Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe

This copycat recipe creates tender, flavorful chicken that captures the smoky, slightly spicy taste of Chipotle’s signature version. The key is using boneless, skinless chicken thighs and a blended marinade with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. 

Ingredients

For the marinade

• 1 (7-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, including some peppers
• ½ medium red onion, chopped
• 3–4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp distilled white vinegar or fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup water, for thinning 

For the chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Olive oil or avocado oil, for cooking
• Optional: Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish 

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade. In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped red onion, garlic cloves, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, olive oil, vinegar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. Add the water and blend again to thin it to a pourable consistency.
2. Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in a large, resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, overnight.
3. Cook the chicken. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil.
   • Pan-seared method: Add the chicken to the hot pan in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until the chicken has developed a deep golden-brown char and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
   • Grilled method: Cook the chicken on a preheated grill over medium heat for about 6–8 minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. Rest and chop. Remove the cooked chicken from the heat and place it on a cutting board to rest for at least 5–10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
5. Serve. Use a sharp knife to chop the chicken into bite-sized cubes. Toss the chopped chicken with any remaining pan juices for extra flavor. Serve it in burritos, bowls, tacos, or salads, garnished with fresh cilantro. 

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the rest time: Resting the chicken after grilling is key to preventing it from drying out.
• Adjust the heat: If you prefer your chicken spicier, add more chipotle peppers. If you want a milder flavor, use fewer peppers and more adobo sauce.
• Use a cast-iron skillet: If you don’t have a grill, a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet on high heat can also create a nice sear and char.
• Freeze the chicken: This recipe works great for meal prep. You can marinate a large batch of chicken and freeze it. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw and grill!

Seasoning for Chipotle chicken

The signature smoky and spicy flavor comes from a marinade that includes puréed chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, along with a blend of other spices and aromatics. 

Common ingredients in the marinade include:

• Chipotle peppers and adobo sauce: Provides the key smoky and spicy flavor profile.
• Garlic and onion: Adds a foundational savory aromatic flavor.
• Cumin and oregano: Gives a warm, earthy, and peppery taste.
• Vinegar or lime juice: Provides a balancing acidity.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the overall flavor. 

Best cut of chicken for a copycat recipe

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best cut to use for a copycat Chipotle recipe. The restaurant itself uses chicken thighs and quarters because the dark meat has a higher fat content, which keeps it juicy and flavorful even when cooked over high heat. While chicken breasts can be used, they are leaner and more likely to become dry during cooking. 

Why Chipotle chicken tastes so good

The excellent taste of Chipotle’s chicken comes from a combination of ingredients and cooking techniques:

• Flavorful marinade: The bold and complex marinade, made with chipotle peppers in adobo, deeply seasons the chicken.
• Using chicken thighs: The dark meat stays moist and tender, and its fat renders during cooking, which enhances the flavor.
• Grilling/searing: Cooking the chicken on a hot grill or flat-top griddle creates a delicious, slightly charred crust, which adds a smoky texture and flavor.
• Fresh ingredients: Seasoning the meat before grilling with fresh ingredients like lime juice and cilantro, as is done for the Pollo Asado, provides a fresh taste.
• Honey (for Honey Chicken): Chipotle’s Honey Chicken option uses a touch of honey, which caramelizes on the grill and adds a hint of sweetness. 

How long to marinate Chipotle chicken

To achieve maximum flavor, it’s best to marinate the chicken for an extended period. 

• For best results: Marinate for 8 to 24 hours, or overnight.
• For quicker preparation: You can marinate for as little as 30 minutes, but the flavor will not be as deep. 

Oil Chipotle uses for cooking chicken

Chipotle cooks their chicken and steak on a grill with sunflower oil. This is different from the oil they use for other items, such as the seasoned rice, which is made with rice bran oil. 

If you’re looking for a quick version of this recipe, check out our 15-Minute Chipotle Chicken Recipe.