This Chipotle chicken copycat recipe makes any BBQ a fiesta!
Chicken thighs are marinated in a copycat adobo sauce and grilled to juicy, crispy perfection before being cut into bite-sized pieces.
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Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- Flavor: This chipotle copycat chicken is full of bold, smoky, and spicy flavors.
- Skill Level: Marinate and grill! It’s that easy!
- Recommended Tools: A meat thermometer is the best way to test for doneness when grilling chicken.
- Time-Saving Tip: Double up this recipe to use in hot and cold dishes all week long. It also freezes well in the marinade before cooking or after!
Ingredient Tips for Copycat Chipotle Chicken
- Chicken: Thigh meat is preferred for this recipe because it’s juicier than breast meat, but any boneless, skinless chicken works. In a pinch for time? Thaw frozen cutlets, marinate, and pan-fry them in a skillet.
- Adobo Sauce: Got leftover canned chipotles? Use them to make a creamy aioli or a zesty ranch dressing.
- Seasonings: Vinegar, garlic, cumin, and oregano, combined with the chipotles, are what give this dish its signature flavor.
- Oil: Vegetable oil, avocado oil, chili oil, or even leftover bacon grease all work for the marinade.
- Vinegar: White vinegar helps tenderize the meat as it marinates. Use fresh lime juice instead for a fresh citrusy flavor.
- Variations: Add a little smoked paprika, ancho chili powder, or a pinch (or two!) of homemade adobo seasoning for more depth of flavor.
Favorite Ways to Serve
- Add the chicken to a chicken burrito bowl or a healthy taco quinoa bowl.
- Make quesadillas, burritos, or a creamy chicken fajita pasta salad.
- Serve with some favorite toppings like pico de Gallo, sour cream, lettuce, corn salsa, guacamole, black beans, and some cilantro lime rice.
Leftover Chicken?
Keep leftover chipotle chicken in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat portions in the microwave or in a small pan with a little water on medium heat. Freeze in zippered bags for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Favorite Flavorful Chicken Recipes
Did you enjoy this Copycat Chipotle Chicken? Leave a comment and rating below.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl whisk together adobo sauce, vinegar, water, vegetable oil, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Trim chicken thighs, add to the bowl, and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (165°F) and slightly charred.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Chicken, Main Course
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My new go to for Taco night. Simple ingredients with a ton of flavor. Tried with both chicken thighs and breast, thighs are 100% the way to go. I do add a touch of ancho chili powder just because I’m obsessed with it right now.
Lacey, that sounds amazing! The touch of ancho chili powder sounds like the perfect upgrade.
Made the recipe exactly as written. Was excellent and will be making it again.
Kimberly, so happy to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for giving the recipe a try—glad it’s a keeper for you.