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Orange-Chipotle Chicken

Orange-Chipotle Chicken
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Orange-Chipotle Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinner recipe that combines zesty fresh orange juice and zest with smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, balanced by the sweetness of honey or maple syrup. This dish delivers a perfect harmony of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and versatile serving options, it’s an easy way to elevate your dinner routine with a bold, gourmet flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • Thinly sliced green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, orange zest, minced garlic, finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended to form a vibrant, zesty marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into a ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the excess marinade. Sear the chicken on each side for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  4. Reduce the Sauce: Add the reserved marinade to the skillet and simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly into a glaze. Spoon this sauce over the chicken to enhance flavor.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley over the chicken. Optionally, add toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra texture. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
  • Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning.
  • Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best citrus brightness.
  • Adjust chipotle pepper quantity carefully to control heat level.
  • Allow cooked chicken to rest before slicing to retain juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange chipotle chicken, smoky chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, spicy sweet chicken, weeknight chicken recipe

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/orange-chipotle-chicken/