Name: Delicious Orange-Chipotle Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – the star of the dish, juicy and tender.; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped – for smoky heat and depth.; ½ cup orange juice – fresh squeezed for tangy sweetness.; 3 cloves garlic, minced – for aromatic depth and flavor.; 1 tablespoon honey – to balance the spice with sweetness.; 2 tablespoons olive oil – to help emulsify the marinade.; 1 teaspoon cumin – adds earthy depth to the flavor.; ½ teaspoon paprika – for extra smokiness and color.; Salt and pepper to taste – essentials to enhance the flavor of the chicken.; Fresh cilantro for garnish – to add a fresh touch of flavor.; Orange zest from 1 orange (optional) – for an extra citrus burst.

Description

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal that packs a punch, look no further than this Orange-Chipotle Chicken recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – the star of the dish, juicy and tender.
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped – for smoky heat and depth.
½ cup orange juice – fresh squeezed for tangy sweetness.
3 cloves garlic, minced – for aromatic depth and flavor.
1 tablespoon honey – to balance the spice with sweetness.
2 tablespoons olive oil – to help emulsify the marinade.
1 teaspoon cumin – adds earthy depth to the flavor.
½ teaspoon paprika – for extra smokiness and color.
Salt and pepper to taste – essentials to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Fresh cilantro for garnish – to add a fresh touch of flavor.
Orange zest from 1 orange (optional) – for an extra citrus burst.

Instructions

Begin by creating the zesty marinade that will infuse your chicken with flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped chipotle peppers, fresh orange juice, minced garlic, honey, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until you achieve a smooth, cohesive mixture.
Next, select your chicken—either breasts or thighs will work beautifully. Place the chicken into a shallow dish or a ziplock bag that can be fully sealed. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, or if time allows, overnight is ideal.
When the marinating time is complete, it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding a tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the marinated chicken in the skillet, allowing it to sear for about 4–5 minutes per side.
Once the chicken has finished cooking, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into strips or cubes.
Now comes the best part—serving your Orange-Chipotle Chicken! Plate it up with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to your heat preference—more for spiciness, less for mild.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner

Nutrition

Calories: 300 kcal
Sodium: 600 mg
Protein: 25 g