Copycat Chipotle Honey Chicken
Cilantro Lime Rice

Recreate the fan-favorite Chipotle honey chicken at home with this authentic, easy-to-follow recipe. Featuring deeply caramelized, sweet and spicy chicken served over freshly tossed cilantro lime rice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 500 g skin-on boneless chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp chipotle adobo sauce (divided)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro
• to taste salt
• to taste dry Mexican seasonings (cumin, oregano, garlic powder)

Instructions

1. 1Wash the rice

   

   Place the white rice into a pot and place it under cold running tap water. Use your hands to stir and agitate the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for removing excess starch so the rice doesnt become gummy when cooked.

   Tip: Do not skip washing the rice; taking the time to wash it ensures a perfect, fluffy texture for your final dish.
2. 2Add the marinade

   

   Place the raw chicken thigh meat into a large metal mixing bowl. Pour the Mexican chipotle adobo marinade over the chicken, then sprinkle your dry seasonings into the bowl as well.

   Tip: If you want a deeper flavor, you can let the chicken sit in the marinade for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
3. 3Mix and marinate

   

   Using a gloved hand, thoroughly massage the chipotle adobo marinade and the dry seasonings into the chicken thighs. Make sure every piece of meat is evenly coated with the mixture.

   Tip: Wearing a glove prevents your hands from becoming stained by the spices and protects your skin from any heat in the adobo sauce.
4. 4Sear the Marinated Chicken

   

   Heat a flat-bottomed pan and place the marinated chicken pieces in skin-side down. Fry the chicken for approximately 5 minutes on the first side to achieve a golden, crispy exterior before flipping.

   Tip: Always start skin-side down to render out the chicken fat and get an even, crispy crust.
5. 5Flip and Finish Cooking

   

   After the first side has developed a deep, caramelized crust, use metal tongs to flip the chicken thighs over. Continue frying the other side undisturbed until the meat is fully cooked through and the juices run clear.

   Tip: Letting the chicken cook undisturbed for the first 5 minutes helps develop a deep, caramelized crust on the skin side.
6. 6Prepare the sauce

   

   While the chicken is cooking, prepare the soul sauce. Take a small bowl containing some leftover chipotle adobo sauce and pour in the honey. Mix them together thoroughly until smooth.

   Tip: Using a kitchen scale can help you accurately measure the honey and adobo sauce for a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy flavor profile.
7. 7Season the Cooked Rice

   

   Transfer the cooked white rice into a large metal mixing bowl. Pour cooking oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt directly over the warm rice.

   Tip: Adding the citrus juice and oil while the rice is still warm helps it absorb the flavors more thoroughly.
8. 8Add Fresh Cilantro

   

   Add finely chopped fresh cilantro into the bowl with the seasoned white rice. Use a spatula to gently toss and mix all the ingredients together until evenly incorporated.

   Tip: Chop the cilantro finely just before adding it to preserve its vibrant green color and fresh herbal aroma.
9. 9Slice the Cooked Chicken

   

   Transfer the fully cooked and browned chicken thighs onto a clean wooden cutting board. Using a sharp chefs knife, slice the chicken into small, bite-sized chunks.

   Tip: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing to keep the meat juicy and tender.
10. 10Add Honey Adobo Sauce

    

    Place the diced cooked chicken pieces into a bowl and pour the freshly mixed honey and chipotle adobo sauce directly over the meat.

    Tip: Mix the honey and adobo sauce thoroughly beforehand to ensure a balanced sweet and smoky flavor profile.
11. 11Coat the Chicken

    

    Using a silicone spatula, thoroughly stir and toss the diced chicken chunks until every piece is evenly coated in the thick, glossy honey adobo sauce.

    Tip: Toss gently to avoid breaking apart the tender chicken pieces while ensuring full coverage.

Storage & Reheating

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Frequently Asked Questions