Recreate the bold and smoky flavors of Chipotle’s famous chicken at home with this easy Copycat Chipotle Chicken recipe. Marinated in a blend of spices, chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce, this chicken is grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy and flavorful pieces that taste just like the restaurant version. Ideal for burritos, bowls, tacos, or salads, this versatile recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Chipotle’s chicken right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers can)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.
- Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have nice grill marks. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the chicken thighs.
- Serve:
- Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve the chicken in burritos, bowls, tacos, or salads, and enjoy the authentic Chipotle taste at home.
This Copycat Chipotle Chicken brings the savory, spicy flavors you love right to your table, making it an excellent choice for any meal.