 5-6 minutes or until the chicken easily loosens from the grill. Flip the chicken thighs and grill for another 4-6 minutes, or until the chicken is done.
- 6
Remove the chicken from the grill, carefully chop it into bite-sized pieces, and toss it with the reserved chipotle honey marinade. Serve immediately.
- 7
Important! Never reuse any marinade that has been used on raw meat. It isn't safe to use even if it's boiled, only use the reserved marinade that has never been in contact with the raw chicken!
Chipotle Honey Chicken Copycat
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About this Recipe
Craving that irresistible smoky-sweet heat from Chipotle's new menu item? This Chipotle Honey Chicken Copycat recipe brings those craveable flavors right to your kitchen, making it the perfect protein for your next taco night, burrito bowl, or quesadilla.
What makes this Chipotle Honey Chicken Copycat truly special is its dual-layer flavor strategy. The chicken thighs are first infused with a simple yet aromatic marinade, building a foundational savory depth. The final, essential step is tossing the cooked chicken with a vibrant chipotle honey mixture, ensuring every bite is coated in that signature balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky.
Prepare for tender, juicy chicken pieces bursting with robust and dynamic flavor. Each bite delivers a delightful interplay of savory chicken, the deep warmth of smoked paprika and cumin, a hint of oregano, and the unmistakable, fiery kick from chipotle in adobo, all beautifully rounded out by the sweetness of honey. This dish is designed to be a versatile and exciting component, bringing vibrant zest to any Mexican-inspired meal you create. You'll find it a rewarding addition that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Easily customize the spice level to your preference by adjusting the amount of chipotle in adobo—use 4 tablespoons for a bolder, spicier experience, or stick to 2 tablespoons for a milder, family-friendly heat. While the recipe specifies avocado oil, other neutral cooking oils can be used. This recipe truly shines with the rich flavor of chicken thighs, but you can explore other cuts if you prefer, keeping in mind they might cook differently.
This versatile Honey Chicken is ideal as the star protein in homemade burrito bowls, stuffed into warm tortillas for tacos, or layered into cheesy quesadillas. It's truly a delicious and foundational piece for any Mexican-inspired meal, ready to elevate your culinary creations.