Want to learn how to make the perfect copycat Chipotle chicken recipe? We're spilling all the beans (black and pinto) in this handy guide.
How to Make Copycat Chipotle Chicken at Home
Updated on Oct. 04, 2024
There’s something magical about the chicken at Chipotle. It’s tender, juicy and perfectly seasoned to complement all the burrito fixings it’s encased with inside those gigantic Chipotle tortillas. Your fastest route to eating this chicken is heading to your local Chipotle, but making this delectable copycat Chipotle chicken recipe at home is simple. Psst! Don’t miss all of our Chipotle secrets.
Before you move ahead also try this best copycat Chipotle guac recipe with six simple ingredients.
How to Make Copycat Chipotle Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup adobo sauce from a 7oz can of chipotle peppers in adobo (reserve peppers for future recipes)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 medium red onion
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Start by combining all of the ingredients, except for the chicken and water, in a food processor or blender. Puree until smooth; then add a quarter-cup of water. Pulse for a few seconds to fully incorporate the water into the marinade.
See common marinating mistakes all cooks make—and how to fix them.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Next, grab a gallon-size plastic bag or shallow container. Add the thawed chicken thighs and pour the marinade over the chicken. Massage and toss the chicken in the marinade to ensure it’s fully coated, then place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for at least eight hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to 350-400°F, setting up a zone with direct heat and an area with indirect heat. (This explains more about direct vs. indirect heat.) Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the grill over direct heat. Cook two to three minutes. Then, flip the thighs over and cook for an additional two to three minutes.
When both sides are nicely charred, transfer the chicken to the indirect heat zone of your grill and continue to cook for another four minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°.
Editor’s Tip: The famous Chipotle queso blanco is especially popular and personally, keeps us coming back for more. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spicy. The only downside? It will set you back a few bucks to add queso to your order.
Can I saute the chicken instead?
Yes! You can easily make this recipe on your stovetop. To start, prepare the marinated and marinate the chicken as instructed. Then, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the skillet until it shimmers and add three or four chicken thighs to the skillet.
Sear the chicken for three minutes on each side, then reduce the heat to medium, cover and let the chicken continue to cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°. Remove from the skillet and resume the recipe.
Editor’s Tip: Take care not to overcrowd the pan or you won’t get a good sear on the chicken. For best results, cook the chicken in batches when using the stovetop method.
Step 4: Rest, then chop
Remove the chicken from the grill to a large platter and loosely cover with foil. Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes and then use a sharp knife to chop the chicken into small, bite-size pieces.
Step 5: Assemble
Once the chicken is cooked, rested and chopped, it’s time to build the tacos, burritos, salad or bowl of your dreams. Serve this chicken with a scoop of copycat Chipotle vinaigrette, Chipotle rice, black or pinto beans, corn salsa, guac and cheese.
Editor’s Tip: You can serve this chicken with other Chipotle copycat recipes!
How Can I Make My Chicken Spicy?
Rather than using just the adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers, you can add one or two of the peppers to the marinade before blending. That will kick things up a notch! Save the unused peppers in an airtight container in the freezer for use in other recipes.
Can I Freeze This Chipotle Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s one of our very favorite things about this recipe. We recommend making a double batch and freezing the grilled, chopped chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for later use. Individual portions are great for those living solo, and larger freezer portions make family weeknight meals a breeze. Store cooked chicken in the freezer for up to four months.
To reheat, simply add the frozen chicken to a large skillet over medium heat with a half-cup of water. Cover with a lid and let cook, stirring occasionally until the chicken is heated through. If the chicken begins to dry out before it’s fully heated, add a little more water to the pan to keep it moist while it warms.
Find More Spot-On Chipotle Recipes
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As good as these chicken tacos are, the real star of this copycat recipe is the easy-to-make avocado salsa, which you'll want to eat straight out of the bowl. Let your guests choose between crispy corn tortillas or soft flour tortillas, just like you would at Chipotle.
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