This chipotle marinade is sweet, smokey, perfectly spicy, and brings grilled chicken to a whole new level!
Last week I shared two new chicken marinades with you – honey mustard chicken marinade and Greek Marinade. Both are delicious! However, if you’re looking for a marinade with more of a kick then you’re going to LOVE this chipotle marinade.
I used it on chicken but it would be delicious on pork, steak, mixed in hamburgers, or even on shrimp! OMG YUM!
What can I serve with Chipotle Grilled Chicken?
This is absolutely delicious along side my Mexican Black Bean Quinoa Salad.
You can slice up this chicken and use it in tacos, quesadillas, or fajitas.
Or slather some mashed up avocado on a crusty roll with some tomato and red onion and make a super tasty sandwich.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
In my experience, marinade works it’s magic when it can sit on the chicken overnight. But, if you’re short on time then an hour will do but, if you can, try to marinate the chicken for 2-3 hours.
Supplies For Chipotle Marinade
Blender, immersion blender, or food processor – This marinade works best when it’s blended and smooth. I have this Vitamix blender but you can easily you an immersion blender (this one works great) or a simple food processor (I have this one by Cuisinart).
Gallon size Ziplock Bags or glass meal prep containers – Either will do to marinate the chicken in.
16-ounce mason jars – this is to store any unused leftover marinade. FYI this marinade (like most of them) can be frozen.
Chipotle Marinade Grilled Chicken Recipe
Alrighty, let’s get to the recipe. It’s super easy so don’t blink.
Step 1: Add all of the marinade ingredients into the blender (or food processor) and blend.
A couple notes.
The star of this recipe is chipotle chilis in adobo sauce. I highly recommend removing the seeds from the peppers before adding them to the marinade. Don’t worry it’s still going to spicy, but leaving the seeds in will bring it to next level heat. If you want it to be super duper spicy then leave some seeds in. Personally, I remove them.
After you blend all the ingredients, give it a taste. If you want it sweeter add in a little more honey or more citrusy add in some more lime. Also, check it for salt and other seasonings. This chipotle marinade is very versatile so if you want to play around with it you certainly can.
If the marinade seems on the thicker side, and you want to loosen it up a bit, add in 1 tablespoon of water at time until you get the consistency you want.
Step 2: Place the chicken into a ziploc bag of glass meal prep container and then pour the chipotle marinade over top. Let the chicken marinade for at least an hour, 2-3 if possible, and overnight is preferred. This marinade will cover about 3-4 chicken breasts, possible 5 depending on the size. If you have any leftover marinade then store the rest on a small ziploc bag or mason jar. Please note this marinade can be frozen, if needed.
Step 3: Cook the chicken on a hot clean grill over medium high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165º.
Serve with your favorite Mexican-inspired salad or side.
Meal Prep Ideas
Cook this chicken on Sunday to use in salads throughout the week.
Marinate this chicken on Sunday to have ready to grill on Monday or Tuesday. You can also freeze chicken in marinade to use later on.
- 7 ounce can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 limes, juiced
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ salt
- ¼ pepper
- ¼ cup cilantro
- 1 tablespoon water
- 3-4 chicken breasts
- Add all of the marinade ingredients into the blender (or food processor) and blend.
- Place the chicken into a ziploc bag of glass meal prep container and then pour the chipotle marinade over top. Let the chicken marinade for at least an hour, 2-3 if possible, and overnight is preferred.
- Cook on a hot clean grill over medium high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165º.
Cook this chicken on Sunday to use in salads throughout the week.
Marinate this chicken on Sunday to have ready to prepare on Monday or Tuesday. You can also freeze chicken in marinade to use later on.
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