Copycat Chipotle Chicken

4.8
(79)
59 Reviews
11 Photos

This chipotle chicken recipe requires just a small amount of effort for a delicious and healthy meal. You can use this chicken for tacos, burritos, bowls, or fajitas. Just add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, salsa, rice, beans, cheese, or sour cream. Enjoy!

Submitted by RainbowJewels
Updated on August 20, 2024
11
A serving bowl of sliced copycat Chipotle chicken
11
11
11
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Additional Time:
18 hrs
Total Time:
18 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
8
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 1 ounce dried chipotle chile pepper

  • 1 ounce dried ancho chile pepper

  • ½ cup water

  • ½ red onion, cut into small chunks

  • 4 cloves garlic

  • 2 teaspoons sea salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Ingredients to make copycat Chipotle chicken

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Place chipotle and ancho chile peppers in a shallow bowl; pour in water. Cover the bowl and let sit at room temperature until peppers are softened, 10 to 12 hours. Drain water and remove seeds from peppers.

    A bowl of rehydrated dried chiles

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Blend chile peppers, red onion, garlic, sea salt, cumin, oregano, and black pepper in a blender until a coarse paste forms; add olive oil and blend until marinade is smooth.

    A blender with blended chile marinade

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Place chicken thighs between 2 sheets of heavy plastic on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound chicken with the smooth side of a meat mallet to a 1/2-inch thickness.

    A cutting board with a chicken thigh between two pieces of plastic wrap, pounded thin with a meat tenderizer

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag and add marinade. Turn chicken several times to coat. Seal bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours.

    A sealed plastic bag with thinly pounded chicken thighs in chile marinade

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Preheat an indoor grill with top and bottom plates for medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the bag and discard marinade. Place chicken on the preheated grill, close the lid, and cook until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 5 to 7 minutes.

    A baking sheet with grilled chipotle chicken

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Cut chicken into strips and serve warm.

    A serving bowl of sliced copycat Chipotle chicken

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Recipe Tips

You can soak the chile peppers in chicken broth instead of water if desired.

If you don't have an indoor electric grill, wrap a paver brick in aluminum foil and place it on top of the chicken to keep it flat while cooking on an outdoor grill.


Editor's Note:

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of marinade. The actual amount consumed will vary.

201 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

293 Calories
19g Fat
6g Carbs
25g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 293
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19g 24%
Saturated Fat 5g 24%
Cholesterol 88mg 29%
Sodium 526mg 23%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 25g 50%
Vitamin C 2mg 3%
Calcium 27mg 2%
Iron 8mg 42%
Potassium 393mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.