Ingredients

  • 8 boneless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup lime juiceb
  • 1/2 cup light olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 4 tablespoons ancho chile powder
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons pureed canned chipotle chiles in adobo
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons Spanish paprika
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Blue corn tortilla chips, for serving
  • Monterey Jack Cheese Sauce, recipe follows
  • Avocado Relish, recipe follows
  • Charred Jalapenos, recipe follows
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 to 2 1/2 cups whole milk, heated
  • 16 ounces Monterey jack, grated
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
  • 3 ripe Hass avocados, peeled, pitted and diced
  • 1 serrano or jalapeno chile, finely diced (you can use more chiles if you want it spicier)
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 8 jalapeno chiles
  • Canola oil, for brushing

Method

  • For the chicken and marinade: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl.
  • Whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, ancho chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, garlic and black pepper in a small bowl and pour over the chicken.
  • Cover the chicken and refrigerate overnight.
  • For the chipotle honey sauce: Whisk together the honey, canola oil, ancho chile powder, chipotles, mustard, ground coriander, ground cumin and Spanish paprika.
  • Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • Sprinkle the chicken well with salt and pepper and place the chicken thighs on the grill at a 45-degree angle to establish good grill marks.
  • Once the chicken easily releases from the grill, turn it over to continue cooking.
  • Start brushing the thighs with the chipotle honey sauce every few minutes.
  • Once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, or its juices run clear, about 8 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken from the grill.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
  • Slice the chicken.
  • Layer the tortilla chips, top with sauce, chicken, relish and jalapenos.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in 2 cups of the warm milk, increase the heat, bring to a boil and continue whisking until the sauce thickens and the flour taste has been cooked out, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove the sauce from the heat and slowly whisk in the cheese a handful at a time.
  • Continue whisking until smooth.
  • Season with salt and pepper and nutmeg.
  • Set aside.
  • Combine the avocados, serrano, onions, lime juice, oil, honey and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl.
  • Fold in the cilantro until combined.
  • Brush the jalapenos with oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Grill until charred all over, about 6 minutes.