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July 11, 2025Blackened Chipotle Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa
Serves
4 Servings
Prep time
30 Minutes
Cook time
40 Minutes
Method
Grilling
Smoky, spicy, and just the right amount of sweet, this Blackened Chipotle Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa is a bold, flavor-packed dish that brings the heat and cools it down in one delicious bite. A homemade chipotle rub gives the chicken its signature char, while the fresh mango salsa adds a juicy, vibrant contrast that keeps things balanced and bright.
Made with our organic pasture-raised whole chicken, it's a simple but satisfying way to fire up the grill and make the most of peak produce season.
Recipe and photography by Essence Eats.
Ingredients for the Grilled Chicken Legs & Breasts
- 3-4 pound Honest Bison Whole Chicken
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Homemade chipotle blackened seasoning
For the Chipotle Blackened Seasoning
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Mango Avocado Salsa
- 2 ripe mangos (diced)
- 2 large avocados (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (finely diced)
- ½ of a red onion (finely diced)
- ¼ cup cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds and ribs removed
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
Directions
Step 1
In a small bowl combine all the seasonings for the chipotle blackened seasoning and set aside.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the mango avocado salsa and set aside.
Step 3
Time to quarter the whole chicken. It may sound intimidating but it can be done in 3 easy steps. First separate the legs from the rest of the chicken. Lay the chicken breast side up and tug at the leg to reveal the hip socket. Then slice between the thigh and the body through the joint to remove the leg. Next remove the rib cage. Lift the chicken upwards so you can visually see the rib cage. Glide your knife down in between the breasts and ribcage until it meets the end of the backbone. Break through the shoulder joints, leaving you with just the breasts and wings of the chicken. Lastly, split the chicken breasts. Slice along the bone in the center of the chicken breasts. Use the heel of your knife to forcefully split the wishbone, or use a paring knife to remove the wishbone entirely.
Step 4
Once your chicken is cut, rub in olive oil and season with the blackened seasoning.
Step 5
Preheat your grill to high and rub the grates with vegetable oil.
Step 6
Place the chicken skin side down over direct heat for 10 minutes. Then flip and continue to grill over direct heat for another 10 minutes. Then move to indirect heat and grill for 20-30 minutes until the temperature is 165. Let cool for 5-10 minutes to absorb the juices.
Step 7
Place the blackened chicken on a platter with the mango avocado salsa and enjoy!
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Leftover chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
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Reheat chicken in the oven at 350F in a covered baking dish for 20-30 minutes.
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Leftover mango avocado salsa can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.