Easy & Simple Copycat Chipotle Chicken

Easy & Simple Copycat Chipotle Chicken

If you love Chipotle's famous chicken, then you're going to love this copycat chicken recipe. This juicy chicken is packed with that signature spicy smoky flavor! This recipe is simple and delicious. Made with minimal effort. Perfect as a main dish with white rice, brown rice or cilantro lime rice with black beans or pinto beans, pico de gallo or corn salsa, fresh lime juice and sour cream.

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 8

Total Time 18

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings servings

Calories per serving 247 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
2 tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil for cooking

Marinade

½ medium sized red onion coarsely chopped
4 cloves garlic
3 tablespoon adobo sauce from a small can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup water cold

Instructions

With a fork, pole as many holes into your chicken thighs. This allows the chicken to absorb in the flavorful marinade. Transfer chicken thighs to a large bowl or a large ziplock bag.
In a blender or food processor, add Marinade ingredients and blend on high into a very smooth paste.
Pour marinade paste over chicken thighs, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap or seal your Ziplock bag.
Marinate chicken overnight for best results or for 2 hours in the fridge.

Pan frying method:

In a large skillet on medium heat, heat vegetable oil. Fry marinated chicken thighs for 7-9 minutes giving each piece enough space. Flipping the chicken over half way. Do not overcrowd the pan. Depending on the size of your frying pan, you may need to fry in smaller batches.
Cook until chicken juices run clear or an internal temperature of 165 F with a digital meat thermometer. It should have some char marks.

Air frying method:

Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil. Place chicken thighs in a single layer giving each piece enough space. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to air fry in small batches.
Air fry at 400 degrees F for 9-10 minutes. No need to flip. Note: there will be less charring on the cooked chicken using an air fryer over a frying pan.
Diced your cooked chicken and serve.

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