Chipotle Chicken Marinade brings bold flavors and spice. This easy marinade combines chipotles in adobo sauce and a touch of honey to balance the heat.
I love having a batch of cooked protein for the week to make easy tostadas or a salad. This chipotle chicken also pairs really well with rice and a refreshing pineapple or mango salsa.
What are chipotles in adobo sauce?
Chipotles in adobo sauce are jalapenos that have been smoked and dried, then rehydrated in flavorful sauce called adobo.
If you've never used chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, this is your chance. A little goes a long way, and they can be used a variety of ways like this marinade, a chipotle-based sauce, or for Chicken Tinga.
More than likely you won't use the whole can and the remaining chipotles can be stored in a container in the fridge for a couple of weeks.
Ingredients for Chipotle Marinade
The ingredients are simple and you can find chipotles at most supermarkets.
- chipotles in adobo sauce
- oil
- honey
- garlic
- salt and pepper
How to make the marinade
Add all the ingredients to a blender or mini food processor and blend until smooth.
The marinade can be used on chicken breast, thighs, or chicken legs. I personally prefer bone-in chicken pieces since there is more flavor.
Pour the marinade over the chicken either in a bowl or in a zip top bag. Distribute evenly and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours.
Cook the chicken on the grill over indirect heat for about 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165° F.
Alternatively you can bake the chicken in a 400°F oven for 30 minutes or Pan-Fry in a skillet until the internal temperature reaches 165° F.
How to Serve and Store
Serve chipotle chicken with rice, as tacos, or on a salad with cilantro lime dressing. It's a flavorful chicken that can be used in a variety of dishes and makes a great meal prep option.
I love this option of cauliflower rice, the chipotle chicken, and a refreshing pineapple salsa.
Leftover chipotle chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
With busy weeknights, I'm looking forward to making easy recipes like this that can be made on the grill and served with a refreshing side.
Want more Easy Grill Recipes? Check these out:
Chipotle Chicken Marinade Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoon Oil
- 2-6 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- Splash of water
- 2 pounds Chicken Breast or Thighs
Instructions
- Add oil, chipotles, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper to a blender or mini food chopper. I needed to add a splash of water to get things going. Blend until a smooth sauce forms.
- Poor marinade over chicken and mix to distribute evenly. Refrigerate for 4 hours or up to overnight.
- Cook chicken on a grill over indirect heat for 30 minutes or bake in the oven at 400° F for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165° F for either method.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only and depends on ingredients and amounts used. Thai Caliente makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
Dina Miller says
Love this marinade! Chicken was so flavorful!
Renee says
Thank you, Dina!! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂