Chipotle Chicken (Copycat Recipe)

Yes! This is truly a Chipotle Chicken (Copycat Recipe) meant to taste just like Chipotle’s famous chicken. This chipotle chicken recipe brings the flavors of Chipotle’s chicken right into your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your friends, keep them guessing if this is the “real thing,” and have fun experimenting with your favorite toppings.

Think about it: a tender piece of chicken, marinated in a special sauce made from chipotle peppers, fresh lime juice, and a bunch of spices. Your OWN Chipotle Chicken Recipe!

If you’ve ever wondered how to get that smoky flavor, it’s all about those chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

They’re like little flavor bombs that give your chicken a kick. You can serve this chicken in a bowl with cilantro lime rice, pinto beans, and sour cream.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

1. So Much Flavor: The marinade uses smoky chipotle peppers, fresh lime juice, olive oil, and lots of spices. 
2. Easy to Make: Just blend everything together in a food processor or blender, pour it over your chicken pieces, and let it sit. 
3. Versatile for Everyone: Whether you love taco bowls, burritos, or even chicken burrito bowls, this is a great way to make your favorite toppings shine.

Ingredients Needed:

• 7 ounce can of chipotles in adobo sauce
• ½ of a red onion chopped
• ¼ cup lime juice fresh squeezed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
• 2 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried cilantro
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend on high until smooth.
3. Marinade chicken pieces of choice for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

IS THIS A COPYCAT RECIPE?

Yes! This is truly a chipotle copycat recipe meant to taste just like chipotle’s famous chicken.

Depending on the brand of chipotles you use, it might have a slightly spicy flavor, but it’s as close to the real thing as you can get at home.

CAN I USE THIS ON OTHER CUTS OF MEAT?

Totally! While boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal for that authentic flavor, you can also use chicken breasts, dark meat like drumsticks, or even try it on steak.

Just remember that different cuts may cook at different times and might need a slightly different internal temperature check.

ANY ADDITIONS?

Want to take your chipotle chicken marinade to the next level? Try adding:

• A pinch of onion powder for even more savory goodness
• A splash of chicken broth for extra juiciness
• A spoonful of sour cream drizzled on top after cooking
• A handful of bell peppers sautéed until tender
• Some pico de gallo on the side for freshness
• A sprinkle of ancho chili powder for a deeper smoky flavor
• A dollop of cream cheese for a creamy finish
• A side of corn salsa or black beans for a true Mexican food feast
• A few spoonfuls of avocado oil instead of olive oil for a lighter taste
• Your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or lettuce, making it perfect for taco bowls

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Need to switch it up? Here are a few ideas:

• Use avocado oil instead of olive oil
• Swap dried cilantro for fresh cilantro leaves if you have them on hand
• Replace lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different zing
• Try white onion if you don’t have red onion
• Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar if that’s what you have in your pantry
• Swap out chipotles in adobo for ancho chili powder if you prefer less spicy flavor

How to Store:

Refrigerator:
Once your marinated chicken is cooked, let it cool to room temperature.

Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

You can quickly heat it up in a large skillet over medium heat the next day and enjoy.

Freezer:
For longer storage, wrap your leftover chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag and squeeze out any excess air.

It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you want to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on medium-high heat in a cast iron skillet or grill pan until warmed through.

Tips and Tricks:

• Marinate Overnight for Best Flavor: While you can marinate for as little as 30 minutes, letting it sit for 24 hours really lets the smoky chipotles and spices soak into the meat. Trust me, patience pays off!
• Use the Right Cut: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are often the secret to tender chicken so with much flavor. 
• Check the Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches at least 165°F (that’s about 74°C). 
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Whether you’re using an outdoor grill, grill pan, or even an air fryer, cook in batches if needed. 
• Rest Before Cutting: Let your cooked chicken rest for a couple minutes before slicing it. This helps keep it juicy and delicious.
• Add a Little Bit of Creativity: Turn this into a chipotle chicken salad by slicing it and placing it on greens with black beans, corn salsa, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. 

More Recipe Suggestions:

Crockpot Chipotle Pot Roast Tacos

Smoky Chipotle Queso

Sheet Pan Crispy Jalapeño Chicken Tacos

Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Sheet Pan Chicken Tinga Bowls