The Best Chipotle Chicken Recipe (Easy Copycat Guide)

This chipotle chicken recipe delivers a smoky, charred aroma and deep, earthy richness in every single bite. The texture remains incredibly tender thanks to a zesty marinade that penetrates deep into the meat. Furthermore, you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavor with perfectly balanced heat right in your own kitchen.

The Best Chipotle Chicken Recipe (Easy Copycat Guide)

Recipe by Chef HarperCourse: Main CourseCuisine: Mexican-InspiredDifficulty: Intermediate

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

285

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Boneless skinless chicken thighs

• 3 tbsp Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced

• 2 tbsp Adobo sauce from the can

• 1/4 cup Red onion, roughly chopped

• 4 Garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp Dried oregano

• 1 tsp Ground cumin

• To taste Salt and black pepper

Directions

• Combine the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, onion, garlic, oil, and spices in a blender to create your chipotle chicken marinade recipe.
• Pour the mixture over the chicken thighs in a large bowl, ensuring every piece is coated thoroughly.
• Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least two hours to allow the spices to soak in.
• Heat a heavy cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat until it begins to lightly smoke.
• Sear the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the edges show a dark, caramelized char.
• Remove from heat and let the meat rest for five minutes to lock in the savory juices before slicing.

Notes

• Chef’s Secret: Use a high-quality cast iron skillet to achieve those signature crispy, charred bits seen in restaurants.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days; they taste even better the next day.
• Substitution: If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers before blending the marinade.

Learning how to make chipotle at home is a game-changer for your weekly meal prep routine. This versatile protein works perfectly in burritos, salads, or even alongside our best ground beef taco recipe for a complete family fiesta. Additionally, you can master more poultry techniques by checking out our best shredded chicken recipes guide or exploring this best grilled chicken recipes guide for your next outdoor cookout.

To ensure your meal is authentic, you can read about the history of the Chipotle pepper on Wikipedia. For more creative ways to serve this dish, try these chipotle chicken tacos from AllRecipes. If you enjoy bold global flavors, you might also like this Mexican chicken stew from BBC Good Food. Perfectly balanced spices and high-quality ingredients truly make all the difference in your home cooking journey.