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This Chipotle Chicken is a savory, smoky dish with a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, balanced by the zesty freshness of cilantro and lime. The marinade infuses each chicken breast with layers of flavor, creating a juicy and flavorful main perfect for serving with rice, in tacos, or on a fresh salad.
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Chipotle Chicken

This Chipotle Chicken is a savory, smoky dish with a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, balanced by the zesty freshness of cilantro and lime. The marinade infuses each chicken breast with layers of flavor, creating a juicy and flavorful main perfect for serving with rice, in tacos, or on a fresh salad.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword Chipotle Chicken
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts approx. 4
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 tabelspoon chopped cilantro
  • 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce minced; remove seeds to reduce spiciness
  • 2 teaspoon adobo sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • fresh limes for serving

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl or a large zip-top bag, blend together brown sugar, fresh cilantro, chipotle chili, adobo sauce, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  • Add the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated with the seasoning mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or let it marinate for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
  • Preheat the grill to medium heat. Once it’s hot, grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to preserve its juices.
  • Serve with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the chicken, if desired—this adds a bright, zesty flavor that's highly recommended.

Notes

  • If the marinade seems too dry, feel free to add a tablespoon of oil—canola, vegetable, or olive oil all work well—to provide extra moisture beyond the chipotle pepper and adobo sauce.