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Orange-Chipotle Chicken

This delightful recipe blends sweet orange juice with smoky chipotle peppers for a flavorful and satisfying dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 290
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 2 peppers chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • 1 orange Zest from 1 orange (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, combine chipotle peppers, orange juice, garlic, honey, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Place chicken breasts (or thighs) in a shallow dish or ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through and golden brown. Check internal temperature — it should reach 165°F (75°C).
  2. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serving
  1. Serve the chicken with your favorite sides or on top of rice, in wraps, or over a salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of the remaining marinade if desired.

Notes

Marinating the chicken overnight will intensify the flavors. For extra zing, try adding lime juice to the marinade. Always check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked; it should be 165°F (75°C).