Description
This Easy Chipotle Chicken copycat recipe is smoky, juicy, and full of bold flavor. Perfect for rice bowls, tacos, salads, or burritos, it’s a flexible, meal-prep-friendly dish that’s quick enough for weeknights but delicious enough to crave anytime.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
3 garlic cloves
½ red onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 lime (juiced)
Instructions
1. In a blender or food processor, blend chipotle peppers, garlic, red onion, olive oil, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Place chicken thighs in a bowl or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over the chicken and toss to coat.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours.
4. Heat a cast iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
5. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F and nicely charred.
6. Transfer to a cutting board, rest for 5 minutes, then chop into chunks.
7. Serve with rice, tacos, or salads, and finish with lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Notes
For the best flavor, marinate overnight if possible.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches to keep that perfect sear.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking—165°F is your target.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled or Pan-seared
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: chipotle chicken, copycat chipotle, spicy chicken, meal prep chicken