Description
This Chipotle Chicken Copycat Recipe features tender, smoky grilled chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful adobo sauce made from chipotle chili powder, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, and fresh lime juice. Perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, or any Mexican-inspired dish, this recipe delivers rich smoky heat with a zesty punch.
Ingredients
Scale
Adobo Marinade
- 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 heat)
- 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
- Prepare the Marinade: Place all the marinade ingredients—minced white onion, garlic, tomato paste, chipotle chili powder, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, sea salt, avocado oil, and fresh lime juice—into a mini food processor or small insert of a regular food processor.
- Process Marinade: Blend the ingredients until the mixture is mostly smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Marinate Chicken: Put the boneless skinless chicken thighs into a non-reactive bowl and pour the adobo marinade over them. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best flavor, marinate overnight.
- Preheat Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates before heating to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the hot grill and reduce the heat to medium, aiming to maintain about 400ºF. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on one side until it easily releases from the grill.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Turn the chicken thighs and continue grilling for another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the grilled chicken to cool slightly before chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Serve with your favorite burrito bowl or taco bowl fixings.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.
- If you prefer milder heat, reduce the chipotle chili powder to 1 teaspoon.
- You can substitute white wine vinegar for lime juice if preferred.
- Make sure to oil the grill grates well to avoid sticking.
- Verify doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: chipotle chicken, grilled chicken, Mexican chicken recipe, adobo chicken, spicy grilled chicken, chipotle marinade, burrito bowl chicken
