Name: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489936H55M25S
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from chipotle peppers); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This copycat Chipotle chicken recipe delivers smoky, spicy flavor that’s perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, or salads. Made with tender chicken thighs and a vibrant chipotle marinade, it’s a simple way to bring bold Tex-Mex taste to your home cooking.

A grilled chicken taco with one layer of soft, slightly toasted white tortilla at the bottom, topped with a layer of green cilantro pieces mixed with small bits of red onion, and finished with a generous layer of dark brown and charred grilled chicken slices, some with visible white meat inside. The taco sits in a shiny silver taco holder on a white marbled surface, with fresh green cilantro and lime wedges on the side, and a blurred bowl of red and white salsa in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (plus 2 tablespoons of the sauce)
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or bowl, then pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though marinating overnight yields the best flavor.
Step 3: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until they develop a nice char and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices, then chop it into bite-sized pieces, just like the Chipotle style.
Step 5: Serve the chicken in burrito bowls, tacos, salads, or wraps and enjoy your homemade Tex-Mex feast.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky heat, add an additional chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne powder to the marinade.
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of chipotle peppers or omit the adobo sauce.
Marinating overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, making the chicken even more flavorful and tender.
Use chicken breasts if you want a leaner option, but reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or lime juice to keep it moist.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a taco with two main layers: the base is a soft, light tan tortilla holding a small layer of chopped green cilantro and bits of red onion, topped with thick, grilled chicken strips that are dark brown with crispy, charred edges. The taco sits in a shiny metal taco holder on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are fresh lime wedges on the right and a white bowl filled with red and green salsa on the left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken thighs to ensure even marinating and cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before marinating.

What can I substitute for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?

If you can’t find chipotle peppers, smoked paprika combined with a bit of chili powder and a teaspoon of tomato paste can mimic the smoky, spicy flavor in a pinch.