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This Chipotle Chicken Recipe is here to bring the taste of that smoky chipotle flavor right into your kitchen.
Think about it: a tender piece of chicken, marinated in a special sauce made from chipotle peppers, fresh lime juice, and a bunch of spices. Your OWN Chipotle Chicken Recipe!
Sounds fancy, right? But trust me, this is one of those easy chicken recipes that even a 6th-grader could handle (with a little help from a grown-up, of course).
There’s something pretty exciting about taking a big bite of juicy, flavorful chicken and realizing you made it yourself—just like the real thing you’d get at your favorite restaurant.
They might even think you secretly work at Chipotle! No need to tell them otherwise—just smile and take the credit.
If you’ve ever wondered how to get that smoky flavor, it’s all about those chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
They’re like little flavor bombs that give your chicken a kick. You can serve this chicken in a bowl with cilantro lime rice, pinto beans, and sour cream.
The possibilities are endless, and it’s the perfect “next time” recipe to have in your meal prep rotation. Ready to get started on this Chipotle Chicken Recipe?
Some of our other favorite chicken recipes we have on our site include: Copycat Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe, and Italian Lemon Chicken Foil Packet.
Jump to:
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- HOW TO MAKE CHIPOTLE CHICKEN RECIPE:
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- IS THIS A COPYCAT RECIPE?
- CAN I USE THIS ON OTHER CUTS OF MEAT?
- ANY ADDITIONS?
- ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Copycat Chipotle Chicken Marinade
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- So Much Flavor: The marinade uses smoky chipotle peppers, fresh lime juice, olive oil, and lots of spices.
- Easy to Make: Just blend everything together in a food processor or blender, pour it over your chicken pieces, and let it sit.
- Versatile for Everyone: Whether you love taco bowls, burritos, or even chicken burrito bowls, this is a great way to make your favorite toppings shine.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Chipotles in adobo sauce
- Red onion
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Dried cilantro
- Cumin
- Salt
- Pepper
HOW TO MAKE CHIPOTLE CHICKEN RECIPE:
- Place all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth.
- Marinade chicken pieces of choice for up to 24 hours before cooking.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
IS THIS A COPYCAT RECIPE?
Yes! This is truly a chipotle copycat recipe meant to taste just like chipotle’s famous chicken.
Depending on the brand of chipotles you use, it might have a slightly spicy flavor, but it’s as close to the real thing as you can get at home.
CAN I USE THIS ON OTHER CUTS OF MEAT?
Totally! While boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal for that authentic flavor, you can also use chicken breasts, dark meat like drumsticks, or even try it on steak.
Just remember that different cuts may cook at different times and might need a slightly different internal temperature check.
ANY ADDITIONS?
Want to take your chipotle chicken marinade to the next level? Try adding:
- A pinch of onion powder for even more savory goodness
- A splash of chicken broth for extra juiciness
- A spoonful of sour cream drizzled on top after cooking
- A handful of bell peppers sautéed until tender
- Some pico de gallo on the side for freshness
- A sprinkle of ancho chili powder for a deeper smoky flavor
- A dollop of cream cheese for a creamy finish
- A side of corn salsa or black beans for a true Mexican food feast
- A few spoonfuls of avocado oil instead of olive oil for a lighter taste
- Your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or lettuce, making it perfect for taco bowls
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Need to switch it up? Here are a few ideas:
- Use avocado oil instead of olive oil
- Swap dried cilantro for fresh cilantro leaves if you have them on hand
- Replace lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different zing
- Try white onion if you don’t have red onion
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar if that’s what you have in your pantry
- Swap out chipotles in adobo for ancho chili powder if you prefer less spicy flavor
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator:
Once your marinated chicken is cooked, let it cool to room temperature.
Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
You can quickly heat it up in a large skillet over medium heat the next day and enjoy.
Freezer:
For longer storage, wrap your leftover chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag and squeeze out any excess air.
It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you want to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on medium-high heat in a cast iron skillet or grill pan until warmed through.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Marinate Overnight for Best Flavor: While you can marinate for as little as 30 minutes, letting it sit for 24 hours really lets the smoky chipotles and spices soak into the meat. Trust me, patience pays off!
- Use the Right Cut: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are often the secret to tender chicken so with much flavor.
- Check the Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches at least 165°F (that’s about 74°C).
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Whether you’re using an outdoor grill, grill pan, or even an air fryer, cook in batches if needed.
- Rest Before Cutting: Let your cooked chicken rest for a couple minutes before slicing it. This helps keep it juicy and delicious.
- Add a Little Bit of Creativity: Turn this into a chipotle chicken salad by slicing it and placing it on greens with black beans, corn salsa, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
This chipotle chicken recipe brings the flavors of Chipotle’s chicken right into your own kitchen.
Get ready to impress your friends, keep them guessing if this is the “real thing,” and have fun experimenting with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
Copycat Chipotle Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 7 ounce can of chipotles in adobo sauce
- ½ of a red onion chopped
- ¼ cup lime juice fresh squeezed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
- 2 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried cilantro
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender.7 ounce can of chipotles in adobo sauce, ½ of a red onion, ¼ cup lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 2 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano, 1 ½ teaspoons dried cilantro, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper
- Blend on high until smooth.
- Marinade chicken pieces of choice for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Notes
- While you can marinate for as little as 30 minutes, letting it sit for 24 hours really lets the smoky chipotles and spices soak into the meat.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs are often the secret to tender chicken so with much flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches at least 165°F (that’s about 74°C).
- Whether you’re using an outdoor grill, grill pan, or even an air fryer, cook in batches if needed and don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Let your cooked chicken rest for a couple minutes before slicing it. This helps keep it juicy and delicious.
- Turn this into a chipotle chicken salad by slicing it and placing it on greens with black beans, corn salsa, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Nutrition
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Yes, the chipotle in adobo are pretty spicy.
Is the final flavor spicy?
Does the chipotle sauce taste good when serving it on the side? I looked at your recipe photo and it shows a bowl 🥣 of chipotle sauce