Transform your grilled chicken into a smoky, spicy masterpiece with this zesty chipotle marinade! Bursting with bold flavors from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, fresh lime juice, garlic, and a touch of honey for subtle sweetness, this versatile marinade strikes the perfect balance of heat and depth. Infused with ground cumin and smoked paprika, every bite delivers a kick of Tex-Mex-inspired deliciousness. Whether you use chicken breasts or juicy thighs, marinating for at least two hours ensures tender, flavorful results. Perfect for summer cookouts or a weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make marinade pairs beautifully with rice, salads, or grilled veggies. Get ready to fire up the grill and savor this restaurant-quality dish at home!
In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, honey, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
When ready to cook, preheat a grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and discard the marinade.
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve the grilled chicken as is, or pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.
Calories |
1688 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 69.2 g | 89% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.8 g | 69% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 3690 mg | 160% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.5 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.1 g | ||
| Protein | 219.0 g | 438% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 159 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 10.1 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 2122 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.