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Flavorful Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe with Easy Mango Salsa

honey chipotle grilled chicken thighs - featured image
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This recipe features smoky, sweet, and spicy honey chipotle grilled chicken thighs paired with a bright and refreshing mango salsa. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for summer grilling or any casual dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large ripe mango, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds removed (optional for heat)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime (for salsa)
  • Pinch of salt (for salsa)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together honey, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl until thick but pourable.
  2. Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. Place them in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Massage gently to coat all pieces, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
  3. Make the mango salsa by dicing the mango, finely chopping the red onion and jalapeño, then tossing with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit while the chicken marinates.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). If using a grill pan, heat it on the stove over medium-high heat and lightly oil it.
  5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place skin side down on the grill and cook for 7-10 minutes until nicely charred. Flip and grill another 7-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to lock in juices. Serve warm with a generous spoonful of mango salsa on top or on the side.

Notes

Do not skip marinating as it tenderizes and infuses flavor. Maintain medium-high heat (~400°F) for perfect char without burning. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Mango salsa is best made fresh and can be stored separately. For flare-ups, move chicken to cooler grill area. For smoky flavor, add soaked wood chips to charcoal or smoker box.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey chipotle chicken, grilled chicken thighs, mango salsa, summer grilling, easy chicken recipe, smoky chicken, sweet and spicy chicken

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/flavorful-honey-chipotle-grilled-chicken-thighs-recipe-with-easy-mango-salsa/