Orange Chipotle Chicken with Cilantro Rice

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this bold and flavorful Orange Chipotle Chicken with Cilantro Rice! Tender, juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a smoky-sweet blend of fresh orange juice, orange zest, chipotle peppers in adobo, and honey, then perfectly grilled or pan-seared for a tantalizing balance of charred heat and citrusy brightness. Paired with a fluffy bed of cilantro-lime rice, this dish boasts layers of vibrant flavors and aromas that come together in under an hour. Ideal for spice lovers and fans of Latin-inspired cuisine, this recipe is a perfect harmony of sweet, smoky, and zesty. Whether you're meal prepping, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving something exciting, this crowd-pleaser will transport your taste buds. Keywords: orange chipotle chicken, cilantro rice, smoky-sweet chicken, Latin-inspired recipe, weeknight dinner ideas, grilled chicken recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 orange zest of an orange
• 2 peppers chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 0.5 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Directions

Step 1

Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish.

Step 2

In a blender or food processor, combine the orange juice, orange zest, chipotle peppers, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

Step 3

Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Step 4

While the chicken marinates, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the rice and toast it until it becomes lightly golden and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Add the chicken broth or water to the saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

When the rice is done, remove it from heat, fluff it with a fork, and stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Set aside, keeping it warm.

Step 8

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side or until fully cooked and slightly charred.

Step 9

Serve the chipotle orange chicken over a bed of cilantro rice. Garnish with additional cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2157.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2365.7

Total Fat 111.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 782.9mg	0%
Sodium 5830.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 163.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.9g	0%
Total Sugars 59.6g
Protein 175.2g	0%

Vitamin D 44.2IU	0%
Calcium 256.3mg	0%
Iron 13.3mg	0%
Potassium 2583.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.5%

Protein: 29.8%

Carbs: 27.8%