Chipotle Chicken Your Favourite Burrito Filling but Better Homemade
- Recipe Introduction: Unleash Your Inner Chipotle!
- Gear Up for Amazing Chipotle Chicken
- Chipotle Chicken: Your Favourite Burrito Filling, But Better!
- Prep Steps: Get Organized!
- Step-by-Step: Let's Get Cooking
- Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Game
- Recipe Notes for Your Chipotle Chicken (Copycat) Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction: Unleash Your Inner Chipotle!
Fancy a cheeky Chipotle Chicken (Copycat) Recipe ? Me too! I was thinking about Mexican Chicken Recipes the other day, and my cravings went wild.
This recipe nails that smoky, spicy goodness that makes the restaurant version so addictive, but homemade .
This isn't just another Chicken Burrito Filling Recipe . It’s a flavour bomb that’s super versatile. Think tacos, bowls, salads, even just scoffed straight from the pan! It's one of the best Copycat Restaurant Recipes , trust me.
What's the Deal with This Chipotle Chicken ?
This Chipotle Chicken Copycat recipe is inspired by the famous Chipotle Mexican Grill chicken. It brings a bit of that American Mexican flair into your kitchen! It's also incredibly easy to make, and totally perfect for a weeknight meal.
We're talking easy here. Marinate, cook, devour. Prep takes about 20 minutes, cooking is 20- 25 minutes, so you’re eating in under an hour (plus marinade time).
The recipe makes enough for 4-6 servings.
The Perks of This Smoky Chicken Recipe
Honestly, the best part is the flavour. The smoky heat from the chipotle peppers combined with the tangy lime is just chef's kiss .
Beyond taste, this is packed with protein. Plus, you know exactly what's going in it, unlike some fast food joints.
Picture this: a summer BBQ, friends gathered round, everyone digging into burritos stuffed with this flavourful Chipotle Chicken . Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe never tasted so good! Seriously, make this.
You won't regret it.
Gear Up for Amazing Chipotle Chicken
Making this Chipotle Chicken (Copycat) Recipe is easier than queuing for the bus. Trust me! Let’s talk about what you need. A good recipe starts with the right stuff, right ?
Main Ingredients
Here's the breakdown for this Homemade Chipotle Chicken :
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . The base for our flavour bomb marinade. Use good quality stuff. You know? It makes a difference.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: 2-3 , finely chopped. Adjust to your heat.
- Adobo Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . This is from the can where chipotles are.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Minced finely .
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Adds a bit of tang.
- Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Fresh is best, innit?
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon .
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon . For that extra smokiness.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon . Freshly ground, if you have it.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon . More to taste.
- Chicken Thighs: 1.5 pounds (680 grams) , boneless, skinless. I like to cut them into 1 inch pieces.
For quality, look for plump, juicy chicken thighs that are pink, not grey. Chipotle peppers should be soft and smell smoky.
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens for the Chipotle Chicken . Oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika are your flavour trio. Don't skimp! Chipotle and adobo give that signature Smoky Chicken Recipe flavour.
Apple cider vinegar and lime brighten it all up. Can't find smoked paprika? Regular paprika will do , but it's not the same.
Honestly? Get the smoked stuff.
Equipment Needed
- Large Bowl or Ziplock Bag: For marinating the Chipotle Chicken Copycat .
- Grill or Skillet: For cooking the chicken. I love using my cast iron skillet.
- Meat Thermometer: Make sure that you hit 165° F ( 74° C) , yeah ?
No grill? No worries! A frying pan works just as well for this Chicken Burrito Filling Recipe . Don't have a meat thermometer? Keep an eye on the chicken; it should be nicely browned and cooked through.
You can always cut into a piece to check. I remember one time I tried guessing if it was done.
Let's just say, a thermometer would've saved me some trouble. This Mexican Chicken Recipes is super quick. Enjoy!
Alright, let's dive into this Chipotle Chicken (Copycat) Recipe ! I am so excited to share this recipe with you!
Chipotle Chicken: Your Favourite Burrito Filling, But Better!
Craving that smoky, spicy Chipotle Chicken from your favourite burrito bowl? Honestly, me too! This Homemade Chipotle Chicken delivers all the flavour you love.
Tender chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and spices, then grilled to perfection. It's perfect for burritos, tacos, salads, or piled high on a plate with rice and beans! And trust me, this Chicken Burrito Filling Recipe is super easy!
Prep Steps: Get Organized!
First things first, mise en place is key, right? Before you even touch the chicken, chop those 2-3 chipotle peppers .
Mince those 2 cloves of garlic . Juice that half lime and measure out everything. It's all about setting yourself up for success, innit?
A quick safety reminder: watch those fingers when chopping! Also, remember to always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . No one wants salmonella!
step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking
Here's the easy peasy bit:
- Make the marinade: Whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil , chopped chipotles, 2 tablespoons adobo sauce , garlic, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar , 1 tablespoon lime juice , 1 teaspoon oregano , 1 teaspoon cumin , ½ teaspoon smoked paprika , salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the 1.5 pounds chicken thighs to the marinade, toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour , or up to 4 hours .
- Preheat your grill or pan to medium high heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 6- 8 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. A meat thermometer is your friend! Visual Cue: Look for nicely browned chicken with no pink inside.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Game
Here's a little secret: don't skip the marinade! It's the key to that authentic Smoky Chicken Recipe flavour.
Another tip? Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches. This ensures even browning and a better texture. I like to think of the Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe as "kissed" by the pan!
You can make this ahead of time too. Marinate the chicken the night before. Just remember to adjust your cooking time accordingly. For some Mexican Chicken Recipes this is your base!
I hope you enjoy this Chipotle Chicken Copycat as much as I do!
Recipe Notes for Your Chipotle Chicken (Copycat) Recipe
This Chipotle Chicken Copycat recipe is seriously easy! But here are a few extra tips to make it the BEST. Seriously, even better than the restaurant.
Serving Up Your Homemade Chipotle Chicken
Okay, so you've got your Chipotle Chicken . What next? Think presentation!
For burrito bowls, layer the chicken over rice. Add black beans, corn, some guac go wild! Tacos? Get some warm tortillas.
Pile in the chicken, add some lettuce, and salsa. Don't forget the sour cream! Honestly, even just on a plate with some rice and beans is amazing.
For drinks? A cold Mexican beer or some agua fresca. ¡Salud!. These Recetas Mexicanas are my go-to.
Storing Your Smoky Chicken Recipe
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store that Chipotle Chicken in an airtight container. It will last 3-4 days in the fridge.
Want to freeze it? Go for it! It's great for meal prep. Just let it cool completely first. Then, freeze it for up to 3 months .
To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, microwave or pan-fry until heated through.
Warning: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) when reheating.
Swapping it Up!
Want to tweak this Chipotle Chicken Recipe ? Totally get it.
For a low-carb version, serve it over cauliflower rice. Or in lettuce wraps. For a milder flavour? Use sweet peppers, instead of the chipotle peppers.
Seasonal swap? Use grilled corn in the summer. Or roasted butternut squash in the autumn. Simple!
Nutrition Know How
Let's be real, you want to know what you're eating, right? This Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe is relatively healthy.
Each serving has roughly 300-350 calories. It's packed with protein. Around 35-40 grams per serving. It has some fat (15-20 grams).
And a few carbs (5-10 grams). Chicken is a great source of protein and iron. The spices add flavour.
I'm not a dietician, but this Chicken Burrito Filling Recipe feels good!
Alright, that's all, folks! This Chipotle Chicken (Copycat) Recipe is a winner. You've got this. Enjoy your Mexican Chicken Recipes !.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I adjust the spice level in this Chipotle Chicken (Copycat) Recipe? I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to heat!
No worries, spice is a personal thing! You can easily control the heat by adjusting the number of chipotle peppers you use. Start with just one pepper and taste the marinade before adding more. You could also remove the seeds from the peppers for a milder flavour.
Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away! So, proceed with caution, like a cautious shopper at Harrods during the Boxing Day sales.
Can I make this Chipotle Chicken (Copycat) Recipe ahead of time? I'm planning a big burrito bowl party!
Absolutely! The chicken is fantastic made ahead of time. Cook the chicken as directed, then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it in a skillet, microwave, or oven.
Making it ahead of time gives the flavours even more time to meld together, so it's a win-win, much like finding a fiver in your old jeans!
What's the best way to store leftover Chipotle Chicken, and how long will it last?
Store any leftover Chipotle Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; it will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Make sure to cool the chicken completely before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, nobody wants a dry burrito, after all.
I don't have a grill. Can I still make this Chipotle Chicken (Copycat) Recipe?
Definitely! While grilling adds a nice smoky flavour, a skillet or frying pan works perfectly well. Just heat a large skillet over medium high heat and cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until it's cooked through and nicely browned. Make sure you don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
You can even get a similar smoky flavour by adding a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade, a little goes a long way, just like with Marmite.
Is there a healthier way to make this Chipotle Chicken (Copycat) Recipe?
You bet! To make it healthier, you can use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs, which are lower in fat. Also, you can bake the chicken instead of grilling it; baking allows you to control the amount of fat used during cooking.
Be sure to use a reliable brand of cooking spray (such as Pam) to keep the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.
Can I use other cuts of meat besides chicken thighs for this Chipotle Chicken (Copycat) Recipe?
Yes, you absolutely can! Chicken breasts are a popular alternative, but keep in mind they tend to dry out more easily. You might want to reduce the cooking time slightly. You could even try it with pork tenderloin or turkey breast for a different twist.
Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is cooked through but still moist, a bit like finding the perfect cup of tea it's all about the right balance!
Chipotle Chicken Your Favourite Burrito Filling
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 300-350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 5-10g |
