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    HOME » Recipes » Poultry

    Published: Nov 13, 2022 · Modified: May 9, 2023· This website generates income via ads · by Mary

    Chipotle Chicken Recipe Copycat

    Jump to Recipe

    Who doesn't love Mexican food, especially a Chipotle chicken bowl or burrito bowl? The Chipotle chicken marinade is the key to success when trying to replicate these dishes. The adobo sauce creates the best flavor in their marinated chicken, and you have to get that right. I have tried other copycat recipes for their chicken, and I find my Chipotle Chicken Recipe Copycat the best. It has great flavor, medium heat, and my cooking methods, air fryer and oven both produce juicy chicken with bits of crispy edges.

    Yellow plate with juicy cooked and diced pieces of chicken.
    Jump to:
    • What makes this Chipotle Chicken Copycat Recipe special?
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Recipe FAQ'S Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe
    • Looking for More Great Chicken Recipes?
    • Equipment
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Chipotle Chicken Recipe Copycat
    • Comments

    What makes this Chipotle Chicken Copycat Recipe special?

    • Chipotle's chicken is legendary. When you make it at home, you can recreate many of the the dishes on their menu without driving.
    • The ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store. Most grocery stores carry all the ingredients you need, but many of them are probably in your kitchen right now.
    • This is a great recipe for meal prep. I cook for two people, but this recipe serves six. I can easily adjust it to two servings in the recipe card below, or make the full recipe. If I make the full recipe I divide the cooked chicken into thirds, use one and freeze the other two for later.
    • The chicken will stay moist and fresh if you place it in plastic bags, squeeze out all the air, close the bags, then place them in another airtight container in the freezer. I have little freezer treasure chests of cooked proteins, ready to go when I need them. It is a great way to get dinner on the table in very little time. Use within three months.

    Ingredients

    All of the ingredients for Copycat Chipotle chicken.
    • You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. I use a combination of chicken thighs and breasts. Chicken breasts are much thicker and take longer to cook than chicken thighs. Be sure to pound the chicken breasts so they are an even thickness to make cooking times the same.
    • For the chipotle chiles in adobo sauce use the whole chiles and reserve the remaining sauce for something else..
    • If you don't have or don't like cumin, (yes, these people exist) substitute chili powder in the same amount. It will taste a little bit different though.
    • If you don’t have apple cider vinegar available, you can also substitute white vinegar or most any other vinegar.

    Full ingredients list & measurements are provided in the recipe card.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Ingredients for chipotle chicken and cutting board.

    Place chicken pieces individually between plastic wrap or in a plastic bag on your cutting board. Pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet.

    Red onion, garlic, adobo chiles, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper in a blender.

    Prepare the marinade: Place red onion, garlic, adobo chiles, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper in a blender and puree.

    Pureed ingredients to make the marinade.

    Place the chicken in a plastic storage bag or storage container. Pour contents of the blender over the chicken.

    Whole chicken pieces in a plastic bag with marinade poured over.

    Turn to even coat chicken. Place in refrigerator and allow the chicken to marinate 2-6 hours or overnight.

    Uncooked chicken in the basket of an air fryer.

    To cook the chicken in an air fryer: Evenly space pieces of chicken in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 370 degrees. Cook for 10 minutes.

    Golden brown pieces of chicken in an air fryer basket with charred edges.

    Turn and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear.

    Uncooked pieces of chicken in an ovenproof baking dish.

    To cook the chicken in the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the chicken in a baking pan. Bake 20 minutes.

    Cooked chicken the baking dish.

    Turn and bake another 10 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees and the juices run clear.

    Chicken breasts on a cutting board and some sliced.

    Remove from and let the chicken rest 5 minutes. Dice into small, bite sized pieces.

    Cut and diced chicken pieces on a yellow serving plate.

    The chicken is now ready to be used in your favorite recipes.

    Recipe FAQ'S Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe

    What can I use in place of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce?

    Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce adds a bit of heat along with a smokey flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, and can’t find them in a local store, you can try substituting a teaspoon of Tabasco chipotle hot sauce in its place. If you don’t have that, then a 50/50 mix of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper can be used.

    How long should I marinate the chicken?

    The longer you marinate the chicken the more flavor it will have. The minimum amount of time it should be marinated is 2 hours. Try at least 6 hours to give it that restaurant-quality flavor. Overnight is even better.

    Does Chipotle use chicken breasts or thighs?

    Chipotle restaurants use chicken thighs for their chopped chicken for good reason. Chicken thighs are tender and juicier when cooked. You can use either one or both. Keep chicken breasts from drying out by pounding them so they are the same thickness. This helps to keep them moist. Also, don’t overcook the chicken. It should be cooked until a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 165 degrees f. Remove from the heat and allow to rest 5 minutes before dicing and serving.

    Looking for More Great Chicken Recipes?

    Golden brown sliced chicken. asparagus, and roasted potatoes on plates.

    3 Ingredient Spicy Honey Chicken

    Large serving bowl with stir fry chicken and beef with vegetables.

    Chicken and Beef Stir Fry

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer (optional)
    • Baking dish or large skillet (oven proof)
    • Large bowl or plastic bag for marinating

    Serving Suggestions

    • Serve over brown rice with black beans, cilantro and sour cream. Lime juice takes it to the next level. Place a lime wedge on each plate.
    • Make cilantro lime rice and top it with the cooked chicken. Don't forget the lime wedges.
    • Use the cooked chicken in burritos, tacos, tostadas, taco salads, tortilla soup, breakfast burritos, or a hundred other ways.
    • Serve it over my Creamy Parmesan Rice for a nice change of pace.
    Cooked chicken on a plate.

    Chipotle Chicken Recipe Copycat

    My Chipotle Chicken Recipe Copycat is the best. It has great flavor and medium heat. My cooking methods, air fryer or oven both produce juicy chicken with bits of crispy edges.
    4.83 from 74 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 12 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Marinade Time 2 hours hrs
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 42 minutes mins
    Course
    Main Course
    Servings 6
    Budget
    Frugal

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer optional
    • Storage bag or container for marinating

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 pounds chicken boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

    For the marinade:

    • 1 medium red onion
    • 2-3 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic or 3 whole garlic cloves
    • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
    • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon cumin
    • 1 tablespoon oregano (dried)
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Prep chicken by placing each piece between plastic wrap or in a plastic bag and pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet or a heavy can. Place in a storage bag or a covered container while preparing the marinade.

    Make the marinade:

    • Place red onion, garlic, adobo chiles, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper in a blender and puree.
    • Place the chicken in a plastic storage bag or storage container. Pour contents of blender over chicken. Turn to even coat chicken. Place in refrigerator and all the chicken to marinate for 2-6 hours. You can also allow it to marinate overnight if desired.

    To cook the chicken in an air fryer:

    • Follow your air fryer directions for preheating. Place several evenly spaced pieces of chicken in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 370 degrees or use the chicken setting (if your air fryer has one) to cook the chicken for 10 minutes. Turn and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear.

    To cook the chicken in the oven:

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the chicken in a baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn and bake for another 10 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees and the juices run clear.
    • Remove the chicken and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Dice into small, bite-sized pieces.
    • The chicken is now ready to be used in your favorite recipes or frozen for use later.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 273kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 14gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 1859mgPotassium: 221mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 144IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 2mg

    Approximate nutrition information is provided as a convenience and courtesy only. You are encouraged to do your own calculations if precise data is required.

    We take every effort to ensure that the estimated meal cost per serving is accurate. We use a meal cost analysis application that estimates the cost of a recipe based on groceries purchased at a Walmart store in my geographical area, northern California.

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Samantha S says

      June 09, 2023 at 8:50 am

      5 stars
      Due to Multiple Sclerosis flares, there are days my energy level & mental cog fog are debilitating leaving dinner time a mess!! Over the years, we’ve found diy taco bars 2b a favorite option for not only taste, but also ease. Wanted to mix things up, saw this recipe & whipped up a batch on a day I had energy in order to cover a few dinners on the days coming-up where I’ll have none. Well, learned I’m gonna have to double+ this recipe cause the family devoured it in one sitting!!! Yup, printed & cook booked it!! Since the “book” is handed down through/around the family, it’s something special to make it in there. :o)

      Reply
      • Mary says

        June 09, 2023 at 8:56 am

        Thank you Samantha! I am so happy your family enjoyed this. As a retired nurse I understand your struggle with MS. It sounds like you have some good workarounds to deal with the cynical nature of MS. Blessings and best wishes.

        Reply
    2. Helen says

      May 12, 2023 at 3:20 pm

      5 stars
      Oh this is good!! The recipe is really easy to follow and the chicken was bursting with flavor!

      Reply
    3. Jerika says

      May 12, 2023 at 5:25 am

      5 stars
      This Chipotle Chicken Recipe Copycat is so perfect for my rice! yum! I like adobo, so the adobo sauce you added is a plus for me.:)

      Reply
    4. Nancy says

      May 11, 2023 at 1:21 pm

      5 stars
      So tasty this Chipotle chicken bowl is without all the addictives. Obsessed

      Reply
    5. Nicole says

      May 11, 2023 at 8:22 am

      5 stars
      I love how you kept this recipe healthy with the use of olive oil, and no unnecessary ingredients. This was an amazing copycat chipotle chicken. Will definitely make again.

      Reply
    6. Andréa Janssen says

      May 11, 2023 at 1:41 am

      5 stars
      I love the recipe for this chipotle chicken is air fryer proof. I just think it's such an easy way to prepare your food. Thank you for giving that option!

      Reply
    7. Nora says

      May 10, 2023 at 11:20 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds so good and could be perfect for the whole family! Can't wait to give your recipe a try!

      Reply
    8. Mina says

      May 10, 2023 at 9:37 pm

      5 stars
      I'm obsessed with Mexican food and this chipotle recipe is giving me all the Mexican vibes! So good!

      Reply
    9. Amy Liu Dong says

      November 14, 2022 at 7:27 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so easy and delicious. I am so excited to make this for my family 🥰

      Reply

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    I am Mary, the blogger behind "Oh That's Good!" I live with my husband, Michael and our little mutt, Lucky in a lovely retirement community in northern California. We are cooking for two, without breaking the bank!

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