Copycat Chipotle Chicken

What is Copycat Chipotle Chicken?

Copycat Chipotle Chicken is a homemade take on Chipotle’s popular grilled adobo chicken, seasoned with smoky chipotle peppers, garlic, and warming spices. It’s perfect for recreating those Chipotle bowls at home, piling into tacos, or crafting creamy chipotle chicken dishes. This recipe captures the essence of Chipotle style chicken with its smoky heat, tender juiciness, and richly layered flavors — all made with ingredients you can find in your pantry or local grocery store.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle pepper can)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Grill pan or skillet
• Tongs
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Plate for resting chicken
• Optional: food processor or blender (for creamy chipotle chicken sauce)

How to Make Copycat Chipotle Chicken

Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, ground cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lime juice to create the marinade.

Step 2:

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.

Step 3:

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, cooking 5-6 minutes per side until charred at edges and cooked through.

Step 4:

Remove chicken from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or chopping.

Step 5:

To make a creamy chipotle chicken variation, blend some of the grilled chicken with a few chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a splash of lime juice until smooth and saucy.

Step 6:

Serve the sliced or creamy chipotle chicken in bowls with rice, beans, fresh veggies, or as filling for tacos and sandwiches.

Step 7:

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired for a bright, herbal finish.

Some Tips!

• Marinate the chicken for a longer time if you can — it really amps up the flavor.
• Use boneless, skinless thighs for juicy, tender meat, but chicken breasts work in a pinch.
• Don’t skip the lime juice — it brightens the smoky chipotle flavors beautifully.
• Try making a batch of the chipotle copycat recipes dressing as a drizzle or dip for extra punch.
• For a smoky grill flavor without a grill, a grill pan or cast-iron skillet works great indoors.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Copycat Chipotle Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep the chicken juicy. The creamy chipotle chicken sauce keeps well chilled for up to 4 days as a delicious dip or sandwich spread.

What to Eat With

This Copycat Chipotle Chicken pairs wonderfully with classic sides like Spanish rice or black beans to build your own Chipotle bowls at home. It’s also fantastic inside warm tortillas for chipotle chicken tacos or piled high in a toasted bun for a Chipotle chicken sandwich. Don’t forget a creamy chipotle chicken sauce or Thousand Island dressing to drizzle on top or alongside for that authentic touch.

FAQ

Conclusion

If your day’s been chaotic and you want something that feels cozy and full of flavor, this Copycat Chipotle Chicken has you covered. It’s packed with smoky, zesty goodness you can easily whip up at home. Whether you’re building chipotle bowls at home, making tacos, or craving a creamy chipotle chicken sandwich, this recipe brings that restaurant favorite vibe right to your kitchen table.

Copycat Chipotle Chicken

Recipe by SarahCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

290

kcal

Total time

25

minutes

Smoky, juicy Chipotle-style chicken made with chipotle peppers in adobo—perfect for bowls, tacos, or sandwiches. Easy, bold, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs
  Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  Adobo sauce
  Garlic
  Ground cumin
  Dried oregano
  Smoked paprika
  Salt
  Black pepper
  Olive oil
  Lime juice
  Fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions

• Mix chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, spices, olive oil, and lime juice to create the marinade. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate at least 30 minutes.
• Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked.
• Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice or chop. Serve in bowls, tacos, or sandwiches, or blend into a creamy chipotle chicken sauce if desired.
• Serve and Enjoy!

Notes

• Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts can be used
  Adjust chipotle peppers to control heat
  Great for meal prep and reheats well
  Perfect for Chipotle bowls at home or tacos