Description
This Best Chipotle Chicken Copycat recipe replicates the smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors of the popular Chipotle chicken. Made with boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a blend of chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, spices, and fresh lime juice, this dish is perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, wraps, or salads. The chicken is grilled or pan-seared to achieve a charred exterior and juicy interior.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the can)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Blend all marinade ingredients including chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, red onion, olive oil, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Heat the Cooking Surface: Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the hot skillet or grill pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until a charred crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Dice and Reheat: Dice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces, then toss them back into the hot skillet to soak up any remaining juices.
- Serve: Use the chipotle chicken in burrito bowls, tacos, wraps, or over salads as desired.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for more intense flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- For a smoky flavor, grilling outdoors is ideal but a grill pan works well indoors.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the heat level.
