Name: Smoky Chipotle Grilled Chicken with Chipotle Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 2 garlic cloves; 2 tbsp lime juice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, finely chopped; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt to taste

Smoky Chipotle Grilled Chicken with Chipotle Dipping Sauce is a bold, flavor-packed dish that delivers juicy grilled chicken with a spicy, smoky kick in every bite. Paired with a creamy chipotle dipping sauce, this recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or anytime I’m craving something with a little heat and a lot of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, bold, and satisfying. The chipotle marinade gives the chicken a deep, smoky flavor that really shines on the grill. It’s spicy without being overwhelming, and the creamy dipping sauce cools it all down just right. I like how the dish works for everything from tacos to salads, or just served as-is with my favorite sides. It’s a grilling staple in my kitchen.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Garlic cloves
Lime juice
Olive oil
Honey
Ground cumin
Smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper

For the Chipotle Dipping Sauce:

Mayonnaise
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Chipotle peppers in adobo (finely chopped)
Lime juice
Garlic powder
Salt

directions

I start by making the marinade—blending chipotle peppers, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor until smooth.
I pour the marinade over the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
While the chicken marinates, I mix together the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl. I adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle, then refrigerate it until ready to serve.
When I’m ready to cook, I preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
I grill the chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it’s charred at the edges and cooked through.
I let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve it with the chipotle dipping sauce on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep, at least 1 hour to marinate, and 15 minutes to grill. It’s a quick and flavorful main that’s great for weeknights or weekends alike.

Variations

I sometimes swap chicken for shrimp or pork chops for a fun twist. When I want a smokier flavor, I add a touch of liquid smoke to the marinade. For extra richness, I brush the chicken with melted butter or more adobo sauce during the last few minutes on the grill. The dipping sauce also doubles as a fantastic spread for sandwiches or wraps.

storage/reheating

I store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The dipping sauce keeps well for about a week. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently in a skillet or oven until heated through. I avoid microwaving it too long to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this chicken without a grill?

Yes, I’ve cooked it in a cast-iron skillet or baked it in the oven at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes. It still comes out juicy and flavorful.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a medium heat level. I control the spice by using fewer chipotle peppers or removing the seeds. The dipping sauce helps mellow the heat, too.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Definitely. I just make sure to pound the breasts to even thickness so they cook evenly on the grill.

What can I serve this with?

I usually pair it with rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple salad. It also makes a great filling for tacos or burrito bowls.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, I often freeze the chicken in the marinade in a zip-top bag. When I’m ready to cook, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and grill as usual.

Conclusion

Smoky Chipotle Grilled Chicken with Chipotle Dipping Sauce is one of those dishes I make again and again. It’s spicy, smoky, juicy, and loaded with flavor in every bite. Whether I’m throwing it on the grill for a weekend cookout or making a quick weeknight meal, this recipe always delivers bold taste and easy satisfaction.