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Flavorful Brown Sugar Chipotle Grilled Chicken Thighs with Peach Salsa

brown sugar chipotle grilled chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy grilled chicken thigh recipe featuring a sticky brown sugar chipotle marinade paired with a fresh, juicy peach salsa for a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (dark brown preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 3 ripe peaches, diced (about 1 1/2 cups / 225g)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir in olive oil and lime juice until a thick, sticky paste forms (about 5 minutes).
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub marinade all over each thigh, including under the skin if possible. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  3. While chicken marinates, combine diced peaches, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir gently, taste, and adjust seasoning. Cover and chill until serving.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Oil grates lightly to prevent sticking. If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook 6-8 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs. Watch for flare-ups and move chicken if flames get too high (total cook time 12-16 minutes).
  6. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F. Skin should be caramelized and crispy.
  7. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  8. Serve chicken topped with generous amounts of peach salsa immediately.

Notes

Dry chicken skin before marinating for crispiness. Use medium-high heat to avoid burning brown sugar. Flip chicken only once or twice to maintain caramelization. Keep peach pieces chunky in salsa to avoid mushiness. Add lime juice to salsa just before serving to keep flavors bright. Can bake chicken at 425°F for 25-30 minutes if no grill is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, chipotle chicken, brown sugar chicken, peach salsa, summer recipe, barbecue, easy dinner, smoky chicken, spicy chicken

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/flavorful-brown-sugar-chipotle-grilled-chicken-thighs-easy-peach-salsa-recipe/