– **Title**: Honey Chipotle Chicken and Rice
– **Ingredients**:
– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from canned chipotles in adobo)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
– 1 cup black beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Lime wedges (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, combine honey, adobo sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator).
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from skillet and chop into bite-sized pieces.
4. In the same skillet, add rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Pour in chicken broth (or water) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Stir in corn, black beans, and chopped chicken. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing everything to heat through.
7. Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve the honey chipotle chicken and rice garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy your delicious meal prep!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great too! They add a bit more flavor and moisture.
Honey: Honey brings sweetness that balances the heat. If you need a vegan option, try using maple syrup or agave nectar instead. Both can mimic that sweet taste well.
Chipotle in Adobo Sauce: This adds a wonderful smoky flavor. If you don’t have adobo sauce, you can substitute 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle powder for a similar kick, but adjust to your spice level.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this recipe, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too. Just use about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove.
Rice: I use white rice for a classic base. If you prefer whole grains, brown rice or quinoa are excellent substitutes that add more fiber and nutrients.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
Keeping chicken juicy is all about marinating and cooking it properly! Here are some tips to ensure it’s tender and flavorful:
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better! Let it soak overnight if you can.
- When cooking, don’t rush. Medium-high heat works best to get a nice sear. Grill or cook until it’s no longer pink inside, around 5-7 minutes per side.
- Let it rest after cooking! This allows the juices to redistribute—slice it after a few minutes to keep it juicy.
How to Make Honey Chipotle Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce (or 1-2 teaspoons chipotle powder)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup salsa (or diced tomatoes)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for marinating the chicken, plus 10-15 minutes for cooking. In total, plan for about 1 hour. Ideal if you can let the chicken marinate overnight for the best flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the honey, chipotle in adobo sauce (or chipotle powder), minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s all blended together into a marinade.
2. Marinade the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer if you have time—up to overnight in the refrigerator for even more flavor).
3. Cook the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, take the chicken out of the marinade (discard any leftover marinade) and place it on the grill or in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
4. Slice and Serve:
After the chicken is done cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. Prepare your meal prep containers by layering 2 cups of cooked white rice at the bottom, then adding the sliced chicken on top.
5. Add Sides and Garnish:
On the side, add slices of avocado and a generous scoop of salsa (or diced tomatoes). For the finishing touch, sprinkle fresh cilantro and chopped green onions on top. Serve warm or cover and store in the refrigerator for meal prep (it’s good for 4-5 days!). Just reheat and enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What If I Can’t Find Chipotle in Adobo Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute it with 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle powder or hot sauce for a similar smoky flavor. Start with a smaller amount and adjust based on your spice tolerance!
Can I Make This Dish in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Bake the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked, flipping halfway through. This method is ideal if you don’t want to fire up the grill.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of water before reheating to help fluff it up!
