Description
This Orange-Chipotle Chicken recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a smoky, spicy chipotle and tangy orange juice blend. Infused with garlic, honey, and spices like cumin and paprika, the chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro and optional orange zest for a bright citrus finish. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal served with your favorite sides, rice, wraps, or salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Marinade
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- ½ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh cilantro
- Orange zest from 1 orange
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together chopped chipotle peppers, fresh orange juice, minced garlic, honey, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish or ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then sear each piece for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps retain juices and ensures tender, flavorful meat when sliced.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the orange-chipotle chicken with your favorite sides, over rice, in wraps, or atop salads. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of orange zest for an added burst of citrus aroma and flavor. Optionally, drizzle with any remaining marinade leftover from before cooking.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the smoky and citrus flavors dramatically.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to guarantee safety.
- Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for the best vibrant flavor.
- Chipotle peppers can be adjusted to taste depending on your heat preference.
- This recipe works well with either chicken breasts or thighs depending on preferred texture.
