Smoky Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken with Creamy Coleslaw and Jasmine Rice: Your Ultimate Flavor-Packed Summer Dinner Recipe

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When it comes to meals that bring bold flavors, fresh textures, and a comforting vibe to your dinner table, nothing quite beats a dish that’s vibrant, easy to make, and irresistibly delicious. Imagine biting into tender, smoky chicken glazed with a luscious honey-lime chipotle sauce, paired perfectly with a creamy, tangy coleslaw and fluffy jasmine rice on the side. This is more than a recipe — it’s a celebration of summer evenings, shared laughter, and meals that nourish both your body and soul.

You’re about to discover how simple ingredients, combined thoughtfully, transform into a dish that’s packed with smoky heat, sweet brightness, and refreshing crunch. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a healthy, satisfying meal. Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

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Ingredients You’ll Need to Master This Dish

Before you jump into the cooking, let’s break down everything you’ll need. Organizing your ingredients upfront makes the process smooth, so you can focus on creating a meal worth savoring.

Chicken Marinade Ingredients

Here’s the magic blend that infuses the chicken with smoky, sweet, and tangy layers:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Bone-in, skin-on chicken quarters	2.5 pounds	You can swap thighs or breasts if you prefer
Honey	3 tablespoons	Sweetness that caramelizes beautifully
Coconut aminos	3 tablespoons	A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that adds depth
Chipotle peppers in adobo	3 peppers, finely chopped	The smoky heat star of the dish
Garlic	3 cloves, finely grated	Adds a savory punch
Fresh orange juice	1/4 cup	Bright citrus notes
Fresh lime juice	2 tablespoons	Adds zing and balances sweetness
Avocado oil	2 tablespoons	Healthy fat perfect for grilling
Smoked paprika	1 tablespoon	Boosts the smoky flavor profile
Kosher salt	1 teaspoon	Enhances all flavors
Freshly ground black pepper	1/4 teaspoon	Adds a mild heat layer

Creamy Coleslaw Ingredients

A perfect contrast to the smoky chicken, this coleslaw is crisp, creamy, and tangy:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Savoy cabbage, roughly chopped	1 small	Crunchy and tender
Green onions, finely chopped	4 stalks	Adds subtle onion flavor
Fresh curly parsley, chopped	1/4 cup	Bright herbal freshness
Large carrot, coarsely grated	1	Adds sweetness and color
Avocado oil mayonnaise	1/2 cup	Creamy base with healthy fats
Apple cider vinegar	2 tablespoons	Balances richness with tang
Honey	1 tablespoon	Adds a subtle sweetness
Kosher salt	1/2 teaspoon	Seasoning that pulls it together
Freshly ground black pepper	1/4 teaspoon	Adds a slight kick

To Serve:

• Steamed jasmine rice — fragrant and fluffy, a perfect bed for the smoky chicken and creamy coleslaw.

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How to Prepare Your Creamy Coleslaw

Starting with the coleslaw makes sense—it needs time to chill and meld flavors, while you focus on the chicken.

1. Combine the Veggies: In a large bowl, toss together the chopped savoy cabbage, green onions, fresh parsley, and grated carrot. This mix provides a refreshing crunch that balances the smoky chicken perfectly.
2. Make the Dressing: Whisk together the avocado oil mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. The avocado oil mayo lends a luscious, creamy texture without overpowering the fresh veggies.
3. Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to ensure everything is fully coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this step lets the flavors blend beautifully.
4. Adjust to Taste: Before serving, taste your coleslaw. If it feels too tangy, add a bit more mayo. If it’s not tangy enough, splash in a touch more vinegar. You’re aiming for a creamy balance that complements your smoky chicken.

Pro tip: Use savoy cabbage for its tender texture and mild flavor—it holds up well in coleslaw without becoming soggy.

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Marinating Your Chicken: The Secret to Flavor Depth

Marination is where the magic happens. You’ll infuse your chicken with layers of sweet, smoky, tangy, and garlicky goodness.

• Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix honey, coconut aminos, finely chopped chipotle peppers, grated garlic, fresh orange and lime juices, avocado oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Add Chicken: Toss your chicken quarters into this vibrant marinade, coating every piece evenly.
• Let It Rest: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for anywhere from 1 to 6 hours. The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor penetrates, and the more tender the meat becomes.

This marinade is packed with complex flavors that will elevate your chicken from ordinary to extraordinary. The chipotle peppers add smoky heat, balanced by the honey’s sweetness and the citrusy brightness of orange and lime juice.

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Mastering the Grill: Cooking Your Chicken Perfectly

Grilling is the best way to develop that irresistible crispy skin and smoky aroma.

1. Preheat: Set your grill or smoker to about 475°F. You want it hot enough to get that perfect sear on the chicken skin.
2. Start Skin-Side Down: Place the chicken skin-side down on the lowest rack of your grill. This indirect heat cooks the meat gently while crisping the skin beautifully.
3. Grill Time: Let it cook for about 30 minutes until the skin is golden and slightly charred.
4. Make the Glaze: Meanwhile, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Add 1/4 cup of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally as it reduces by about a quarter—this creates a glossy, flavor-packed glaze to baste your chicken.
5. Flip and Baste: Flip the chicken over and generously baste with your glaze. Continue grilling, flipping and basting once or twice more over 15 minutes. The glaze will caramelize and build layers of flavor.
6. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 185°F for thighs or quarters (160°F for breasts) to keep the meat juicy and safe.

Pro tip: Don’t rush flipping the chicken too often—let the skin develop that rich color and texture before turning.

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Serving Suggestions: Bringing It All Together

Once grilled to perfection, transfer your chicken to a serving platter and brush with a final layer of glaze for that irresistible shine. Serve hot alongside fluffy steamed jasmine rice and a generous scoop of chilled creamy coleslaw. The combination of smoky, sweet chicken, crunchy and tangy slaw, and aromatic rice creates a harmonious plate that excites every taste bud.

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Tips to Elevate Your Smoky Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken Experience

• Marinating Flexibility: If you’re short on time, even 1 hour in the marinade adds good flavor. Overnight marinating is ideal for deep flavor penetration.
• Ingredient Swaps: Use skinless chicken breasts if you prefer, but reduce cooking time and keep an eye on internal temperature to avoid dryness. Substitute soy sauce for coconut aminos if needed.
• Cooking Alternatives: If you don’t have a grill, a hot cast-iron skillet or oven broiler works well. Just make sure to baste frequently with the glaze for that smoky-sweet finish.
• Leftovers Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the skin crispy.
• Adjust Heat Level: Modify chipotle peppers to suit your spice preference—less for mild, more for a fiery kick.

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Nutritional Insights: Enjoy a Healthy and Balanced Meal

Each serving of this dish delivers roughly 520 calories, balancing protein from the chicken, healthy fats from avocado oil and mayonnaise, and fiber plus vitamins from fresh vegetables in the coleslaw. The jasmine rice provides a satisfying carbohydrate base to fuel your day.

You’re enjoying a meal that’s:

• Gluten-free
• Dairy-free
• Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from fresh herbs and veggies
• Low in processed ingredients

This is a dish that feeds your body as well as your appetite.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Smoky Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken with Creamy Coleslaw and Jasmine Rice

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of quarters?

Absolutely. If you opt for breasts, cook them until the internal temperature hits 160°F to keep them juicy, and expect a shorter grilling time. The glaze and marinade still work beautifully to infuse flavor.

How spicy is the chipotle honey lime chicken?

The recipe delivers a moderate heat that’s balanced by honey and citrus. If you prefer milder food, reduce the chipotle peppers. For more heat, add an extra pepper or a pinch of cayenne.

Can I make the coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, the coleslaw actually tastes better after resting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven or on a grill pan to preserve crispy skin and fresh flavors. Microwave reheating may make the chicken skin soggy.

Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?

Yes. Thanks to the use of coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and avocado oil mayonnaise, this meal suits gluten- and dairy-free diets.

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Conclusion: Your Next Flavor Adventure Starts Here

You’re now armed with everything you need to prepare a stunning Smoky Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken with Creamy Coleslaw and Jasmine Rice. This recipe brings together bold, vibrant flavors with simple, fresh ingredients to create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is healthy. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding your family, or treating yourself to a well-deserved dinner, this dish will impress and nourish.

Ready to delight your taste buds and fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and create a meal that’s bursting with smoky heat, sweet honey glaze, fresh citrus tang, and creamy crunch.

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