Description
Chipotle Chicken is bold, smoky, and full of flavor—perfect for tacos, bowls, salads, or on its own. Marinated in chipotle peppers, lime, and spices, it’s juicy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: 2 pounds – rich and juicy, perfect for bold flavors.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: 2 whole peppers + 1 tablespoon adobo – smoky, spicy, and the flavor foundation.
- Garlic Cloves: 4, minced – adds depth and aromatic punch.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – helps bind and carry flavor.
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons – brightens and balances the heat.
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon – earthy, warm spice note.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon – intensifies the smoky character.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon – adds herbal balance.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – essential for drawing out flavor.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon – rounds out the spice profile.
- Brown Sugar: 1 teaspoon – subtle sweetness to mellow the heat.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your grill, skillet, or oven to medium-high (around 400°F if baking). Oil the surface lightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl or blender, mix chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Blend or whisk into a smooth marinade.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place chicken thighs in a zip bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over, coating thoroughly. Refrigerate for 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Assemble the Dish: Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess. Let it come to room temp before cooking.
- Cook to Perfection: Grill or sear chicken 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Internal temp should reach 165°F.
- Finishing Touches: Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips or leave whole.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with tortillas, rice, or salad. Top with avocado, sour cream, or a fresh squeeze of lime.
Notes
- Marinate at least 2 hours for best flavor—overnight is even better.
- Use a grill pan or outdoor grill for charred perfection.
- Sear on high heat to lock in juices.
- Slice against the grain for tender bites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg