This chipotle chicken recipe is quick to prepare and delivers maximum flavor with minimal ingredients. The smoky heat of chipotle peppers combines perfectly with zesty lime and aromatic spices for a rich, slightly spicy marinade. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd with ease.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Garlic cloves
Lime juice
Olive oil
Ground cumin
Smoked paprika
Oregano
Salt
Black pepper
Directions
In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Toss to coat evenly.
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2–4 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred on the outside.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4. Prep time: 10 minutes Marinate time: 30 minutes to 4 hours Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: approximately 1 hour Servings: 4
Variations
Baked Chipotle Chicken: Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through.
Chipotle Chicken Tacos: Slice and serve in warm tortillas with slaw, avocado, and salsa.
Chipotle Chicken Salad: Serve over a bed of greens with black beans, corn, and ranch dressing.
Mild Version: Use fewer chipotle peppers or remove seeds to reduce the heat.
Dairy Marinade Twist: Add a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt to the marinade for a creamy texture and tenderizing effect.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chipotle chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until hot. Cooked chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they dry out more quickly than thighs.
What are chipotle peppers in adobo?
They are smoked and dried jalapeños rehydrated and canned in a tangy, spicy adobo sauce. Found in most grocery stores.
How spicy is this recipe?
Moderately spicy. You can adjust the number of chipotle peppers to suit your heat preference.
Can I grill this chicken outdoors?
Yes, grilling over charcoal or gas gives it an amazing smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks.
Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?
No, even 30 minutes will add flavor, but 2–4 hours is ideal for best results. Overnight is optional.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours ahead and cooked when ready. It also reheats well for meal prep.
Is this recipe good for freezing?
Yes, both the raw marinated chicken and cooked chicken can be frozen for future use.
What sides go well with chipotle chicken?
Try rice, black beans, corn salad, avocado slices, grilled veggies, or tortillas.
Can I make a chipotle chicken sandwich?
Absolutely. Slice and serve on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and chipotle mayo for a spicy sandwich.
Can I use a dry chipotle powder instead?
Yes, use about 1–2 teaspoons of chipotle powder in place of the canned peppers, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Conclusion
Chipotle chicken is a flavorful, smoky, and slightly spicy dish that’s incredibly easy to make and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re serving it fresh off the grill or incorporating it into tacos, salads, or rice bowls, this recipe delivers bold flavor in every bite. It’s a go-to favorite for quick meals and weekly meal prep.
Chipotle chicken is a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy dish made with chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic, lime, and spices. Perfect for grilling or pan-searing, it’s a versatile protein that pairs beautifully with tacos, bowls, salads, and more.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Grilling
Cuisine:Mexican-American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Toss to coat thoroughly.
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2–4 hours.
Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use fewer chipotle peppers or remove seeds for a milder flavor.Add Greek yogurt to the marinade for extra tenderness and creaminess.Double the marinade and freeze half with raw chicken for an easy future meal.This chicken is perfect for tacos, bowls, wraps, salads, and sandwiches.Use chipotle powder (1–2 tsp) if you don’t have canned chipotles.
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 chicken breast or equivalent thigh portion
