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Diced charred chipotle chicken on a wooden cutting board, and a knife.
5 from 6 votes

Chipotle Chicken Recipe

This copycat chipotle chicken is a perfect way to enjoy your favorite meal at home. It’s an easy recipe that is bursting with flavor.
Author Diana
Servings 4 servings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • ½ small yellow or red onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 3 chipotles in adobo from a can freeze the rest to use in other recipes
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs boneless and skinless

Instructions

To make the marinade and marinate the chicken:

  • In a blender, combine the onion, with garlic, water, olive oil, vinegar, chipotles, and seasonings. Blend until you get a smooth sauce.
  • To a Ziploc bag, add the chicken and cover with sauce. Seal the Ziploc bag, and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes-24 hours.

Grill:

  • Preheat the grill to medium high heat. Clean and oil your grill grates.
  • Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature of the chicken thighs is 170°F/76°C. Or use a grill pan.

Stovetop:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet, when the oil is hot and shimmering add the chicken and cook 4-5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature of the chicken thighs is 170°F/76°C
  • Work in batches if needed.

Oven:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°/200°CF, and spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken thighs is 170°F/76°C
  • Remove from the oven onto a plate, cover with foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs are juicy and produce the best flavor, but if you don't like dark meat, substitute with boneless and skinless chicken breasts. The recipe remains the same. 
  • Marinate your chicken as long as possible. It helps to infuse your chicken with flavor. You can do at least 30 minutes, but if the time allows it, I recommend allowing the flavors to infuse for a couple of hours and up to 24 hours.
  • Storing: You can place any leftover chicken in either a Ziplock bag or Tupperware with an airtight lid. Place in the fridge for 3-4 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 589kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 222mg | Sodium: 1516mg | Potassium: 571mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1365IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 3mg