Zesty Chipotle-Lime Grilled Chicken
Fire up your grill for a flavor explosion with this zesty chipotle-lime chicken! Tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a tantalizing blend of smoky chipotle, bright lime, and sweet honey will elevate your summer cookouts. This recipe not only delivers a perfect balance of spiciness and sweetness, but it also brings a refreshing twist to your lunch or snack options. Ideal for gatherings, meal prep, or even freezing for later, this dish is guaranteed to have your taste buds dancing with joy!
N/A
Servings
210
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs
2.5 lbs (cut into portions, about 6 pieces)
Chipotle Chile in Adobo
1 (minced)
Adobo Sauce
1/2 teaspoon (from the canned peppers)
Lime Juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Garlic Clove
1 (minced)
Olive Oil
1/4 cup (for marinating)
Honey
2 tablespoons (for basting)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your grill to a moderate heat for gas or set up medium indirect heat for charcoal. If using a charcoal grill, position the chicken away from the direct flames.
2
Lightly oil or spray the cool cooking rack to assist with easy cleanup.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and olive oil, mixing well. Pour half of this marinade into a resealable plastic bag.
4
DO NOT add the honey to the marinade yet; set it aside to add later. Reserve the other half of the marinade for basting during cooking.
5
Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, and if desired, experiment with season salt or lemon pepper for a unique flavor twist.
6
Add the chicken to the marinade bag, ensuring each piece is coated, and allow it to marinate at room temperature for about 15 minutes. There's no need to refrigerate for this short marination.
7
Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the used marinade, and place the chicken on the preheated grill.
8
Grill the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes on one side, then flip it over and grill for another 4 to 5 minutes.
9
After flipping, add honey to the reserved marinade and stir well. Baste the chicken with the honey marinade, then immediately flip the chicken again and baste the uncooked side, ensuring that it is coated.
10
Continue grilling the chicken until it reaches a lovely golden brown color, about 2 more minutes.
11
Once cooked through and beautifully grilled, remove the chicken from the grill and drizzle any remaining reserved sauce on top before serving.
12
Tip: This recipe can also be made using an indoor grill. Just ensure you spray or lightly oil it before heating up.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
5g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of Zesty Chipotle-Lime Grilled Chicken?
This dish features a tantalizing blend of smoky chipotle, bright lime, and sweet honey, providing a perfect balance of spiciness and sweetness.
What cuts of chicken work best for this recipe?
You can use 2.5 lbs of either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken only needs to marinate at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Can I use an indoor grill for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can be made using an indoor grill; just ensure you spray or lightly oil it before heating.
When should I add the honey to the recipe?
The honey should be added to the reserved half of the marinade after the chicken has been flipped on the grill for the first time.
How many calories are in a serving of this chicken?
Each serving contains approximately 210 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep and is also freezer-friendly.
How should I set up a charcoal grill for this chicken?
Set up the charcoal grill for medium indirect heat and position the chicken away from the direct flames.
What is the fat and protein content per serving?
This recipe contains 13g of fat and 18g of protein per serving.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and olive oil.
How much lime juice is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Can I add extra seasonings to the chicken?
Yes, you can season with salt and pepper, or experiment with season salt or lemon pepper for a unique twist.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Lightly oil or spray the cool cooking rack before heating to assist with easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
Do I need to refrigerate the chicken while it marinates?
No, there is no need to refrigerate for the short 15-minute marination period.
What should I do with the marinade that touched the raw chicken?
You should discard any marinade that was used to soak the raw chicken.
How long does the chicken cook on each side?
Grill the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, then another 4 to 5 minutes after flipping.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What do I do with the reserved marinade?
The reserved marinade is mixed with honey and used for basting the chicken during the final stages of grilling.
How do I prepare the chipotle pepper?
The chipotle pepper should be minced before being added to the marinade.
Is fresh garlic required?
The recipe calls for 1 minced garlic clove for the best flavor.
What is the recommended serving preparation?
Drizzle any remaining reserved sauce on top of the grilled chicken before serving.
How many pieces should the chicken be cut into?
The 2.5 lbs of chicken should be cut into approximately 6 portions.
What temperature should the gas grill be set to?
Preheat your gas grill to a moderate heat.
Can I use honey in the initial marinade bag?
No, do not add the honey to the initial marinade bag; it is reserved for the basting stage.
What is the final step of grilling?
Continue grilling for about 2 more minutes after the final basting until the chicken is a lovely golden brown.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include grilled chicken, chipotle lime, spicy chicken, meal prep, outdoor cooking, dinner, quick meals, and freezer friendly.
Where do I get adobo sauce?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of adobo sauce directly from the can of chipotle peppers.
Is olive oil used for cooking or marinating?
1/4 cup of olive oil is used specifically within the marinade.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, with only a 15-minute marination and quick grilling time, it is categorized as a quick meal.
What makes this chicken 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh lime juice and chipotle peppers provides the signature zesty and smoky flavor.