Description
This Orange Chipotle Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of chipotle peppers, orange juice, honey, garlic, and cumin. The marinade imparts a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy taste that perfectly complements the grilled chicken, making it an irresistible dish ideal for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 Tbsp Honey
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- 4 chipotle pepper chiles in adobo sauce, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup orange juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Protein
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Combine the olive oil, garlic, honey, cumin, chipotle peppers, orange juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture forms a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
- Remove excess marinade: Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard any leftover marinade to ensure safe grilling.
- Grill the chicken: Heat the grill to medium-high and cook the chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC), ensuring they are perfectly cooked and juicy. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check for doneness and avoid overcooking.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake in the oven but grilling adds a smoky char that complements the chipotle flavors best.
- Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the spice level.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
