Embark on a culinary journey with our Easy Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos – a symphony of savory and sweet that promises to elevate your taco night to new heights. Succulent chicken thighs or breasts are infused with a tantalizing chipotle honey sauce, creating a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. This simple yet flavorful recipe is the perfect way to spice up your weeknight dinners or impress your guests with a taco feast that’s sure to be a hit.
In our home, taco night is a cherished tradition, and the Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos have become the star of the show. Picture this – the aroma of spices filling the kitchen, the sizzle of chicken in the skillet, and the excitement as we assemble our tacos with an array of fresh toppings. This recipe has earned its place as a family favorite, turning ordinary evenings into extraordinary fiestas.
Why This Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos Recipe Rocks:
- Spice with Sweetness: The chipotle honey sauce adds a perfect balance of smoky heat and sweet honey, creating a flavor profile that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Versatile Pairing: Whether tucked into charred corn or flour tortillas, layered over cilantro lime rice, or part of a burrito bowl, this chicken adapts effortlessly to your preferred serving style.
- Foolproof Roasting: A quick roast in the oven ensures juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
- Taco Night Extravaganza: Customize your taco experience with a variety of toppings – pickled red onions, creamy cashew crema, fresh cilantro, and more – for a taco night that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients:
For the Chipotle Honey Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or neutral high smoke point oil (about 30 ml)
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (pounded or butterflied, if needed) (about 680g)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 chipotle peppers (from a can, packed in adobo sauce), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers)
- ¼ cup honey (about 85g)
- ½ cup light beer of choice (such as Modelo Especial) (120 ml)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch whisked into ¼ cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season
For Serving:
- Charred corn or flour tortillas
- Cilantro lime rice
- Black beans
- Sour cream or cashew crema
- Pickled red onions
- Freshly chopped cilantro
- Queso fresco or cheese of choice
- Salsa of choice
- Lime wedges
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare all ingredients as per the Ingredients List.
- Brown the chicken in a medium oven-safe skillet with oil over medium heat, seasoning with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk together chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, honey, and beer to create the chipotle honey sauce. Set aside.
- Pour the chipotle honey sauce over the browned chicken in the skillet. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken using forks or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Add lime juice and toss to combine. Incorporate a cornstarch slurry if needed.
- Serve immediately in tortillas or create a burrito bowl with your favorite toppings. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Notes:
- Experiment with different toppings to customize your taco experience.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers to the sauce.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your beer choice is gluten-free or replace it with chicken broth.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for a quick and delicious meal later.
