Chipotle-Lime Grilled Chicken recipes
This recipe delivers flavorful grilled chicken thighs with a vibrant chipotle-lime marinade. It's a quick and easy dish, perfect for a weeknight meal, balancing tangy, spicy, and savory notes for a delicious main course.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Measuring Spoons and Cups
- 1 Grill or Grill Pan
- 1 Tongs
Ingredients
Main
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 1/2 tablespoons chipotle Tabasco
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 large skinless boneless chicken thighs 2 1/2 lb total
- 2 teaspoons mild honey
Instructions
- Combine fresh lime juice, olive oil, chipotle Tabasco, salt, and mild honey in a medium mixing bowl, whisking until well combined to create the marinade.
- Add the skinless boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. For best results, place the chicken and marinade in a large resealable bag or a non-reactive dish.
- Refrigerate and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, and preferably for 1 to 4 hours, to infuse maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Clean the grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard any remaining marinade.
- Place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached and the juices run clear.
- For attractive grill marks and even cooking, avoid moving the chicken too frequently once it's placed on the grill.
- Once cooked through, transfer the grilled chicken thighs to a clean cutting board.
- Tent the chicken loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving whole. This crucial step helps the chicken retain its moisture.
- Serve the Chipotle-Lime Grilled Chicken warm, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or a lime wedge.
Notes
1. For optimal flavor penetration, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1-4 hours, or even overnight if time permits. The acidity from the lime juice also helps tenderize the chicken.
2. When grilling, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat and the grates are clean and oiled. This prevents sticking and helps achieve good grill marks.
3. Chicken thighs are forgiving, but avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Always rest the cooked chicken for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent final product.
5. Adjust the amount of chipotle Tabasco to your preferred spice level. A little goes a long way, but it's crucial for that smoky heat. The honey balances the spice and acidity beautifully.
2. When grilling, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat and the grates are clean and oiled. This prevents sticking and helps achieve good grill marks.
3. Chicken thighs are forgiving, but avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Always rest the cooked chicken for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent final product.
5. Adjust the amount of chipotle Tabasco to your preferred spice level. A little goes a long way, but it's crucial for that smoky heat. The honey balances the spice and acidity beautifully.