Chipotle Chicken Recipe
This Chipotle Chicken recipe is spicy juicy chicken with a slightly smoky flavor from chipotle peppers. Use this Mexican chicken for tacos, chicken bowls, or salads. A great healthy meal prep recipe with spicy flavor.
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CHIPOTLE CHICKEN COPYCAT RECIPE
This is a copycat recipe from Chipotle the restaurant. A great recipe that is super easy and versatile! Leftover chicken is great throughout the week to use in different ways.
WHAT IS CHIPOTLE CHICKEN?
Chipotle peppers are dried and smoked red jalapeno peppers which give this chicken its flavor.
INGREDIENTS
- BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN THIGHS – Chipotle’s chicken uses chicken thighs. They’re juicy and stay moist. Chicken breasts work great here too and have less fat if that’s something you like.
- CHIPOTLE PEPPERS IN ADOBO SAUCE – The chipotle peppers come in a can with sauce. You can find these in the Mexican aisle at your grocery store. This gives the chicken amazing flavor.
- GARLIC
- OLIVE OIL
- SPICES – Cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Place chicken in a large bowl or ziploc bag.
- For the chipotle chicken marinade: In a food processor, add the chipotle peppers with the sauce, garlic, olive oil, chili powder, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, and water. Blend until smooth. Add marinade to the chicken bowl or bag. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. Marinate for at least one hour and up to 24 hours.
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COOKING OPTIONS
- Grill: This is my go-to. It’s gives it a slight char and smoky flavor.
- Oven-bake: easy and hands-off. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
- Pan-sear/stovetop: quick and caramelized edges. Cook in a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side. A grill pan works well here.
- Slow cooker: cook for 4-6 hours on low.
PRO TIPS
- Don’t skip the marinating. This is how the flavor gets infused in the chicken. For the best results, marinate at least one hour.
- Rest the cooked chicken before slicing. This allows the juices of the chicken to redistribute evenly and don’t just run out when you slice.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Chipotle chicken tacos.
- Chicken burrito bowls with cilantro lime rice, black beans, and corn salsa.
- On salads with this dressing, in wraps, or over nachos.
- Family-style with tortillas and toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream.
SPICE LEVEL
How spicy is this? This chicken is relatively spicy. For me it’s a medium heat. It’s a 6 out of 10 on the spice level.
OTHER MEXICAN RECIPES:
- Chicken Tinga
- Walking Tacos
- Guacamole Salad
- Baked Chicken Chimichangas
- Avocado Feta Salsa
- Carmelitas
- One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice
- Chicken Nachos Recipe
Chipotle Chicken Recipe
This Chipotle Chicken recipe is spicy juicy chicken with a slightly smoky flavor from chipotle peppers. Use this Mexican chicken for tacos, chicken bowls, or salads. A great healthy meal prep recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
MARINADE: (this is enough marinade for up to 3-4 lbs)
- 1 (7 ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3/4 cup water
Instructions
- Place chicken in a large bowl or ziploc bag.
- For the marinade: In a food processor, add the chipotle peppers with the sauce, garlic, olive oil, chili powder, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, and water. Blend until smooth. Add to the chicken bowl or bag. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. Marinate for at least one hour and up to 24 hours.
- When ready to cook, preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165 ℉. Let chicken rest before slicing. Serve as tacos, salad, or burritos with whatever toppings you like.
Notes
You can also cook this on the stove top. Cook in a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side.
