Fire up the grill and treat your taste buds to the smoky, zesty flavors of Grilled Chipotle Lime Chicken Breasts or Thighs! This crowd-pleasing recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a bold and tangy marinade made from smoky chipotle peppers, fresh lime juice, and a hint of honey for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Infused with aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika, each bite delivers a punch of flavor thatβs elevated with a final garnish of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Whether you choose lean chicken breasts or rich, flavorful thighs, this recipe is quick to prepare, with just 15 minutes of active prep time, and is perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. Serve alongside your favorite grilled vegetables or a crisp salad for a vibrant, healthy, and downright irresistible meal.
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor).
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375β400Β°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for 6β7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F for chicken breasts or 170β175Β°F for thighs.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro (optional) and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Calories |
1597 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.0 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.6 g | 58% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 1375 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.6 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.5 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.4 g | ||
| Protein | 219.5 g | 439% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 210 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 2278 mg | 48% | |
*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.