Grilled Chipotle Orange Chicken Thighs (Sweet & Smoky Marinade)
Grilling season makes mealtime so easy, especially with recipes like Grilled Chipotle Orange Chicken Thighs! This chicken is so flavorful with simple ingredients - fresh orange, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, olive oil, and garlic - and so fast to make.
Quick Look: Grilled Chipotle Orange Chicken Thighs
Ready In: 50 minutes
Serves: 4
Calories: 370 Calories
Main Ingredients: boneless skinless chicken thighs, chipotles en adobo sauce, fresh orange
Why You'll Love It: Grilled Chipotle Orange Chicken Thighs are so easy to make, super flavorful, and versatile for any weeknight meal!
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If you're looking for a bold and flavorful dinner, these grilled chipotle orange chicken thighs are a must-make. The sweet and smoky chipotle orange marinade combines fresh citrus with a hint of spice, creating juicy, tender chicken that's packed with flavor.
This is one of those easy grilled chicken recipes that feels a little extra special with the chipotle orange marinade but couldn't be simpler to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you get the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy in every bite.
I love using this chicken in Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowls or to add some more protein to my Mexican Street Corn Tacos. It's also delicious served with my Baked Cilantro Rice.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and smoky flavor - The chipotle orange marinade is the perfect mix of citrus and spice.
- Juicy chicken thighs every time - Chicken thighs are extra forgiving and stay tender on the grill.
- Easy to make - Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a great weeknight dinner on those busy nights!
- Perfect for meal prep - Great for leftovers, bowls, tacos, and salads.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs - I love grilling chicken thighs, but you can use chicken tenders or chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Oranges - fresh oranges are used in this recipe for their juice and zest for maximum orange flavor!
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce - chipotles add some heat and smokiness to the chicken, just like they do in my Chipotle Butternut Squash Soup and Chipotle Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup!
How to Make Grilled Chipotle Orange Chicken Thighs
As I've mentioned a few times, this recipe is super easy to prep and grill. To start, add the orange juice, olive oil, orange zest, chipotle in adobo sauce, and salt to a bowl and stir well to combine. One note for the peppers: I like to put a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in a food processor and blend until pureed. Then I will use that sauce for the marinade. I freeze the leftovers and then cut off what I need for future recipes. You can also chop up the peppers finely. Either works!
Next, combine the chicken thighs and marinade and marinate for at least 30 minutes. I prefer doing this in the morning and giving it a solid 4-8 hours to marinate.
When you're ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are cooked through to 165 degrees F. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips
Don't skip the marinade time - let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Watch for burning - the orange juice adds natural sugars, so keep an eye on the grill and turn the chicken as needed.
Preheat your grill - medium-high heat (about 400-425°F) works best.
Use a meat thermometer - cook until the chicken reaches 165°F.
Let it rest - resting the chicken after it's off the grill for a few minutes keeps it juicy and flavorful.
Grilled Chipotle Orange Chicken Thighs FAQs
It has a mild to moderate heat from the chipotle peppers, balanced by the sweetness of the orange.
Yes! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time or cook it and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Yes, you can freeze it before or after cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling or reheating.
Other Grilled Chicken Recipes to Consider
Grilled Chipotle Orange Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs about 6-8 chicken thighs
- ¼ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon chipotle en adobo sauce (you can just get the saucy part from the canned chipotles en adobo sauce or you can puree the whole can - peppers and sauce - and use that, freezing the leftovers)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in a Tupperware or Ziploc baggie.
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest ,olive oil, chipotle en adobo sauce, minced garlic, and salt.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and mix well to combine.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes or ideally, 4-8 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Serve and enjoy!
