Chipotle Chicken (Copycat)

Save money by skipping takeout and enjoy this copycat Chipotle chicken at home. It’s so easy to make this flavorful marinade and tender chicken. Plus, it’s tastier and healthier than eating out. 

Recipe Costs => $15.60 ($1.95 per serving). Suitable for Keto, Paleo, Whole 30 and Gluten Free diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

Homemade Chipotle Chicken

The versatility of homemade chipotle chicken is what makes this a go-to recipe. The fact that it’s packed with flavor and the chicken turns out so incredibly tender and juicy is just icing on the cake (or taco, or chicken bowl)!

Walk into a Chipotle Mexican Grill, and the first thing you will notice is the sweet and smokey smell of their tasty chicken thighs. The flavorful marinade and flat-top grill create a succulent chicken that’s so easy to replicate at home. 

Break out the grill if you have one, but we’ve also included stovetop, oven, instant pot, and air fryer instructions for you. And be prepared to make a double batch because you’ll want to put this Chipotle chicken on everything. 

This Chipotle copycat chicken is tasty on tacos, in fajitas, and enchiladas; it’s perfect for topping a salad, and I love to make Chipotle Chicken Bowls served with Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice and Pico de Gallo with it as well.

You can even put the meat in casseroles and other dishes that call for chicken, and the marinade will give the recipe a burst of flavor.

This chicken is good hot or cold, so I always make extra to have some on hand for easy lunches all week long. 

Why Make This Recipe

• Affordable – When you realize how affordable it is to make this chicken, you may never visit Chipotles again!
• Versatile – Use this chicken in
  • Enchiladas
  • Chicken Bowls
  • Burritos
  • Tacos
  • Quesadillas
  • Salads
  • Taquitos
• Perfect for Meal-Prep –  Double or triple the recipe and use it in lunch and dinner all week long. 

Ingredient Notes

• Red onion – Although Chipotle doesn’t use red onion in their recipe, it really adds something to the flavor, so don’t skip it!
• Garlic – Fresh garlic adds a deep flavor. 
• Olive oil – Use any light oil you have on hand
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – Grab a small can in the Mexican aisle at your grocery store. You will use 2 peppers and a bit of the sauce. 
• Spices – Ancho chile powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper will give the chicken a mild and smoky authentic Mexican flavor. 
• Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are your best option. 

How To Make Chipotle Chicken On The Grill

Get full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Add all the ingredients (except the chicken) into a food processor or blender and blend into a smooth paste. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to loosen up a bit.
2. Place the chicken in a large freezer-safe plastic bag. Pour in marinade, close the bag, and mash until chicken is evenly coated. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat the grill to medium heat and oil the grill grates.
4. Grill chicken in batches for about 5–7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165F / 74C. Make Sure to oil the grill between batches to prevent sticking.
5. Remove and transfer to a cutting board and cover chicken with foil for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Stovetop Method:

1. Heat oil in a skillet and cook chicken in batches 5–7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165F / 74C.
2. Remove and transfer to a cutting board and cover chicken with foil for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Oven Method: 

1. Preheat oven to 400 F / 200C / gas 6 and line a baking tray with non stick paper.
2. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165F / 74C.
3. Remove and transfer to a cutting board and cover chicken with foil for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Air Fryer Method: 

1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 350 F 180C.
2. Place chicken in the Air Fryer basket and make sure the chicken thighs are not touching.
3. Cook for 10-11 minutes depending on the size of the chicken or until the internal temperature reaches 165F / 74C.
4. Remove and transfer to a cutting board and cover chicken with foil for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Instant Pot Method:

1. For 2 pounds of chicken, add 1 cup of water or chicken stock into the Instant Pot Insert and add in the trivet.
2. Place the marinated chicken on the trivet.
3. Cover and set the valve to the sealing position and cook at high pressure for 7 minutes. For larger chicken, you may need to increase cooking time. 
4. Once done, allow for a complete natural pressure release.
5. Remove Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken from the pressure cooker and grill under a broiler.
6. Remove and transfer to a cutting board and cover chicken with foil for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips For Success

• Use a blender to blend the marinade into a smooth paste. Loosen with a bit of water if needed. 
• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. The more it marinates, the more flavorful. 
• To get grill marks on your chicken, make sure your grill is preheated before adding the chicken. 
• Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. 
• Always check the chicken for doneness with a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165F / 74C.

Variations

• Leave Out The Onion – Chipotle doesn’t add onion to their marinade, but I love the flavor it adds. Feel free to leave it out. 
• Add Lime Juice – A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds brightness to the marinade.
• Use Other Cuts of Chicken – Although we love the versatility of the chicken thighs, you can use this marinade on any cut of chicken. Try it on chicken breasts or even bone-in pieces like wings and legs.
• Adjust The Heat – You can make this more or less spicy by adjusting how much ancho chili powder or chipotle peppers you add. 

Budget-Friendly Tips 

• Buy Chicken In Bulk – Stock up on chicken when it’s on sale or buy it in bulk and freeze for later.
• Eat At Home – In general home cooked meals are less expensive than restaurant versions, so enjoy copycat recipes at home. 
• Meal Prep – Make extra so you can eat all week long. 
• Make It A Meal – This chicken is tasty as a main dish when served with a veggie, or add it to all of your favorite Mexican dishes. 

Make Ahead And Storage

• Prep Ahead – You want to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours, so make the marinade in advance.
• Store – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 
• Freeze – Freeze raw chicken in the marinade for easy meal prep. Place chicken in ziplock bags and add the marinade. Remove as much air as possible and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Use within 6 months.

Meal Prep

• Make a double or triple batch of this Chipotle chicken and use it in recipes like Chipotle chicken bowls. 
• This recipe keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days, so enjoy it all week long.

FAQs

Serving Suggestions

• Chipotle Copycat Pico De Gallo.
• Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice (made in the Instant Pot).

More Recipes You May Like

• Chicken Fajita Casserole.
• Chicken Fajita Foil Packet.
• Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas.
• Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas.
• Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders.
• Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken.

Tools To Make This

• Skillet.
• Air Fryer.
• Instant Pot.
• A sharp knife.
• An instant read thermometer.

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