Easy & Simple Copycat Chipotle Chicken
Juicy chicken packed with spicy, savory, and smoky flavors! This easy copycat Chipotle chicken recipe uses simple ingredients. A delicious main dish that is family-friendly, better-than-takeout, and budget-friendly.
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 8 min
- Yield
- 3 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- ½ medium red onion (or white / yellow onion, coarsely chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp adobo sauce (from a can of "Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce")
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup water (cold)
Instructions
- 1
Poke holes into the chicken thighs with a fork so the marinate can better penetrate in the next step. Then transfer chicken thighs into a large bowl or Ziploc bag.
- 2
Add the marinade ingredients as listed above into a blender or food processor and blend on high into a smooth paste.
- 3
Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- 4
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the chicken thighs in small batches for 7-9 minutes until cooked through, and slightly charred on the edges, flipping halfway. Cooked chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 F with a digital thermometer, or the juices should run clear.
- 5
Remove chicken from pan and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before dicing into pieces, so the juices can redistribute. Enjoy!