If you’ve ever wondered how does Chipotle season their chicken, this recipe is your answer! This copycat Chipotle chicken is smoky, juicy, and packed with that signature bold flavor. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make at home with simple pantry staples.
We’ll show you how to make Chipotle chicken that’s just as good—if not better—than what you’d get at the restaurant. Craving tacos, burrito bowls, or salads? This Chipotle chicken recipe hits the spot every time!
😍Why You’ll Love It
- Easy & Flavorful: No complicated steps, just marinate, cook, and enjoy!
- Tastes Just Like Chipotle’s: A smoky, slightly spicy, and savory flavor that’s spot-on.
- Versatile: Use it in tacos, rice bowls, salads, or even on its own.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time for easy, delicious meals all week!
✅What You'll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for this bold, smoky marinade:
- Olive oil – Helps the spices coat the chicken and keeps it juicy.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – Adds smokiness and a little heat. Use only the sauce and discard the peppers.
- Lime juice – Brightens up the flavors and tenderizes the meat.
- Garlic – Fresh and flavorful.
- Ancho chili powder – Gives a deep, rich smokiness.
- Coriander, cumin, and oregano – A warm, aromatic spice blend.
- Chicken thighs or breasts – Both will work.
- Fresh cilantro – Optional, but adds freshness at the end.
🔪How to Make Chipotle Chicken
This is an easy taco time copycat recipe with just a few steps!
Marinate: Mix olive oil, chipotle adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic, and spices. Coat the chicken thighs and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Cook: Sear in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high for 5-6 minutes per side.
Rest & Slice: Let rest for 10 minutes, then chop.
👨🍳Pro Tips
- Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor – If time allows, overnight is best!
- Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness – They’re more tender than breasts.
- Don’t Skip the Lime Juice – It helps break down the meat for that perfect texture.
- Want More Heat? Add a teaspoon of cayenne or extra chipotle sauce!
🍽️What to Serve with Chipotle Chicken
Wondering what pairs well with this chicken chipotle sauce-infused recipe? Try these:
🥑 Cilantro Lime Rice – Just like Chipotle’s!
🌮 Soft Corn Tortillas – For the ultimate street taco vibe.
🥗 Mexican Slaw – A crisp, refreshing side.
Black Beans & Salsa – A simple and delicious combo.
🗄️Leftovers & Storage
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it juicy.
Chipotle uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor. Chicken breasts work too, but thighs give that authentic tenderness.
This copycat Chipotle chicken is smoky, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a Chipotle restaurant chicken recipe or just a go-to meal prep option, this one’s a winner.
Try it out and let us know—is it better than the real thing? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil plus more for cooking the chicken
- 7 ounce can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce use only the sauce, discard the peppers
- juice of 1 lime
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- ½ tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon EACH: coriander powder, cumin powder, dried oregano, black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- fresh cilantro to garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix together ¼ cup olive oil, chipotle adobo sauce, juice of 1 lime, 3 minced garlic cloves and all the spices (½ tablespoon ancho chili powder, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon EACH: coriander powder, cumin powder, dried oregano, black pepper). Add 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (for best flavor, marinate overnight).
- Stovetop: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into small pieces.
- Use in tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or salads. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and your favorite toppings!
Notes
Nutrition
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Mark says
This turned out amazing! The marinade gives the chicken that signature smoky, spicy Chipotle flavor. I grilled mine and made burrito bowls, and my family loved it. Will definitely make again!
Tatiana says
Mark, that sounds delicious! Grilling really brings out the smoky flavors. So happy it was a hit with your family!