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Equal parts sweet and spicy, this Honey Chipotle Chicken is a quick, easy one-pan recipe that results in tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken every time. The cooking method is designed to lock in flavor and juiciness, and the smoky, sweet, and spicy flavor pairs well with everything from salads to pasta.
Behind This Honey Chipotle Chicken Recipe
My inspiration behind this honey chipotle chicken was the desire to create a flavorful and versatile chicken recipe that’s quick and easy to prepare. I wanted something that paired anything from a hearty bowl to a nutritious salad, tacos to pasta, or over rice and veggies, and wouldn’t take me long to prepare.
More importantly, though, I wanted flavorful and juicy chicken. I’m a big fan of the honey chipotle flavor as witnessed in my honey chipotle chicken in a loaf pan and copycat Chili’s honey chipotle chicken crispers, so I decided to start there. The honey chipotle chicken rub tastes better than any restaurant and since we criss-cut the chicken, all that marinade seeps deep into the chicken breasts, creating tender, juicy chicken every time.
My favorite thing about this chicken is the fact that it’s delicious both hot and cold. I love to use the refrigerated leftovers to make meal prep salads, sandwiches, and bowls.
Tips To Ensure Juicy Chicken Breasts
One of the most common complaints I hear about cooking chicken breasts is that they end up dry and tough. Not this honey chipotle chicken! This stays tender and juicy, thanks to a few things.
- Criss-cut method. Cutting a criss-cross pattern into the chicken breasts helps the marinade get further into the chicken, adding more juicy flavor. Additionally, it helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly.
- Reduce the heat. The heat gets reduced in this recipe after the chicken is flipped. This helps ensure it continues to cook without overcooking.
- Spoon the juices on top. This is key to keeping the inside juicy. After the lime juice and butter are added to the pan, keep spooning them over the chicken in the final minutes of cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer. Chicken needs to cook to 165F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature and remove it from heat as soon as it reaches the right temp.
- Let rest before slicing. Do not immediately slice the chicken! Transfer it to a plate, tent with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to evenly redistribute throughout the entire chicken breast.
Ingredients You’ll Need & Why
Here’s an overview of the most important ingredients needed to make this recipe. The full list and measurements can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Chicken – I use chicken breasts for this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs should work as well, though I haven’t tested them yet.
- Chipotle sauce – I like to use the sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo but any adobo chipotle sauce works.
- Honey – Helps to balance the heat from the marinade and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Seasonings – A combination of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper season the marinade. Regular paprika can be used in place of the smoked paprika.
- Lime – Imparts the perfect acidity and freshness to round out the heat and sweetness.
- Butter – Helps create juicy chicken.
How To Make Honey Chipotle Chicken
These juicy chicken breasts are so quick and easy to make on the stovetop.
- Cut the chicken. Pat the chicken dry. Add a criss-cross pattern by making diagonal cuts ¾ of the way through the chicken. See the photos above for reference.
- Make the marinade. Combine the chipotle sauce, honey, garlic, seasonings, and oil until smooth. Distribute evenly over the chicken, working it into both sides.
- Cook the chicken. Heat the skillet to medium-heat with 2 tablespoons of oil. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes then flip and reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the other ingredients. Add cubed butter to the pan and squeeze the juice of ½ lime over the chicken. Drizzle with honey.
- Finish cooking. Spoon the buttery pan juices over the chicken until it reaches 165F. This usually takes about 8 minutes total.
- Let rest. Transfer the chicken to a plate tented with foil. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
How to Serve Honey Chipotle Chicken
These versatile chicken breasts pair so well with many dishes. One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is over buttered rice with cilantro, fresh diced pineapple, and zucchini.
It’s also fantastic in pasta (and would make a great variation on classic chicken alfredo), in rice or quinoa bowls (like a Santa Fe Power Bowl), in wraps, on tacos, and much more.
For an easy dinner, you could also pair this honey chipotle chicken with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese and your favorite veggies.
Proper Storage
Store any leftover honey chipotle chicken in an airtight container in the fridge with the pan juices. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days.
Cold leftovers make a great addition to salads, wraps, and more. However, they can also be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be sure to include some pan juices to prevent them from drying out.
Looking For More Easy Chicken Recipes?
Did you love this Chipotle Honey Chicken Recipe? Be sure to comment below with any questions or feedback.
Don’t forget to tag me on IG with any photos; @BadBatchBaking and use #BadBatchBaking
Honey Chipotle Chicken
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 pounds chicken breast
- 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 stick butter cut into small cubes
- Olive oil for cooking
Honey Chipotle Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chipotle sauce canned
- 3 cloves garlic grated or finely minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika regular paprika works too
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Start by patting chicken dry. Then criss-cut each chicken breast by cross hatching them with diagonal cuts 3/4 of the way, being sure not to cut all the way through so it retains structure. See photos above for reference.
- In a bowl, combine chipotles adobo sauce, honey, garlic, seasonings, and olive oil. Mix until smooth then distribute it evenly over the chicken breasts, working it into both sides of the chicken. Heat a skillet to medium-high and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Place the chicken into the skillet, cooking about 3-4 minutes, then flip (just once), reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Into the skillet add in 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into cubes. Squeeze over juice from 1/2 lime (or more if it doesn't render much juice) and another drizzle of honey.
- Repeatedly spoon the buttery pan juices over each piece of chicken as they finish cooking and reach 165 degrees internal (about 8 minutes total).
- Remove chicken pieces and rest under tented foil for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Store or serve with pan juices.
Your Honey Chipotle Chicken recipe is a game-changer! The cross-cut method and flavorful marinade create a juicy and versatile dish that’s perfect for various meals. I can’t wait to try it with rice, salads, or even tacos. Thanks for sharing this easy, delicious, and meal prep-friendly recipe!