Juicy copycat Chipotle chicken recipe that will become your favorite way to prepare chicken! Juicy and crispy chicken thighs with smoky flavors with slightly spicy hints.
Check out our other delicious Mexican-inspired dishes, like this Street Corn recipe.
CHIPOTLE CHICKEN RECIPE
Chipotle is a popular Mexican chain restaurant that specializes in burritos and bowls. They are famous for their juicy flavor-packed chicken. This copycat recipe is easier, cheaper, and tastes just as good, if not better! The chicken is seasoned in a smoky and spicy spice blend that will blow your taste buds away.
WHAT YOU NEED-
- Chicken– You can use either chicken thighs or chicken breast. This recipe uses boneless skinless chicken thighs, using thighs gives you softer and juicier results.
- Oil– We recommend using olive oil for the best results. You can also substitute it for vegetable oil, canola oil, or even avocado oil!
- Spice Blend– The key to achieving chicken that tastes like Chipotle chicken is how you season it! For the seasoning, you want to use salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, and cumin.
- Lime– For a hint of zest, we like to drizzle the chicken in freshly squeezed lime juice after it’s cooked! This is not mandatory, if you don’t have limes on hand, no worries!
HOW TO MAKE CHIPOTLE CHICKEN
This recipe is easy to make and a great meal-prepping idea!
MARINATING
You do not have to marinate this chicken for a long time, but for the best results you want to marinate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 days!
- Rinse the chicken and remove any excess fat. Add a bowl or a plastic bag.
- Add the oil and seasoning to the chicken and toss until well combined.
- Cover the bowl or zip the bag and marinade in the fridge for up to 2 days!
| If you don’t have time to marinade, and want to make this right away, NO PROBLEM! This chicken doesn’t need to be marinated; it’s just recommended. |
COOKING METHODS
There are several different methods that you can use to cook this Chipotle chicken!
- Skillet– Heat a skillet with oil. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and cook until crispy and flip. Reduce heat and cook until fully cooked through.
- Air Fryer– Add the chicken to the air fryer basket and air fryer until golden and crispy. Flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Grilling– Preheat the grill, and clean the grates. Add the chicken thighs and cook. Flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Oven– Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet and bake until cooked.
| The internal temperature of cooked-through chicken should be 165°F. Use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature. |
SERVING IDEAS
There are several different ways you can enjoy this juicy and flavorful Chipotle chicken!
- Chipotle bowls– The classic way to enjoy this chicken is by making chipotle bowls!
- Burritos– Fill up your burrito with this delicious chipotle chicken, cilantro lime rice, and salsa!
- Tacos– Make delicious tacos with this crispy and flavorful chicken!
- Quesadillas– You can even add this chicken to our chicken fajita quesadillas recipe, so good!
- Salad– Use this chicken as a topping for salad!
- Dinner– Serve just as is, pair with some olive garden salad and roasted potatoes for a dinner idea.
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Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe
The greatest copycat Chipotle chicken recipe you will try! Juicy and crispy chicken seasoned to perfection with a slight kick.
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Servings 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs boneless & skinless
- 2 Tbsp oil for sautéing
chipotle chicken marinade-
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp cayenne powder
- 1 Tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Rinse chicken thighs and remove any excess fat and pat dry and add to a bowl.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, olive oil, and lime juice to the chicken. Mix until well combined.
Skillet Method-
- Add oil to a skillet and heat on medium high heat.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 6-8, minutes.
- Flip and continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are cooked through.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and let sit for about 5 minutes. Then cube the chicken thighs and serve as desired.
Air Fryer Method-
- Add the chicken thighs to the air fryer basket and air fryer at 400℉ for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cook time to ensure all around crispiness.
- Remove from the air fryer basket and allow the chicken thighs to sit for about 5 minutes. Chop and serve as desired.
Grilling Method-
- Preheat the grill, and clean the grates. Add the chicken thighs to the grill and cook on medium high heat and cook for about 6-7 minutes.
- Flip the chicken thighs and finish cooking for another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165℉.
- Remove from grill and allow to sit for 5 minutes, before cutting and serving.
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