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Smoky flavor is absolutely perfect!|Better spice balance than expected!|Juiciest chicken I've ever made!|Kids asked for seconds immediately!|Meal prep game changer here!|That char is restaurant quality!|Marinade makes all the difference!|So tender and full of flavor!
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Chipotle Chicken Recipe
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Chipotle Chicken Recipe

Learn how to make quick and easy Chipotle Chicken recipe at home! This how to cook guide delivers restaurant-quality grilled chicken with authentic smoky flavors. Perfect copycat recipe for meal prep!

Prep

15 mins

Cook

20 mins

Serve

4

Kcal

320
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<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">700g boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the can)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons lime juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon ground cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon black pepper</li></ul>
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> In a bowl, combine the minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure each piece is fully coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate up to 4 hours.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Heat the remaining olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place it in the hot pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until charred in spots and cooked through to an internal temperature of 75°C.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to keep the juices locked in.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Slice or dice the chicken and serve over rice, in burrito bowls, tacos, or salads for an authentic smoky, charred flavor.</li></ol>
FAQ for
Chipotle Chicken Recipe

What ingredients are used in Chipotle Chicken Recipe from Chipotle?

The recipe uses boneless chicken thighs, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, sea salt, lime juice, vegetable oil, bay leaf, and optional fresh coriander for garnish.

How to cook Chipotle Chicken Recipe from Chipotle at home?

Learn how to cook Chipotle Chicken Recipe from Chipotle by blending chipotle peppers with spices and lime juice to create a marinade, coating the chicken thighs, marinating for at least 2 hours, then searing in a hot pan for 5-6 minutes per side until charred and cooked through to 74°C.

What's the best marinating time for chipotle chicken?

For optimal flavour, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, though overnight marination is ideal. This allows the chipotle, garlic, and spices to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in more flavourful and tender chicken.

Should I use chicken breasts or thighs for Mexican-style chipotle chicken?

Chicken thighs are preferred as they remain juicier and more tender during cooking. The higher fat content helps them withstand the high heat needed for charring whilst absorbing the smoky chipotle marinade better than leaner chicken breasts.

What internal temperature should chipotle chicken reach when cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C at the thickest part when checked with a meat thermometer. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked, safe to eat, whilst remaining juicy with a beautifully charred exterior.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.
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Add the fresh lime juice and 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil. Blend on high speed for about 30-45 seconds until you achieve a completely smooth, deep red marinade with no visible chunks of garlic or pepper remaining."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Marinate chicken","text":"Pat the chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels. This is crucial as it helps the marinade adhere better to the meat. Place the chicken thighs in a large, non-reactive bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the blended marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Use your hands (wearing gloves if you prefer) to massage the marinade into the chicken, making sure it gets into all the crevices. Cover the bowl with cling film or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is ideal for maximum flavour penetration."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Prepare for cooking","text":"When you're ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This ensures even cooking throughout. Meanwhile, heat the remaining vegetable oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan or griddle over medium-high heat. You want the pan nice and hot but not smoking."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Sear first side","text":"Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and place the pieces in the hot pan. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Add the bay leaf to the pan. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving it, allowing a beautiful caramelized crust to form. You'll know it's ready to flip when the chicken releases easily from the pan."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Cook second side","text":"Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the second side. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C when checked with a meat thermometer at the thickest part. The exterior should be charred in spots with a deep, smoky brown color, while the inside remains juicy and tender."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Rest chicken","text":"Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness. Discard the bay leaf from the pan."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Dice chicken","text":"Using a sharp knife, dice the chicken into bite-sized cubes, approximately 2cm pieces, just as you'd find at Chipotle. 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