Name: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: ½ medium red onion, coarsely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped; 2 tablespoons adobo sauce, from a small can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons ancho chile powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 tablespoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Water, as needed; 3 to 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

Ingredients

Marinade

½ medium red onion, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons adobo sauce, from a small can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Water, as needed

Chicken

3 to 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped red onion, garlic, adobo sauce, olive oil, ancho chile powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until a smooth paste forms, adding water little by little as needed to help blend the mixture smoothly.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill or pan-sear the chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely charred on the outside.
Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice or chop as desired and serve in burritos, bowls, tacos, or alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the smoky and spicy flavors.
If you don’t have ancho chile powder, you can substitute with smoked paprika combined with a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Grilling imparts a signature charred flavor, but a stovetop skillet works well if an outdoor grill isn’t available.
Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat compared to chicken breasts.

Author: Madelynn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican