Description
This Orange-Chipotle Chicken recipe features tender, juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet chipotle-orange sauce. Perfectly balanced with fresh orange juice, chipotle peppers, and aromatic spices, this dish is easy to prepare and makes a delicious main course for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, minced chipotle peppers, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour half of the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. Reserve the remaining marinade for cooking the sauce later.
- Preheat the Grill or Skillet: Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Brush the cooking surface lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used portion. Grill the chicken breasts for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken breasts and drizzle with the thickened chipotle-orange sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish pairs excellently with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- For an extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken over charcoal instead of a gas grill or skillet.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the heat level according to your taste.
