Description
Ingredients
3 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 8 to 10 thighs, lightly trimmed
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp oil, divided
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 to 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Instructions
1. Mix the kosher salt, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
2. Season both sides of the chicken thighs evenly. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, stir the melted butter, honey, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin together until smooth.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
5. Add half of the chicken thighs. Cook for about 5 minutes per side until browned, then transfer the chicken to a cutting board.
6. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Cook the remaining chicken for about 5 minutes per side, then transfer it to the cutting board.
7. Cut all the cooked chicken into bite sized pieces.
8. Return the chicken pieces to the skillet over medium heat.
9. Pour the honey chipotle sauce over the chicken. Stir until the sauce coats every piece.
10. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken cooks through.
11. Serve warm with rice, beans, salads, tortillas, tacos, quesadillas, or burrito bowls.
Notes
Use chipotle chili powder rather than regular chili powder for the intended smoky flavor.
If the sauce becomes too thick, warm it briefly before adding it to the skillet.
A cast iron skillet helps the chicken develop deeper browning.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide the juiciest texture.
You can substitute chicken breasts, although they may taste slightly less juicy. Slice or cube them and cook them through before adding the sauce.
For less heat, use 1 1/2 teaspoons of chipotle chili powder.
For more heat, add extra chipotle chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot honey.
Do not overcrowd the skillet. Cook the chicken in two batches so it browns instead of steaming.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat leftovers in a skillet for 2 to 3 minutes or microwave them until hot.
This recipe works well for meal prep.
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 426
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 652 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 236 mg