Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe
This Copycat Chipotle Chicken recipe recreates the smoky, spicy flavor of Chipotle’s famous chicken at home. Juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs are marinated in a vibrant blend of adobo sauce, ancho chile powder, garlic, and spices, then cooked to tender perfection. Ideal for burritos, bowls, tacos, or salads, this recipe brings bold Mexican-inspired flavors straight to your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- ½ medium red onion, coarsely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from a small can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Water, as needed
Main Ingredient
- 3 to 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the coarsely chopped red onion, garlic, adobo sauce, olive oil, ancho chile powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water a little at a time if needed to create a thin, pourable marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Slice or shred the chicken as desired and use it in burritos, bowls, tacos, or salads.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs gives the best texture and juiciness, but boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of adobo sauce based on your spice tolerance for a milder or spicier chicken.
- The marinade can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/copycat-chipotle-chicken-recipe/
