Dinner

Chipotle Chicken (Copycat Recipe) Recipe

ByRafael Mansero November 1, 2025November 1, 2025

Introduction

This Chipotle Chicken is a smoky, flavorful delight perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or just a satisfying dinner. With a rich adobo marinade and a perfectly grilled finish, it offers a taste that feels both bold and comforting. It’s easy to prepare and great for meal prep.

A close-up overhead view of a black bowl filled with chopped, cooked chicken pieces that are golden-brown with a slightly crispy texture, placed on a white marbled surface. Surrounding the bowl are small white bowls holding bright yellow corn kernels and fresh red tomato salsa with green herbs and white onion pieces. There are also lime wedges scattered nearby, with a striped gray cloth napkin partially visible in the top left corner. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl with chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 1/2 pounds)
1/3 cup minced white onion
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 tbsp tomato paste (or sugar free ketchup)
2 tsp chipotle chili powder (1 teaspoon for mild)
2 tsp ancho chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp avocado oil
2 tbsp fresh lime juice (or white wine vinegar)

Instructions

Step 1: Place all the ingredients for the adobo marinade into a mini food processor or the small insert of a regular-sized food processor.
Step 2: Process until the marinade is mostly smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 3: Put the chicken thighs in a non-reactive bowl and pour the adobo marinade over them. Mix to thoroughly combine, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for best flavor.
Step 4: Preheat the grill over high heat. Lightly oil the grill to prevent sticking before it heats up.
Step 5: Place the chicken thighs on the grill and lower the heat to medium, aiming to maintain around 400ºF.
Step 6: Grill until the chicken easily releases from the grill, about 6-8 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until fully cooked through.
Step 7: Let the chicken rest briefly, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Serve with your favorite burrito bowl or taco toppings.

Tips & Variations

For a milder heat, reduce the chipotle chili powder to 1 teaspoon or substitute with smoked paprika alone.
Marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the smoky, spicy flavor.
You can also cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat if a grill isn’t available.
Swap avocado oil for olive oil if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to retain moisture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows small chopped pieces of cooked chicken with a golden-brown and slightly charred surface mixed with white inner meat. The chicken pieces are scattered across a dark brown wooden surface with visible grill marks. Among the chicken pieces, there is a large shiny metal spatula with a black handle placed flat, partially underneath the chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Watch cooking time closely and consider marinating longer for extra moisture.