Chipotle Chicken Recipe
➤ What Is Chipotle Chicken Recipe?
Chipotle Chicken is a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a smoky, spicy sauce made with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
The distinctive smoky flavor comes from chipotle peppers, which are dried and smoked jalapeños.
This versatile dish delivers the perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and tanginess that makes it a favorite for tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, and salads.
➤ Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Chicken Recipe
•Bold Flavor Profile: The perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors
•Versatile: Use in tacos, burritos, bowls, salads, or as a main dish
•Meal Prep Friendly: Makes excellent leftovers and can be used in multiple meals
•Adjustable Heat Level: Easily customize the spice level to your preference
•Option: High in protein and can be part of a balanced meal
•Quick to Prepare: Simple marinade and cooking process for weeknight dinners
➤ Chipotle Chicken Recipe Ingredients
•2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
•3-4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
•2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the can)
•4 cloves garlic, minced
•2 tablespoons olive oil
•2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
•1 tablespoon ground cumin
•1 tablespoon dried oregano
•2 teaspoons smoked paprika
•1 teaspoon salt
•½ teaspoon black pepper
•Juice of 2 limes
•¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)
➤ How to Make Chipotle Chicken Recipe
1• Prepare the marinade: In a food processor or blender, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, olive oil, honey, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
2• Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a large ziplock bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken and add cilantro. Seal the bag and massage to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, for maximum flavor.
3• Cook the chicken:
• Grill method: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Stovetop method: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through.
• Oven method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
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➤ Chipotle Chicken Recipe Tips & Variations
• Adjust the heat: For a milder flavor, use fewer chipotle peppers. For extra heat, add more peppers or a pinch of cayenne.
• Make it creamy: Add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the marinade.
• Add citrus: Include orange juice and lime for a citrus twist.
• Make it tangy: Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the marinade.
• Vegetarian option: Use the same marinade with firm tofu or tempeh.
• Add sweetness: Increase honey to 3 tablespoons for a sweeter profile.
➤ Chipotle Chicken Recipe Serving Suggestions
• Serve in warm tortillas with avocado, pico de gallo, and lime wedges for tacos
• Add to burrito bowls with rice, beans, corn, and guacamole
• Chop and mix into a Southwest salad with romaine, black beans, corn, and ranch dressing
• Serve over cilantro-lime rice with roasted vegetables
• Use as a topping for Mexican-inspired pizza
• Stuff into quesadillas with melted cheese
If you enjoy this bold and flavorful Chipotle Chicken Recipe, you’ll also love our Chicken 65 Recipe with its vibrant spices and crispy texture. It’s another fantastic way to elevate chicken with big, bold flavors!
➤ Chipotle Chicken Recipe Storage Instructions
• Refrigerator: Store cooked chipotle chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Microwave with a splash of water to maintain moisture, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Chipotle Chicken Recipe
Course: Dinner, Lunch6
servings15
minutes25
minutes280
kcalIngredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
3-4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the can)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 2 limes
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)
Directions
- In a food processor or blender, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, olive oil, honey, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
- Place chicken in a large ziplock bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken and add cilantro. Seal the bag and massage to ensure chicken is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (or use stovetop/oven method). For grill: cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For stovetop: cook in skillet 6-8 minutes per side. For oven: bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or chopping. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
Notes
- • For milder flavor, use fewer chipotle peppers
• Makes excellent leftovers for meal prep throughout the week
• Try adding 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the marinade for extra tanginess
• Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days