Chipotle Chicken Recipe: Spicy, Smoky, and Full of Flavor

Looking for a bold and flavorful chicken dish? Look no further than Chipotle Chicken. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with a smoky, spicy marinade made from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or just served with a side of rice, this dish packs an incredible punch of flavor. The combination of chili powder, cumin, and oregano, along with the heat from chipotle peppers, will transport your taste buds straight to a delicious, smoky fiesta.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the basic recipe, advanced techniques for preparing the chicken to perfection, tips for storage and maintenance, dietary adaptations, and answer some frequently asked questions. Let’s dive into this flavorful Chipotle Chicken recipe!

For more great ideas on cooking with chipotle peppers, check out this article on chipotle recipes and discover more about marinating chicken with bold flavors on this page.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions for Chipotle Chicken

This Chipotle Chicken recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. With a flavorful marinade and a quick cooking time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

Chipotle Chicken Recipe: Smoky, Spicy, and Full of Flavor

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marination time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Chipotle Chicken is a smoky, spicy, and flavorful dish with just the right amount of heat. Marinated in a zesty chipotle sauce with garlic, cumin, and oregano, the chicken thighs turn out tender and packed with flavor. Perfect for tacos, wraps, or served over rice, this dish is a versatile and crowd-pleasing favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup adobo sauce from a 7oz can of chipotle peppers in adobo (reserve peppers for future recipes)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 medium red onion, roughly chopped
1/4 cup water
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, pepper, salt, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, red onion, and water. Blend until the mixture becomes a smooth marinade.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Rest and Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.
- Slice the chicken against the grain into strips for serving.
Serve:
- Serve the Chipotle Chicken with your favorite sides, such as rice, sautéed vegetables, or in tacos with fresh toppings like cilantro, lime, and avocado.

Notes

If you prefer more heat, you can chop up a chipotle pepper from the can of chipotle peppers in adobo and add it to the marinade.

This chicken is great in tacos, burritos, or even served over a salad for a fresh, flavorful meal.

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated or used in other dishes like quesadillas or sandwiches.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (about 1/2 pound of chicken)
Calories: 300 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Chipotle Chicken Recipe

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, pepper, salt, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, chopped red onion, and water. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring the thighs are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill, stovetop, or skillet to medium-high heat. If grilling, oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking. For stovetop cooking, add a little olive oil to the skillet to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Grilling Method: Grill the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Stovetop Method: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked.
Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Slice the chicken into strips and serve it with your favorite sides, in tacos, burritos, or on a salad.

Advanced Techniques for Perfecting Chipotle Chicken

While the basic Chipotle Chicken recipe is delicious on its own, there are a few advanced techniques that can take this dish to the next level.

Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs:

While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are convenient, bone-in thighs will add even more flavor and juiciness to your chicken. The bone helps retain moisture during cooking, making the chicken extra tender.

Grill for Smokier Flavor:

If you’re using a grill, take it a step further by adding some wood chips to the grill to infuse a deeper smoky flavor. Soak the chips in water for about 30 minutes before placing them on the coals, and the chicken will take on an even richer smokiness that pairs perfectly with the chipotle peppers.

Add Extra Heat:

For those who love extra spice, consider adding a chopped chipotle pepper from the adobo sauce to the marinade for an added kick. You can also sprinkle chili flakes on the chicken after it’s cooked for an extra layer of heat.

Marinate Overnight:

While marinating the chicken for 1 hour will provide great flavor, marinating overnight allows the chicken to absorb all of the spices and sauce for a deeper, richer taste. This also ensures that the chicken becomes even more tender as the marinade breaks down the meat fibers.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips for Chipotle Chicken

This Chipotle Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prepping or making ahead. Here’s how you can store and maintain the dish:

Storage:

Refrigeration: Once cooked, store the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The chicken will stay flavorful, and the spices will continue to develop.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the container with the date it was frozen.

Reheating:

To reheat the chicken, you can warm it in the microwave, in a skillet, or in the oven:

Microwave: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
Skillet: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure even warming.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until fully heated through.

Maintain Moisture:

To ensure the chicken stays juicy when reheating, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth before warming it. This will prevent the chicken from drying out.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions for Chipotle Chicken

The Chipotle Chicken recipe is versatile and can be adapted for various dietary needs. Here are some substitutions to make this dish work for your diet:

Gluten-Free:

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any gluten-filled ingredients. Just be sure to double-check any additional ingredients or condiments you plan to serve it with, such as tortillas or sauces.

Dairy-Free:

The Chipotle Chicken recipe is already dairy-free, making it perfect for those following a dairy-free or vegan lifestyle. Serve with dairy-free sides like rice, guacamole, or a side salad.

Low-Carb/Keto:

For a low-carb or keto version, serve the chicken with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or lettuce wraps instead of high-carb tortillas. This keeps the dish flavorful while adhering to a low-carb diet.

Paleo:

To make this dish Paleo-friendly, simply ensure that the apple cider vinegar and other ingredients do not contain any added sugars. Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple avocado salad for a complete Paleo meal.

FAQs About the Chipotle Chicken Recipe

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut of meat. However, chicken breasts may dry out more easily than thighs, so be sure to monitor the cooking time closely. Thighs tend to be more forgiving and juicier.

Can I cook the chicken in the oven?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! This marinade works great with other meats like pork or beef. If you’re using a different protein, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To make the chicken spicier, add more chipotle peppers from the adobo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also top the chicken with fresh jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce when serving.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

The Chipotle Chicken recipe is an easy and flavorful way to bring smoky, spicy, and tender chicken to your table. Whether you’re serving it for Taco Tuesday, adding it to a salad, or making it the star of a weeknight dinner, the rich flavors will leave your taste buds craving more. The marinade is packed with bold ingredients like chipotle peppers, garlic, and spices, creating a deep, smoky flavor that will elevate any meal.

Feel free to experiment with different proteins, tweak the spice levels, or serve it with your favorite sides. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Chipotle Chicken recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen for years to come. Enjoy!