Honey Chipotle Chicken
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.
Servings: 4 chicken breasts
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.