Description
This Chipotle Chicken copycat recipe recreates the smoky, citrus-marinated chicken served at Chipotle restaurants. Packed with bold chipotle pepper flavor, garlic, cumin, and lime, the juicy grilled chicken is perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, wraps, salads, and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- Juice of 1/2 orange (optional)
- For serving:
- Cilantro lime rice
- Black beans or pinto beans
- Corn salsa
- Fresh tomato salsa
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Large flour tortillas
Instructions
1. Add chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, and orange juice to a blender. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
2. Place chicken thighs in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Coat the chicken evenly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours for best flavor.
3. Preheat a skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and place directly on the hot cooking surface.
5. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until slightly charred and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
7. Chop the chicken into small bite-size pieces similar to Chipotle restaurant style.
8. Optional: Return chopped chicken to the skillet for 1–2 minutes to crisp the edges and intensify flavor.
9. Serve the chicken in burrito bowls with rice, beans, salsa, lettuce, avocado, and cheese.
10. For burritos, place fillings inside a large tortilla, fold tightly, and serve warm.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts during high-heat cooking.
- Marinate overnight for the most authentic flavor.
- Reduce chipotle peppers for a milder spice level.
- Cook on an outdoor grill for extra smoky flavor.
- Store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled or Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg