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Grilled Chipotle Chicken

Grilled Chipotle Chicken is a sweet and spicy BBQ must. Chicken drumsticks are brushed with a chipotle honey sauce and grilled to perfection. 

If you are looking for the perfect sweet n’ spicy dish to serve at your next backyard BBQ, cookout or potluck, look no further than this Grilled Chipotle Chicken. With the help of chipotle peppers in adobo and honey these chicken legs are sticky, sweet, spicy and full of smoky flavor. 

All you need is a little time and patience because as with any good marinade, this chicken gets better the longer that it has to sit. Plan on refrigerating it for at least 2 hours before cooking. 

Let’s talk about what you need to make it: 

Grilled Chipotle Chicken Ingredients: 

One of my favorite things about making this Grilled Chipotle Chicken, aside from the ridiculously good flavor, is the fact that you’ll only need a handful of ingredients to make it. 

Grilled chipotle chicken ingredients on white background.
  • CHICKEN: We opt for chicken drumsticks in this house for a couple of reasons. One chicken drumsticks are dark meat so they have more flavor and stay juicier than chicken breasts. Two, they are really easy to eat because you can hold them with your hands. No knives or forks needed which means they are perfect for BBQs. 
  • CHIPOTLE PEPPERS IN ADOBO: Chipotle peppers in a adobo are smoked jalapeños so they can pack a lot of heat. I have made this recipe using the entire can and believe me it is spicy. If you are concerned about spice, I’d start with 2 – 3 chipotle peppers and work your way up. 
  • HONEY: Honey is going to sweeten the chipotle sauce and balance out the heat. 
  • VINEGAR: Adds a bit of acidity. 
  • GARLIC: To add a subtle garlic flavor to the sauce. 
  • LIME: Chipotle and lime are a match made in heaven. The brightness of the lime pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the chipotle. 
  • SALT

Step by Step Photos and Instructions: 

The hardest part about making this Grilled Chipotle Chicken is waiting for the chicken to marinade. As I mentioned above, you’re going to want to plan on at least 2 hours chill time. Follow along with these step by step photos and instructions. 

  • STEP #1: Combine the chipotle peppers, honey, vinegar, garlic, lime and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in the food processor. Process until it becomes a paste. 
  • STEP #2: Pat dry the chicken and season lightly with salt. Pour 1/2 of the sauce over the chicken and turn it to make sure all of the chicken is coated. Reserve the other half of the sauce. Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours. 
  • STEP #3: Preheat the grill to 400 degrees. Turn off one half of the grill so that you can cook the chicken over indirect heat. Place chicken on the side of the grill that is not on, brush with some of the sauce. Cook for 15 minutes. Turn brush with sauce once more. Cook another 15 minutes. 
  • STEP #4: Move chicken to cook over direct heat for 5 minutes or until browned to your liking and cooked through. A meat thermometer will reach 165 degrees when chicken is fully cooked. 

Recipe FAQ:

What is indirect cooking on a grill?

Indirect cooking is a grilling technique where whatever you are grilling is not directly over the flame. Instead the food cooks via the hot air circulating around the food.

What are chipotle peppers?

Chipotle peppers are jalapeños that have been dried and smoked. They are as hot as typical jalapeños. It is common in Mexican and Mexican-Inspired dishes.

Want more chicken recipes? Check these out!

Deep Fried Chicken Wings are one of the most popular recipes on my blog and for good reason. They are the best fried chicken wings you’ll ever make!

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is a Filipino classic and a family favorite!

Greek Grilled Chicken is loaded with flavors of oregano, garlic and lemon. Light and perfect for summer!

Note: This post was originally published in 2010. Updated in 2023 with new photos, nutrition information, and a slightly modified recipe.

Grilled Chipotle Chicken

Grilled Chipotle Chicken is a sweet and spicy main dish. Chicken drumsticks are brushed with a chipotle honey sauce and grilled to perfection. 
Prep Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 304 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 5 chipotle peppers in adobo
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning chicken

Instructions
 

  • Combine chipotle peppers, honey, vinegar, garlic, lime and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor. Process until it becomes a paste.
  • Place chicken in a glass dish, lightly season with salt. Reserve 1/2 of the marinade and set aside. Spread remaining marinade over chicken and turn to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  • Preheat the grill to 400 degrees. Turn off one half of the grill so that you can cook the chicken over indirect heat. Place chicken on the side of the grill that is not on, brush with some of the sauce. Cook for 15 minutes. Turn brush with sauce once more. Cook another 15 minutes. 
  • Move chicken to cook over direct heat for 5 minutes or until browned to your liking and cooked through. A meat thermometer will reach 165 degrees when chicken is fully cooked. 
  • Transfer to a serving platter and serve hot.

Notes

Please plan ahead, this needs to marinate for at least 2 hours. 
The sugar in honey can make it burn easy so the indirect cooking really helps prevent this.  
Nutrition information for estimation purposes only. 

Nutrition

Calories: 304kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 27gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 304mgPotassium: 358mgFiber: 2gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 74IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: 4th of July Recipes, barbeque, bbq, chicken, chicken legs, chipolte, grill, grilled chicken, honey, spicy, summer

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Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    NovemberBride
    July 13, 2012 at 4:31 am

    This recipe is a keeper! I marinated them overnight and they were so delicious! I can’t wait to try some of your other recipes. This chicken was one of the best we’ve ever had on the grill. Thanks!!

  • Reply
    Jess @ Sugar High
    March 21, 2012 at 4:57 am

    I was deciding between this recipe and another for honey mustard chicken for dinner last night. I chose this one ’cause I was craving something spicy, and it is super fast to put together. Plus, I was so excited to pull the BBQ out for the first time this year.

    I made a great choice! This chicken was fantastic, and VERY spicy. I loved it, the spicier the better! I served it along with some sour cream (to cut out the spice a little for the man) and diced avocados – that was a yummy combo. Also had caramelized onions and mushrooms on the side, SO good eaten with the chicken. Great dinner, I’m already planning on making it again!

  • Reply
    Deseree
    April 27, 2010 at 9:04 pm

    Thank you everyone for your comments! :) Jackie- you could cook try baking them. I’d preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil and cook for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil, brush on the left over chipotle sauce, and continue cooking for 15 – 20 minutes. Hope this helps!

  • Reply
    Jackie
    April 26, 2010 at 7:31 am

    Hi Des

    I do not have a grill, is there any other way I could make this dish.

  • Reply
    Mrs. L
    April 23, 2010 at 11:32 am

    I personally love spicy stuff. I haven’t bbq’d chicken in a long time. Looks like this may be on this weekends menu!

  • Reply
    Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food.
    April 23, 2010 at 11:21 am

    I saw it on Tastepotting. Gosh, it looks so good!

  • Reply
    Rita
    April 21, 2010 at 8:13 pm

    I love chipotle! I add it to veggie chilli and mayonaise, yum! Nice photo!

  • Reply
    Baking is my Zen
    April 21, 2010 at 7:03 pm

    If it wasn’t because it’s 11pm, I’d start making this dish!! Chipotle is so delicious. Excellent post!

    Carmen
    Baking is my Zen

  • Reply
    Jenn's Food Journey
    April 21, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    My mouth is watering.. the picture looks like I could reach right out and grab one of those legs! I love chipotle, I love bbq…gonna have to try this soon!

  • Reply
    patsy
    April 21, 2010 at 5:16 pm

    Looks like a great way to start grilling season!

  • Reply
    Joe
    April 21, 2010 at 9:45 am

    Great pic, looks bangin’ Those chipotle chilis in adobo are fire! Great if you love heat. Well done.

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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