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Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe

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4.3 from 12 reviews

This Copycat Chipotle Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a smoky, spicy chipotle adobo sauce blend. Perfect for recreating the famous Chipotle chicken at home, this recipe uses simple ingredients like garlic, lime juice, and smoky paprika, seared to golden perfection in a skillet. Ideal for burrito bowls, tacos, salads, or any Mexican-inspired dish, the marinade can be prepared quickly and the chicken can be cooked in under 20 minutes once marinated, making it a convenient and delicious weeknight meal option.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 Tbsp avocado oil (plus more for cooking)

Marinade

  • ⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce
  • 1 Tbsp adobo sauce
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground oregano
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade. Add the finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, chipotle chilies, adobo sauce, lime juice, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to a small food processor or blender. Blend until a thick, smooth paste forms. If you don’t have a food processor or blender, finely chop the ingredients and mix thoroughly in a bowl.
  2. Marinate the chicken. Place the raw chicken thighs and chipotle marinade into a large zip lock bag or bowl. Seal or cover, then mix well to coat all the chicken pieces thoroughly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 20 minutes, ideally overnight for best flavor.
  3. Bring chicken to room temperature. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator about 15 to 20 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This step helps ensure even cooking and a nice sear.
  4. Heat the skillet. Place a large skillet (preferably cast iron or nonstick) over medium-high heat. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and let it heat until hot and shimmering.
  5. Sear the chicken. Place the marinated chicken thighs carefully in the hot skillet. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes on one side without moving to form a golden-brown crust.
  6. Flip and finish cooking. Flip the chicken thighs and cook the other side for another 6 to 8 minutes, until fully cooked. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety, though 185°F yields the best texture.
  7. Rest the chicken. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Slice or chop. Using a sharp knife, slice the chicken into strips or chop into bite-sized pieces according to your preference.
  9. Serve. Enjoy the chipotle chicken on its own or use it as a filling for burrito bowls, tacos, salads, or wraps. For a classic Chipotle-style meal, serve with cilantro lime rice, corn salsa, guacamole, black beans, fajita veggies, salsa, and shredded cheese.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors but a minimum of 20 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
  • The recipe works well with chicken breasts as a leaner alternative, though cooking times may vary.
  • For an outdoor grill or air fryer, adjust cooking times accordingly and ensure the chicken is cooked through.
  • Leftover chipotle chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/copycat-chipotle-chicken-recipe/