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Don’t you love a flavorful and versatile chicken recipe that you can pair with anything from a hearty bowl, to a nutritious salad, tacos, pasta, or over rice and veggies? This criss cut Honey Chipotle Chicken is exactly what you’re looking for.
This sweet and spicy chicken breast is incredibly juicy with a flavor profile that works with many different dishes. You can easily prepare this pan grilled chicken in a cast iron skillet and it stores wonderful for the week ahead. I love dicing it up for salads or even for a quick high protein snack throughout the day.
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.
Why You’ll Love Honey Chipotle Chicken
- Versatile – from pasta, to tacos or salads, this honey chipotle chicken works in so many cuisines!
- Juicy – we use the criss-cut method, allowing the marinade to penetrate the chicken and create the ultimate juiciness.
- Easy – not only is this chicken breast full of flavor, it’s super easy to make in just one pan.
- Meal Prep Friendly – store this cooked chicken with the pan juices which will aid in keeping this chicken tender while reheating. (its also good cold!)
How to Serve Honey Chipotle Chicken
These versatile chicken breasts pair so well with many dishes. I sliced up the chicken and served them over buttered rice with cilantro, fresh diced pineapple and zucchini. You can also dice these up and add them to bowls and salads, or use these for tacos or to top creamy pasta. The opportunities are truly endless.
Key Ingredients
Chicken – I use chicken breasts, thighs may work as well but I haven’t tested that yet.
Chipotles in Adobo – all the sauce in the (7 oz) can of chipotles in adobo, about 1/4 cup. Or just use the adobo chipotle sauce if you can find it.
Garlic – a few cloves of fresh garlic for aromatics.
Honey – to balance out the heat from the chipotles and add a touch of sweetness.
Seasoning – a simple all-purpose seasoning is used to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Lime – imparts the perfect acidity and freshness to round out the heat and sweetness.
Butter – adds that touch of salt and helps create juicy chicken.
How to Make Honey Chipotle Chicken
Step 1: 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 for reference.
Step 2: Combine chipotles in 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.
Step 3: Place the chicken into the skillet, cooking about 3-4 minutes, then flip (just once) and 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 lime juice and another drizzle of honey. Repeatedly spoon the pan juices over each piece of chicken as they finish cooking and reach 165 degrees internal (about 8 minutes total).
Step 4: Remove chicken pieces and tent with foil to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Store or serve with pan juices.
Looking for More Dinner Recipes?
One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice
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.
Here are some additional photos for your favorite Pinterest boards:
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!