Description
This Best Chipotle Chicken Copycat is juicy, smoky, and incredibly versatile—perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, wraps, or salads. Marinated in a bold blend of chipotle, garlic, spices, and lime, then seared to perfection and chopped into juicy bites, it’s a meal prep dream come true.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the can)
4 cloves garlic
1 small red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. Blend all marinade ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth.
2. Place chicken thighs in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour marinade over. Coat well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
4. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil.
5. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
7. Toss chopped chicken back in the skillet to soak up remaining juices.
8. Serve in burrito bowls, tacos, wraps, or over salads.
Notes
For a spicier kick, use 3 chipotle peppers instead of 2.
Chicken breast can be used, but thighs stay juicier and give better sear.
To freeze: store cooked, chopped chicken in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked chicken
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: chipotle chicken, copycat, burrito bowl, spicy grilled chicken