Honey Chipotle Chicken Thighs

If you’re looking for a recipe that combines smoky heat with sticky sweetness, Honey Chipotle Chicken Thighs are the perfect choice.

Juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this dish strikes the ideal balance of savory, spicy, and sweet — making it a family favorite for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings.

Whether baked in the oven, grilled, or pan-seared, these chicken thighs come out tender and packed with flavor.

Plus, the honey chipotle glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a mouthwatering finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful & balanced – Sweet honey tempers the smoky heat of chipotle.

• Versatile cooking methods – Grill, bake, or pan-fry with equally delicious results.

• Perfect for meal prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day.

• Family-friendly – Adjust spice levels to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (boneless works too)

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped)

• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the can)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, and chili powder.

2. Marinate the Chicken

   • Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

   • Place them in a large zip-top bag or bowl, pour the marinade over, and coat evenly.

   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor).

3. Cook the Chicken

   • Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 35–40 minutes, basting halfway with extra marinade, until the skin is caramelized and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

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     Grill Method: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken thighs skin-side down for 6–7 minutes, then flip and cook another 8–10 minutes until fully cooked.

   • Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden, then reduce heat and cook through (cover for extra juiciness).

4. Glaze & Garnish

   • Brush with any reserved glaze and let it caramelize for 2–3 minutes.

   • Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with cilantro lime rice and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

• Serve on top of a fresh green salad for a lighter option.

• Shred leftovers for tacos, burrito bowls, or wraps.

Tips for Success

• Control the heat: Use fewer chipotle peppers for a milder flavor or more for extra spice.

• Crispy skin tip: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels before marinating to help the skin crisp up.

• Make ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Final Thoughts

Honey Chipotle Chicken Thighs are the ultimate blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy — a recipe that turns simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish.

Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress.

Honey Chipotle Chicken Thighs

honey chipotle glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a mouthwatering finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 –8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 –3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the can
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Method

 

1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the marinade, coating well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours).
3. Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a lined baking sheet. Bake 35–40 minutes, basting halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Grill Method: Grill on medium-high heat, 6–7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
5. Stovetop Method: Sear in a skillet skin-side down until golden, then lower heat and cook covered until done.
6. Brush with reserved glaze, let caramelize for 2–3 minutes.
7. Garnish with cilantro and lime. Serve hot.

Notes

Serving Ideas

• With cilantro lime rice and grilled veggies.
• Shredded into tacos, burrito bowls, or wraps.
• Over a fresh salad for a lighter option.

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💡 Tips

• Adjust heat by using fewer or more chipotle peppers.
• Pat chicken dry before marinating for crispier skin.
• Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.