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Do you crave dinners that are packed with flavor and easy to make? This Ancho Chile Chicken will transform your weeknight routine and impress every palate at your table. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in zesty citrus, sweet honey, pungent garlic, and smoky ancho chiles, then charred to perfection. You’ll love how versatile this dish is try it in the air fryer, on the BBQ, or a classic griddle pan for a failproof chicken dinner you’ll want again and again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 30 minutes of cooking time after a quick marinade.
- Uses everyday ingredients found in most kitchens.
- Family friendly perfect for meal prepping, shredding, or sandwiches.
- Equipment flexibility: air fryer, griddle pan, or classic BBQ.
Ingredient List
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs, de-boned | 500 g |
| Orange juice | 125 ml |
| Honey | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh squeezed lime juice | 60 ml |
| Sunflower oil | 1 tbsp |
| Ancho chile powder | 2 tsp |
| Ancho chile flakes | 1 tsp |
| Garlic, chopped | 3 cloves |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
Get perfectly sliced garlic and juice with this chef’s knife and kitchen utensils set.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Whisk together orange juice, lime juice, honey, sunflower oil, ancho chile powder, ancho chile flakes, chopped garlic, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add chicken thighs, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
- Preheat your air fryer, griddle pan, or BBQ. If using a griddle, lightly oil the surface.
- Remove chicken from the marinade (discard excess).
- Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side or until charred and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- Rest for a few minutes. Slice, shred, or serve as preferred.
Want juicy, evenly cooked meat? Use a kitchen weight scale and chef’s knives for best results.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate longer for a deeper chile-citrus hit.
- For extra char, finish under the broiler (oven).
- Slice the chicken against the grain for extra tenderness.
- Double the recipe for meal-prep shredded chicken.
Equipment will make prep even easier:
- Air fryer for quick, oil-less cooking.
- Griddle pan for indoor grill flavor.
- Measuring cups and spoons set for perfect citrus–honey ratios.
FAQ – Ancho Chile Chicken
What does ancho chile taste like?
Ancho chile has a mild heat, fruity notes, and a smoky, rich flavor that pairs amazingly with chicken.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Adjust cooking time down slightly to avoid overcooking. Thighs offer a juicier result, but breasts work well.
Baking, grilling, or air frying what’s best?
All methods work! Air fryer is fastest, BBQ gives a robust smoke flavor, and griddle pan gives year-round convenience.
How do I serve this chicken?
Serve over rice, in tacos, shredded for salads or grain bowls, or simply with roasted veggies.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mellow-to-moderate; you can double the chile flakes for a spicier version.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Oven
- Griddle pan or frying pans
- Chef’s knives
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Kitchen utensils
- Cutting board
- Food processor or blender for garlic
- Weight kitchen scale
Bold & Spicy Ancho Chile Chicken : Easy Flavorful Dinner in 30 Minutes
Bold, citrusy, and smoky, this ancho chile chicken delivers juicy flavor whether air fried, grilled, or roasted.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grill, Air Fry, Oven
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
500 g chicken thighs de-boned
125 ml orange juice
2 tbsp honey
60 ml fresh squeezed lime juice
1 tbsp sunflower oil
2 tsp ancho chile powder
1 tsp ancho chile flakes
3 cloves garlic chopped
1 tsp salt
Instructions
1. Whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, honey, oil, chilli powder & flakes, garlic and salt in a bowl
2. Add the chicken thighs and leave in the fridge to marinade for at least 2 hours but ideally over night
3. Take the chicken out of the marinade and cook in a griddle pan, air fryer or a BBQ for around 5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is charred and cooked through
Notes
Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
Use an air fryer for quick results.
Perfect for tacos, grain bowls, or meal prep.
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