There’s something incredibly satisfying about the aroma of Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken filling your kitchen. As the rich and smoky scent wafts through the air, it instantly transports me to summertime barbecues, where flavors mingle and laughter fills the spaces in between bites. This recipe is a delightful balance of zesty lime, sweet honey, and a hint of spicy chipotle peppers, making it an exciting alternative to those monotonous weeknight meals.
Perfect for grilling or baking, this dish pairs effortlessly with a refreshing Creamy Coleslaw, adding a crunchy contrast to the tender, juicy chicken. Even better? It’s not only delicious, but it aligns perfectly with your healthy lifestyle—it’s Paleo and gluten-free! So, whether you’re looking to impress at your next dinner party or simply want a quick weeknight meal that satisfies all your cravings, you’ve found the perfect recipe. Let’s dive into this flavorful journey together!
Why will you love Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken?
Bold flavors: The zesty mix of lime, honey, and smoky chipotle creates an irresistible marinade that elevates ordinary chicken to a culinary delight.
Quick preparation: With only a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can have this flavorful dish ready in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy choice: Naturally Paleo and gluten-free, this dish fits perfectly into any healthy eating plan without sacrificing taste.
Versatile pairing: Whether served alongside Creamy Coleslaw or roasted sweet potatoes, this chicken shines as a crowd-pleaser.
Meal prep-friendly: Make it ahead and enjoy delicious leftovers that stay juicy and flavorful, just reheat and serve! For more tips on meal prep, check out our ultimate guide to meal prep.
Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken Ingredients
• Get ready to savor every bite!
For the Chicken
- Bone-in skin-on chicken quarters – The main protein source; feel free to substitute with chicken thighs or breasts for variety.
- Honey – Adds a delightful sweetness to balance the spicy kick; agave works as a vegan alternative.
- Coconut aminos – A flavorful soy sauce substitute that enhances sweetness; tamari is great for gluten-free options.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo – Provide both heat and smokiness; adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances the dish’s depth of flavor; you can use garlic powder in a pinch (just one-third the amount).
- Freshly-squeezed orange juice – Infuses citrus brightness into the marinade; while store-bought is fine, fresh is always best.
- Freshly-squeezed lime juice – Elevates the freshness and acidity, perfectly aligning with the main Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken motif.
- Avocado oil – A healthy fat source for moisture and flavor; olive oil can be substituted, though it will impart a different taste.
- Smoked paprika – Adds a rich smoky essence; regular paprika can be an option if needed, but you’ll miss the smokiness.
- Kosher salt – Essential for seasoning and enhancing overall flavor; sea salt is a good alternative.
- Freshly-cracked black pepper – Boosts the flavor profile; feel free to use pre-ground if that’s what you have on hand.
For the Creamy Coleslaw
- Savoy cabbage – A crisp base for your coleslaw; napa or green cabbage can replace it if needed.
- Green onions – Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor; red onion is a nice alternative for a sharper bite.
- Fresh curly parsley – A splash of color and brightness; other fresh herbs can also work wonderfully.
- Carrot – Adds a crunchy sweetness to the coleslaw; radishes or other crunchy veggies can be fun substitutions.
- Avocado oil mayonnaise – Provides creaminess in the coleslaw; regular mayonnaise or Greek yogurt can be good alternatives.
- Apple cider vinegar – For that essential tang and acidity; you could experiment with other vinegars like white wine.
- Additional spices – Optional garnishes to enhance flavors further; personalize to your preference!
How to Make Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken
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Prepare the coleslaw: In a bowl, mix together savoy cabbage, green onions, parsley, grated carrot, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Toss the ingredients well to combine and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Marinate the chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken quarters with honey, coconut aminos, chopped chipotle peppers, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, avocado oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is well coated and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 6 hours.
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Preheat your grill: Set your Traeger Grill to 475°F, ensuring it’s hot enough to give that delightful char to your chicken.
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Grill first side: Place the marinated chicken skin-side down on the grill. Let it cook for about 30 minutes, keeping an eye until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
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Prepare the glaze: In a saucepan, pour in the reserved chicken marinade and mix with ¼ cup of water. Simmer this over low heat until it reduces by a quarter, creating a flavorful glaze.
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Flip and baste chicken: Carefully turn the chicken over, baste with the prepared glaze, and continue grilling until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 185°F (160°F for breast meat), which should take an additional 15 minutes.
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Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter, giving it a final brush with the extra glaze. Serve hot alongside your refreshing coleslaw and steamed jasmine rice or roasted sweet potatoes.
Optional: Garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of fresh lime for added brightness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken Variations
Ready to add your personal touch to this delightful dish? Customize it to suit your taste buds and make it your own!
- Boneless Breasts: Swap bone-in chicken quarters for boneless breasts to enjoy a quicker cooking time and a leaner option.
- Honey Alternatives: Use maple syrup or agave for a different sweet flavor profile, ideal for a vegan twist.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of chipotle peppers based on your heat tolerance—start with one pepper for a milder kick!
- Vinegar Switch: Experiment with apple cider vinegar in the coleslaw for a fruity twist or use red wine vinegar for a tangy flavor.
- Add Greens: Toss in some fresh kale or spinach with your coleslaw for an extra boost of nutrients and a pop of color.
- Textured Crunch: Add sunflower seeds or chopped nuts to the coleslaw for a delightful crunch and healthy fats.
- Fruit Fusion: Incorporate pineapple or mango chunks in the coleslaw to brighten the flavors and add a tropical touch.
- Marinade Variations: Try using a mix of citrus juices, like grapefruit or lemon, for an exciting citrusy spin that compliments the chipotle.
Make Ahead Options
These Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken pieces are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine the chicken with the marinade ingredients and refrigerate. The creamy coleslaw can also be prepped ahead—just mix all the slaw ingredients together and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, keep the coleslaw and chicken in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, grill the chicken as instructed and serve it with the prepped coleslaw for a quick, flavorful meal that’s just as delicious as fresh. Enjoy stress-free weeknight dinners with this meal prep magic!
How to Store and Freeze Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool before sealing to maintain its juicy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes. This will help keep it moist and delicious.
Marinade Use: If you’ve reserved any marinade, it can be used as a glaze while reheating to enhance flavor; just ensure it’s cooked down to eliminate contaminants.
Expert Tips for Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken
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Marinade Mastery: Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated to maximize flavor absorption; flip and recoat the chicken in the marinade for uniformity.
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Check Temperatures: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee safety; chicken should reach 185°F for dark meat and 160°F for breasts to ensure juiciness.
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Perfect Grill Marks: Avoid moving the chicken too soon; let it sear for 30 minutes undisturbed on the grill to achieve that desirable crispy skin.
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Customize Heat Levels: Adjust the number of chipotle peppers based on your spice preference; start with fewer for a milder flavor and increase from there.
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Flavorful Leftovers: This Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken tastes even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
What to Serve with Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken?
Elevate your dining experience by pairing this flavorful chicken with delightful sides that complement its bold taste.
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Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy and refreshing side that balances the chicken’s smoky heat, making each bite a perfect harmony of flavors.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice absorbs the flavorful juices from the chicken, creating a delightful contrast with the spices.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet and slightly caramelized, these provide a lovely warmth and texture that plays beautifully against the zesty chicken.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred and sweet, this summer favorite adds a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky undertones of the chicken.
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Cilantro Lime Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa tossed with fresh lime and cilantro offers a light, aromatic side, enhancing the citrus notes in the chicken marinade.
For a complete experience, consider serving a light, fruity sangria or refreshing lemonade to cleanse the palate between bites.
Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
I recommend using bone-in skin-on chicken quarters for an ideal balance of moisture and flavor. However, chicken thighs or breasts can also be used if you prefer a different cut or are looking for a quicker cooking option!
How should I store leftovers of my Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to let the chicken cool down before sealing, as this will help retain its juicy texture.
Can I freeze Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken?
Absolutely! You can freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, adding any reserved glaze for extra flavor!
What’s the best way to check the chicken’s doneness?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly. Dark meat should reach an internal temperature of 185°F, while chicken breasts should be 160°F. This guarantees delicious juiciness and safety.
Can I adjust the spice level of the marinade?
Yes! Control the spice by adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo. If you’re looking for less heat, start with one pepper and add more to taste. You can always add a little at a time until you find your perfect balance!
Is this recipe suitable for special dietary needs?
Definitely! The Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken is Paleo and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Just be sure to use agave instead of honey for a vegan alternative!
Zesty Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken for Flavorful Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, mix savoy cabbage, green onions, parsley, grated carrot, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken quarters with honey, coconut aminos, chopped chipotle peppers, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, avocado oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 1 to 6 hours.
- Preheat your grill to 475°F.
- Place the marinated chicken skin-side down on the grill for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the glaze with the reserved chicken marinade and ¼ cup of water; simmer until reduced by a quarter.
- Flip the chicken, baste with the glaze, and grill until the thickest part reaches 185°F.
- Serve with coleslaw and optional sides.