This quick and easy chipotle chicken recipe is made with boneless chicken thighs (or breasts) and is great for homemade burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas and more.
Chipotle Chicken
This chipotle chicken recipe is a delicious combination of smoke, spicy, and savory flavors. Whether you cook them in a pan, on a grill or grill pan, or in an air fryer, the result will be juicy and delicious. If you’re craving a homemade version of the grocery chain’s favorite, you’ll love this quick recipe that doesn’t require marinating time. Turn it into a burrito bowl or burrito with my copycat Cilantro Lime Rice, Guacamole and Pico de Gallo. Or use it for taco night, over salad or quesadillas. My family devours them!
Why this recipe works
- Fast: It only takes a few minutes to rub and you don’t have 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 tasty piece of meat that can be prepared in a variety of ways.
- Flavorful: The chipotle in adobo sauce and ancho chili powder add bold flavors to this dish.
- Simply: This chipotle chicken recipe uses few pantry ingredients and requires almost no chopping.
Chipotle Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken: Trim the fat from the boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Garlic: Finely chop or crush two cloves of garlic.
- Chipotle in Adobo Sauce: You only need a tablespoon of the sauce. Freeze the rest in an ice cube tray, then transfer to a ziplock bag for later use.
- Spice: Ancho Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano, Salt, Pepper
How to make chipotle chicken
- Season chicken: Season the thighs on both sides with salt and pepper. In a bowl, combine the garlic, chipotle in adobo sauce, ancho chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken and let it sit for a few minutes. You can cook them right away or refrigerate them overnight for more flavor.
- Frying pan: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and drizzle with oil. Sear the thighs for about six minutes on each side.
- Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grease the cooking grates with oil and grill for six to eight minutes on each 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 the chicken is ready? Whichever method you choose, the chicken is done when the outside is browned and the internal temperature is 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Portion: Once the meat is done cooking, transfer to a plate and let sit for a few minutes before slicing. This step prevents the juice from running out of the chicken.
Copycat Chipotle Chicken Bowl
When I order from Chipotle, I always get the chicken bowl, but it’s so easy to make at home. Here’s a list of ingredients and toppings you can use to create your own Chipotle Chicken Bowl:
1. Start with a base:
2. Add Protein:
3. Add Beans:
4. Finish with toppings:
How to store chipotle chicken
Make chipotle chicken thighs and have easy meals for half the week. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to four days and in the freezer for three months. Microwave until warm and serve in tacos, quesadillas, burrito bowls, taco salads and more.
variations
- Chicken: If you prefer white meat, use chicken breast.
- Ancho Chile Powder: If you don’t have ancho, swap them out for regular chili powder.
More chicken thigh recipes you’ll love
Yield: 4 portions
Serving size: 1 /4
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Season chicken: Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, chipotle in adobo sauce, ancho chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure they are well coated. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the flavor to develop. You can cook them right away or refrigerate them overnight, the longer the more flavorful!
pan method:
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Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and drizzle with oil.
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Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and cook for about 6 minutes on each side or until browned on the outside and the inside has reached a temperature of 165F.
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Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This distributes the juice better and ensures maximum taste. Slice and serve in tacos, rice bowls, burritos, etc.
Grill or griddle method:
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Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grease the grill grate or grill pan with oil to prevent sticking.
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Place the chicken thighs on the grill or griddle and cook about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. By resting, the flavors blend together and the juices redistribute. Slice and serve in tacos, rice bowls, etc.
Air Fryer Method:
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in one layer as needed.
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Cook the chicken for 14-15 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it has reached 165°F.
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Once cooked, place the chicken thighs on a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful. Slice and serve in tacos, rice bowls, etc.
Last step:
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Portion: 1 /4, Calories: 216 kcal, Carbohydrates: 2 G, Protein: 34 G, Fat: 7 G, Saturated Fatty Acids: 2 G, Cholesterol: 69 mg, Sodium: 561 mg, Fiber: 0.5 G