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Honey Lime Chipotle Baked Chicken Breast 1

Honey Lime Chipotle Baked Chicken Breast

This Honey Lime Chipotle Baked Chicken Breast transforms an everyday protein into a bold, exciting meal that balances sweet honey, tangy lime, and smoky chipotle perfectly. The marinade not only infuses flavor but ensures juicy results every time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican, Southwestern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 295 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Small Saucepan
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade

  • 1/4 cup honey locally sourced if possible
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice approximately 2 medium limes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp adobo sauce from the can
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts approximately 2 pounds
  • fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
  • lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, lime zest, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
  • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider butterflying them or using a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch for more consistent cooking.
  • Place chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken if using a bag. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4-8 hours.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove chicken from refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking to take the chill off.
  • Line a baking dish with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Reserve marinade for later. Place chicken in prepared dish, ensuring pieces don't touch for even heat circulation.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • While chicken bakes, pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush chicken with the reduced marinade glaze. For an appetizing caramelized finish, broil for 1-2 minutes.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

- Marinate for at least 2 hours, but 4-8 hours provides the best flavor development.
- For meal prep, you can marinate individual chicken portions in small freezer bags for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before baking.
- Always bring the reserved marinade to a full boil for food safety before using as a glaze.
- Check chicken temperature at around 20 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or substitute with smoked paprika and a bit of cayenne.

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 35gFat: 11gSodium: 420mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin C: 15mg
Keyword Chicken Breast, Chipotle Chicken, Honey Lime Chicken, Baked Chicken
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