Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet and smoky heat. It is easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and produces juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
Print
Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs: Sweet, Smoky, and Perfectly Glazed
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful chicken thighs coated in a smoky chipotle and sweet honey glaze, then baked or grilled to caramelized perfection.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from can)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, olive oil, and lime juice.
- Place chicken in a baking dish and brush generously with chipotle honey mixture.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and skin is crispy.
- Brush with additional glaze during the last 10 minutes for extra flavor.
- Broil 2–3 minutes for caramelized finish if desired.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust chipotle amount for preferred spice level.
- Can be grilled over medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side.
- Serve with rice, tacos, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs provide tender, juicy texture.
Honey creates a natural sweetness and caramelized glaze.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce deliver smoky heat and depth.
Garlic adds aromatic richness.
Olive oil helps sear the chicken and build flavor.
Lime juice adds brightness and balances sweetness.
Paprika enhances color and subtle smokiness.
Salt sharpens and balances flavors.
Black pepper adds mild warmth.
Fresh cilantro can be used as garnish.
Directions
Preheat the oven or prepare a skillet for stovetop cooking. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
In a bowl, whisk together honey, finely chopped chipotle peppers, minced garlic, olive oil, and lime juice until smooth.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs until golden on both sides. Pour the chipotle honey mixture over the chicken, allowing it to coat evenly.
Transfer to the oven if desired, or continue cooking on the stovetop until the chicken is fully cooked and the glaze has thickened.
Spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes 10 minutes, with cooking time of 25 to 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain moisture and glaze texture.
Variations and Customizations
Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs are easy to adjust based on spice preference. I tested this recipe by adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar, which enhanced tanginess and balanced the sweetness.
For a milder version, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers. If you prefer extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne.
You can grill the chicken instead of baking for a slightly charred flavor. Serving over rice, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables makes it a complete meal. These simple variations allow flexibility while preserving the dish’s bold character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 19 g |
| Sodium | 540 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Pat Dry First
Dry chicken ensures better searing.
Balance the Heat
Adjust chipotle quantity gradually.
Do Not Overcook
Chicken thighs remain tender but should not dry out.
Spoon Extra Glaze
Reserve some sauce for serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, though cooking time may vary and breasts can be less juicy.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has moderate heat that can be adjusted easily.
Can I grill the chicken?
Yes, grilling enhances smoky flavor.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well for meal prep.
What pairs well with this recipe?
Rice, roasted vegetables, or fresh salad complement it nicely.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store in airtight containers and thaw before reheating.
Conclusion
Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs offer a bold yet balanced combination of smoky heat and caramelized sweetness. Easy to prepare and rich in flavor, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying and vibrant meal suitable for any occasion.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!