This honey chipotle lime grilled chicken is the easiest summer grilling recipe and one of my favorite weeknight dinners on repeat. Chicken breasts soak in a blended marinade of chipotle peppers in adobo, cilantro, lime, honey and olive oil, then hit the grill for smoky, slightly charred perfection. This chipotle lime chicken is sweet, smoky and just spicy enough.

Serve it with Mexican street corn, rice and avocado for a complete meal. Hosting a cookout? Add my Mexican Street Corn Dip to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Lime Chicken

Only 8 ingredients blended into one bold marinade.
Smoky, sweet and tangy from chipotle, honey and lime.
Juicy and charred right off the grill.
Great for meal prep, tacos, bowls and salads.

Ingredients for Honey Chipotle Lime Chicken

The Chicken

Chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness if they are thick.

The Marinade

San Marcos chipotle peppers in adobo, fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, honey, kosher salt and black pepper, blended until smooth.

Dietary note: This chipotle lime chicken is naturally gluten free and dairy free. Check your chipotle peppers in adobo label to confirm it is gluten free.

How to Make Chipotle Lime Chicken

Step 1: Blend the marinade

Add the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt and pepper to a blender, or use an immersion blender, and blend until smooth.

Step 2: Marinate

Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over the top and toss to coat. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

Step 3: Grill

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken 5 to 6 minutes per side, until it reaches 165°F and is slightly charred.

Step 4: Rest and slice

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.

Carly’s Expert Tips

Marinate overnight for the deepest flavor.
Even thickness means even cooking, so pound thick breasts first.
Watch for flare-ups. The honey caramelizes fast, so move chicken to a cooler spot if needed.
Finish with a sauce. A drizzle of avocado lime sauce adds creaminess.

Make It Your Own

Chicken thighs: Use boneless thighs and grill 4 to 5 minutes per side.
Milder: Use fewer chipotle peppers and more honey.
Oven method: Bake at 425°F for 18 to 22 minutes, then broil to char.
Tacos: Slice and serve in warm tortillas with slaw and avocado.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Grill a big batch and slice it for rice bowls, salads and tacos all week; it keeps 4 days in the fridge.

What to Serve With Chipotle Lime Chicken

Serve with Mexican street corn, cilantro lime rice, a green salad, avocado and grilled onions. It is also great with Cowboy Caviar on the side.

Storing and Reheating

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat in a skillet or microwave, or enjoy it cold on salads. Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.

What People Ask About Chipotle Lime Chicken

How long should I marinate chipotle lime chicken?

At least 2 hours, but overnight gives the best flavor.

Is chipotle lime chicken spicy?

It has a smoky medium heat. Use fewer chipotle peppers for a milder version.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. Thighs stay extra juicy on the grill.

Can I cook this chicken without a grill?

Yes. Use a grill pan or bake it at 425°F, then broil for char.