This quick and easy chipotle chicken recipe is made with boneless chicken thighs (or breasts) and is perfect for homemade burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and more.
Chipotle Chicken
This Chipotle Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of smoky, spicy and savory. Whether you cook them on a pan, grill or griddle, or in an air fryer, the results will be juicy and delicious. If you’re craving a homemade version of the popular restaurant chain, you’ll love this quick recipe that doesn’t require any marinating time. Turn it into a burrito bowl or burrito with my copycat cilantro lime rice, guacamole, and tortillas. Or use it on taco night, salads, or quesadillas. My family devoured them!
why this recipe works
- Fast: Just a few minutes of kneading, no need to wait for the chicken to marinate. Season and cook immediately—it will be ready in about 15 minutes.
- Juicy Chicken: Chicken thighs are a delicious cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways.
- tasty: Jalapeño and ancho chile powder in the adobo sauce add a tangy flavor to this dish.
- simple: This chipotle chicken recipe uses a few pantry ingredients that require very little chopping.
Chipotle Chicken Ingredients
- chicken: Trim fat from boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- garlic: Mince or crush two cloves of garlic.
- Jalapeños in Adobo Sauce: All you need is a tablespoon of sauce. Freeze the rest in ice cube trays and transfer to a zip-top bag for later.
- seasoning: Chilean anchovy powder, cumin powder, dried oregano, salt, pepper
How to Make Chipotle Chicken
- Seasonal Chicken: Season thighs on both sides with salt and pepper. Add garlic, jalapeños in adobo sauce, ancho chili powder, cumin, and oregano to a bowl. Spread the spice mixture evenly over the chicken and let them sit for a few minutes. You can cook them right away or refrigerate overnight for extra flavor.
- frying pan: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and spray with oil. Cook the thighs for about six minutes per side.
- Grilled: Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat. Grease the grill grates and fry for 6 to 8 minutes per side.
- Air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F and cook chicken for 14 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through.
- How do you know when chicken is done? Whichever method you choose, the chicken is ready when the outside is browned and the inside reads 165°F with a meat thermometer.
- Serve: When cooked, transfer the meat to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This step prevents the juices from running out of the chicken.
Copycat Chipotle Chicken Bowls
I always get chicken bowls when I order from Chipotle, but it’s so easy to make at home. Here’s a list of ingredients and toppings you can mix and match to make your own Chipotle Chicken Bowl:
1. Start with the basics:
2. Add protein:
3. Add the beans:
4. Finish with toppings:
How to Store Chipotle Chicken
Meal prep chipotle chicken thighs and have easy meals in half the week. Leftovers will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer. Reheat in the microwave until hot, then add to tacos, quesadillas, burrito bowls, taco salads, and more.
Variety
- chicken: If you prefer white meat, use chicken breast.
- Chilean Anchovy Meal: If you don’t have anchovies, substitute regular paprika.
More Chicken Thighs Recipes You’ll Love
yield: 4 serving size
Serving Size: 1 /4 days
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Seasonal Chicken: Season chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.
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In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ancho chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Spread the spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure they are thoroughly coated. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to develop. You can cook right away or refrigerate overnight, the longer it tastes the better!
Skillet Method:
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Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and spray with oil.
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Place chicken thighs in skillet and cook about 6 minutes per side, or until browned on the outside and an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute for maximum flavor. Slice it up and serve it in tacos, rice bowls, burritos, and more.
Grill or Sheet Pan Method:
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Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat. Grease grill grates or baking sheets with oil to prevent sticking.
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Place chicken thighs on a grill or baking sheet and cook about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
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When cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. The rest allows the flavors to meld and the juices to redistribute. Slice it up and serve it in tacos, rice bowls, and more.
Air fryer method:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F. As desired, place seasoned chicken thighs in batches in air fryer basket in a single layer.
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Cook the chicken for 14-15 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm it has reached 165°F.
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When cooked, transfer the chicken thighs to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This step ensures that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. Slice it up and serve it in tacos, rice bowls, and more.
last step:
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Serve: 1 /4 days, Calories: 216 kcal, carbohydrate: 2 G, protein: 34 G, fat: 7 G, Saturated fat: 2 G, cholesterol: 69 mg, sodium: 561 mg, fiber: 0.5 G
