Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe

Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe

Description

This Copycat Chipotle Chicken recipe recreates the smoky, juicy, and slightly spicy grilled chicken you love from Chipotle. Marinated in a blend of chipotle peppers in adobo, aromatic spices, and garlic, then grilled to perfection, this chicken is perfect for burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, and more.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can also use chicken breasts)

• 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (from a can)

• 3 tbsp adobo sauce (from the same can)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

   • In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

2. Marinate the Chicken

   • Place chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or bowl.

   • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.

   • Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (ideally 4–8 hours for best flavor).

3. Grill the Chicken

   • Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

   • Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess.

   • Grill for 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Rest & Serve

   • Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or chopping.

   • Serve in burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, or on its own with sides.

Equipment Needed

• Blender or food processor

• Large resealable bag or mixing bowl with cover

• Grill or grill pan (cast iron works well)

• Tongs

• Meat thermometer

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Marinating Time: 1–8 hours (not included in total time)

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes (plus marinating time)

Serving Size: 6 servings

Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe

This Copycat Chipotle Chicken recipe recreates the smoky, juicy, and slightly spicy grilled chicken you love from Chipotle. Marinated in a blend of chipotle peppers in adobo, aromatic spices, and garlic, then grilled to perfection, this chicken is perfect for burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, and more.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:12 minutes mins

Total Time:22 minutes mins

Equipment

• Blender or food processor
• Large resealable bag or mixing bowl with cover
• Grill or grill pan (cast iron works well)
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

Ingredients

• For the Marinade:
• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (you can also use chicken breasts)
• 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce from a can
• 3 tbsp adobo sauce from the same can
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice about 1 lime
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

• Prepare the Marinade
• In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
• Marinate the Chicken
• Place chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or bowl.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
• Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (ideally 4–8 hours for best flavor).
• Grill the Chicken
• Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess.
• Grill for 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Rest & Serve
• Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or chopping.
• Serve in burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, or on its own with sides.

Servings: 6 servings

10 FAQs About Copycat Chipotle Chicken

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work well, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, pound them to even thickness for even cooking.

2. How spicy is this recipe?
It has a medium heat level from the chipotle peppers. To make it milder, use fewer chipotle peppers or more adobo sauce instead.

3. Can I cook this in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Can I cook this in a skillet?
Yes. Use a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side.

5. Do I need to marinate overnight?
Not required, but marinating for at least 4–8 hours give the best flavor. One hour will still work in a pinch.

6. Can I freeze the marinated chicken before cooking?
Yes! Place chicken and marinade in a freezer bag, freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

7. What can I serve with Chipotle Chicken?
It’s perfect for burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, salads, quesadillas, or with rice and beans.

8. How do I make it dairy-free?
This recipe is already dairy-free, so no changes needed.

9. Can I make a larger batch for meal prep?
Absolutely. Double or triple the recipe, then portion into meal-prep containers with rice, beans, and veggies.

10. Can I air fry this chicken?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.

How To Store Copycat Chipotle Chicken

• Refrigerator (Cooked) – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer (Cooked) – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

• Refrigerator (Marinated, Uncooked) – Store for up to 24 hours before cooking.

• Freezer (Marinated, Uncooked) – Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

• Reheating Tip – Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to keep the chicken juicy.