What is better than chili lime chicken? This ridiculously delicious, absolutely mouthwatering and you-just-want-to-eat-them-off-your-screen chipotle lime grilled chicken. I bet you are hungry just buy looking at my pictures here.
I have been firing up the grill early this year and have been remaking old favorites such as chili lime chicken and creating new favorites such as cilantro lime chicken kebab.
Needless to say, my entire fridge is filled with fresh limes, bunches of cilantro and lots of chicken thighs. Good things happen when you marinate chicken (skin-on please) with lots of lime, cilantro, and spice it up with some heat, for example: chipotle chili powder.
This chipotle lime grilled chicken is SO good. The crispy and slightly charred skin, moist, juicy and citrusy chicken meat bursting with the flavors of the marinade, with the signature smoky heat from chipotle chili powder.
I was transported to grilled chicken heaven, and the recipe reinforces the reason why I LOVE summer SO much. The amazing summer food, the BBQ smell lingering in my backyard, the refreshing cold drinks, and the eternal warmth of the sun.
Now, this chipotle lime chicken is not only for outdoor grill. You can easily make this amazing recipe in an oven, or even pan-seared in a regular skillet or cast-iron grill pan.
The end result will be somewhat similar and satisfying. With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, this is the perfect recipe for your family and your guests!
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Chipotle Lime Chicken Recipe
Chipotle Lime Chicken - ridiculously delicious and juicy grilled chicken recipe with chipotle chili, lime juice, garlic and cilantro!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 - 2.5 lbs skin on chicken thighs deboned
Marinade:
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves roughly chopped
- 1 jalapeño chopped finely
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder or more to taste
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
-
Leave the skin on the chicken thighs but remove the bones by cutting two slits along the sides of the bone. Rinse the chicken with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
-
In a big bowl, whisk all the Marinade ingredients until well combined. Save some of the Marinade for basting. Add chicken to the Marinade, make sure to stir and coat the chicken evenly. Marinate for at least 2 hours.
-
Fire up the grill, brush a little bit of the Marinade plus the garlic, cilantro and jalapeno on top of the chicken and grill them until they turn golden brown and charred on both sides. Serve immediately with some fresh lime wedges.
Recipe Notes
You may cook the chicken in an oven at 400F for about 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and charred. You may also cook the chicken on stovetop using a regular skillet or cast-iron grilled pan.
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NYMY
OMG Bee I am making this for Memorial day for sure!
Lori
I would like to substitute real chipotles in adobo sauce, how much would you recommend that I use?
Thanks
Rasa Malaysia
You can add it to taste. Just add 1/2 tablespoon first and then taste the marinate. If you want more heat, then add more. :)
Sunil R
Made this tonight, turned out great. Will definitely make it again.
Jim Wilson
We made this last night, following your directions exactly. My wife said it was the best chicken ever. FWIW, I bought Mc Cormick chipotle pepper chili powder, used 2 teaspoons in the marinade…gave it a sweet smokey flavor, not hot at all
FWIW2, I grill, roast a lot of chicken (pit barrel, Weber Performer, brined too) so when the Mrs. said it’s the best, it’s the best!
I did not brine the chicken thighs used in this recipe, not needed, the lime takes over that role. There’s a new favorite in our house
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Jim – aww, thanks so much. I know this chipotle lime grilled chicken recipe is so amazing. Yes, use more heat, I put down 2 teaspoons for beginners, but add more to taste. I would use 1 heaping tablespoon for sure! :)
Kelly
I want to make this recipe but have couple of questions for you…
1) is it required to remove bone?
2) how do you know when the chicken is done on the grill?
I am new at this but excited to make this recipe which sounds delish!
Rasa Malaysia
You don’t have to remove the bones. If you remove bones, it will be easy to tell, but with bones you need to grill longer. Just slice it through with a knife to check doneness.
Jeannie
How long would you recommend baking this for if you are leaving the bone in?
Rasa Malaysia
Maybe 5 minutes longer, but it’s best you slice and check doneness.
Angie
Rasa–
Just finished this on the grill!!! Definitely a keeper!! Family loved it!! Will most likely be making this up again soon!! Thanks for a marvelous recipe!!!! :)
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Angie – thanks so much for trying my recipes. I have a bunch of chicken recipes you should try out more: https://rasamalaysia.com/?s=chicken
Jeff
There is no way the nutritional info is right. 42 grams of fat??? Still delicious. I cooked it in the air fryer.
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Jeff, this Nutritional Table is done for me by a Nutritionist. I hope it’s correct!
Rebekah
I just came across this recipe and this is my first time visiting your blog. I am interested in making this this weekend but I don’t know how to grill. Can this be made in the oven or do you have a similar oven recipe you can point me to?
Rasa Malaysia
Yes you can make in the oven.
Kandice
What is the maximum marinade time you recommend? I would like to be able to throw this in the grill when I get home from work. Thank you!
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Kandice, overnight is fine!