Chipotle Orange Chicken
Bring bold, zesty flavors to your table with this Chipotle Orange Chicken recipe, a perfect harmony of smoky chipotle heat and bright citrus sweetness. Featuring tender, juicy boneless chicken thighs marinated in freshly squeezed orange juice, chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic, honey, and aromatic spices, this dish packs a punch of flavor in every bite. Whether seared to golden perfection in a skillet or grilled for a hint of smokiness, the chicken is finished in the oven or on the grill to achieve a caramelized, slightly charred exterior. Garnished with fresh cilantro and served with lime wedges for a tangy kick, this versatile main course pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy yet impressive recipe will become your go-to for a weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 peppers chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 4 wedges lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
In a blender or food processor, combine orange juice, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, honey, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and orange zest. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a grill, preheat to medium-high heat.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. If using a grill, sear the chicken directly on the grates.
If using a skillet, transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). If using a grill, reduce the heat to medium and cook covered for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
Remove the chicken from the oven or grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Serve the Chipotle Orange Chicken with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Enjoy with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
451 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.8 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 157 mg | 52% | |
| Sodium | 712 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.9 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.4 g | ||
| Protein | 40.0 g | 80% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 38 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 544 mg | 12% | |
*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.
