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Smoked Chipotle Mango Chicken Thighs

Smoked Chipotle Mango Chicken Thighs are boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a delightful chipotle mango rhubarb tequila sauce, then smoked to perfection. This dish splendidly marries smokiness with vibrant tropical flavors, making it a standout at your summer BBQ gatherings.

smoked tequila marinated chicken thighs on a white plate with lime and mango

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

While smoked chicken thighs are widely popular, this particular recipe brings something fresh and exciting to the table. It’s the perfect opportunity to use ripe produce and capture the flavors of summer.

Even though mangoes may not grow in my garden, they are readily available at local grocers. However, my garden provides an abundance of rhubarb and cilantro, which could also be creatively utilized in various dishes.

Why These Smoked Chicken Thighs are So Delicious!

Mexican-inspired recipes are my absolute favorite! The combination of flavors within this cuisine is always exhilarating. Today, we’ll be blending my passion for smoking meats with vibrant Mexican flavors, resulting in a truly unique dish.

Need a Smoker?

If you’re in the market for a smoker, pellet grill combos like Traeger have made it easy to achieve grilled perfection without fussing over the heat.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs: Feel free to use skin-on and bone-in thighs if you prefer; I chose boneless and skinless for ease.
Mango and Rhubarb: The mango adds a luscious sweetness and vibrant color! If you don’t have mango, pineapple is a fantastic alternative. The rhubarb brings the necessary tang, balancing the heat and sweetness of our marinade.
Agave: Feel free to substitute agave with honey. I opted for agave to complement the tequila since they both originate from the agave plant.
Tequila: Invest in good quality tequila—the gold variety works wonders. It acts as both a flavor booster and a dissolving agent for spices. If tequila isn’t available, try using rose water or a splash of water instead.
Lime Juice: This will introduce a fresh, acidic zing that’s characteristic of many Mexican dishes.
Cilantro: Fresh and vibrant! This herb ties all the flavors together. If cilantro isn’t your friend, feel free to omit it or substitute with a little cumin.
Salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the dish.

Instructions for Making Smoked Chipotle Mango Chicken Thighs

Prepare the Marinade: Combine all marinade ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend on high until smooth.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs along with 1 cup of the marinade into a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Squeeze out excess air, seal the bag, and massage the marinade into the chicken. Let it marinate in the refrigerator until you’re ready to smoke.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small saucepan, add the leftover 3/4 cup of marinade and let it simmer covered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step will help eliminate the alcohol, thickening it into a delicious dipping sauce.
Smoking the Chicken: Preheat your smoker to 300°F. Using tongs, arrange the chicken thighs on the smoker grate for about 45 minutes, brushing them with reserved marinade during smoking for even more flavor.
Serve: Once rested, serve the chicken with the dipping sauce, garnished with cotija cheese and additional cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.