Copycat Chipotle Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Additional Time
6 hrs
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Total Time
6 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
6 -8 servings
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Calories
307 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Copycat Chipotle Chicken
Description
Copycat Chipotle Chicken centers on boneless chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a blend of smoky chipotle jalapeño powder, chili powder, cumin, oregano, minced garlic, distilled white vinegar, and vegetable oil. This combination imparts layers of smoky, earthy, and tangy notes to the chicken. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly on the grill to juicy doneness.
Grilling over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side allows the flavors to develop on the surface while maintaining moistness inside. Resting the meat briefly after cooking helps retain juices before chopping into bite-sized pieces. The resulting smoky-spiced chicken is versatile and can be assembled in burritos, bowls, or salads, making use of its balanced seasoning and tender texture.
The marinade can be adapted using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce blended with ancho chili powder for deeper flavor, and grilling can be done on a grill pan indoors if needed. Serving suggestions include pairing with cilantro lime rice or adding favorite toppings to suit individual preferences.
Adding a chilling time of 6 hours enhances flavor, but 3-4 hours is adequate for good taste.Marinate the chicken in a sealed bag or baking dish, turning occasionally to coat evenly.The chicken can be grilled outdoors or on a grill pan to achieve the desired texture and flavor.After chopping, optional crisping in a hot pan lightly browns the edges but can be omitted without noticeable loss.Substitute chipotle chili powder and chili powder with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce plus ancho chili powder for alternate marinade variations.Try serving with Cilantro Lime Brown Rice for a complementary side.
Ingredients
- 2.5-3 pounds chicken breast boneless, skinless or boneless thighs or combination
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper coarse ground
- 1 teaspoon chipotle jalapeno powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder regular
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- ¼ cup white vinegar distilled
- 4-6 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil I used Avocado Oil and Grapeseed Oil]
- 2-3 tablespoons water
- 1/2 lime Optional
Instructions
- Pound chicken using mallet until even thickness, about a half inch thick. Tip | place chicken in freezer ziplock baggie or between two sheets of plastic wrap before pounding.
- In a small mixing bowl, add all spices, garlic, oil, vinegar and water together, mixing well.
- Pour over chicken placed in freezer bags or in baking dish, lifting and moving to make sure all chicken is covered in marinade. Best if marinated for 6 hours, but tastes decent at 3-4 hours too. If marinating in dish, be sure to occasionally turn the chicken.
- Heat grill to medium heat and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through, if grilling thighs, and they are thin, reduce time to 3-5 minutes per side. Remove from grill, allow to rest 5 minutes covered before chopping into bite sized pieces.
- Serve in burritos, bowls, salads, enchiladas or just serve over rice for dinner. Add your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Adding a chilling time of 6 hours enhances flavor, but 3-4 hours is adequate for good taste.
- Marinate the chicken in a sealed bag or baking dish, turning occasionally to coat evenly.
- The chicken can be grilled outdoors or on a grill pan to achieve the desired texture and flavor.
- After chopping, optional crisping in a hot pan lightly browns the edges but can be omitted without noticeable loss.
- Substitute chipotle chili powder and chili powder with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce plus ancho chili powder for alternate marinade variations.
- Try serving with Cilantro Lime Brown Rice for a complementary side.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6-8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 307 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 307kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 40g | 80% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 121mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 619mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 739mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 268IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 27mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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