Chipotle Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Chipotle Chicken recipe features juicy, boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a smoky, spicy chipotle and adobo sauce blend, then oven-baked to perfection. The marinade’s vibrant flavors of lime, garlic, honey, and parsley infuse the chicken while providing a subtle heat balanced by a touch of sweetness. Served with a fresh chimichurri sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and spices, this dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Chipotle Marinade
- 4–5 individual chipotle peppers from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo (plus 4 tsp adobo sauce)
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp honey
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaved parsley (chopped)
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 12 thighs)
Chimichurri Sauce
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp white vinegar (or lime juice)
- 1 minced garlic clove
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup finely chopped flat leafed Italian parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Marinade: Add the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice and zest, olive oil, honey, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chopped parsley to a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl. Pour the blended chipotle marinade over the chicken and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is fully coated with the sauce.
- Arrange Chicken: Spread the marinated chicken thighs evenly on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the pieces do not touch each other. This allows for even cooking and browning.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until an internal thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the largest thigh reads 165°F (74°C). For a crispier exterior, broil the chicken for an additional 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Prepare Chimichurri Sauce: While the chicken is baking, whisk together olive oil, white vinegar (or lime juice), minced garlic, salt, paprika, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, garlic powder, and chopped Italian parsley in a small bowl until well combined.
- Serve: Serve the baked chipotle chicken hot, accompanied by the fresh chimichurri sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with rice and cucumber salad.
Notes
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce may vary in heat, so adjust the number used according to your spice preference.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours or overnight if time allows.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely without drying it out.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs remain juicier and more forgiving.
- Leftover chimichurri sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Keywords: chipotle chicken, baked chicken thighs, spicy chicken recipe, chipotle marinade, Mexican chicken, chimichurri sauce
Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/chipotle-lime-chicken-thighs-recipe/
