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Imagine a sauce that’s smoky, sweet, tangy, and just a little fiery—all in one. That’s precisely what you’ll find in a simple honey chipotle sauce. This sauce can shine on just about anything you choose to drizzle it over. Today, we’re taking it to the next level with Spicy-Sweet Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos, a dish that brings zesty flair to the dinner table in a snap.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
- 8 small tortillas, warmed
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, pickled onions
Instructions
Start by assembling your sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, chopped chipotle peppers, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Adjust the spice level to your taste—add a little more honey if you prefer extra sweetness or toss in another spoonful of chipotle if you crave fiery heat. Set the mixture aside.
In a skillet set over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Season your chicken strips with a sprinkle of salt, then place them into the hot pan. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the reserved honey chipotle sauce. Stir well, ensuring each piece of chicken is evenly coated. Simmer gently for about 3–4 more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken into a sticky glaze that clings to every bite of chicken.
To assemble your tacos, spoon the sticky chicken into warm tortillas. Top with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, or vibrant pickled onions. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh citrus finish.
The beauty of honey chipotle sauce lies in its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving a flavorful weeknight dinner, these Spicy-Sweet Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos are a winning option. Health-wise, you can adjust the heat and sweetness to suit your preferences—use less honey if you want to cut back on sugar, or swap chicken for tofu or veggies for a plant-based version. However you adapt it, this sauce ties any meal together with an irresistible sweet-and-smoky kick that’ll keep you coming back for more.
