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Olivia Farnsworth

Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade Favorite

This Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken that's just as good as the original. With a simple yet bold marinade, this spicy chicken is perfect for grilling, stovetop, or oven cooking, making it an easy favorite for any meal.
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Prep Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 18 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 290
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 small white or red onion quartered
  • 1/4 cup distilled vinegar
  • 2 tbsp ancho chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 4 tbsp oil divided (vegetable or canola or rice bran)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
  • 2 tbsp adobo sauce

Method
 

  1. Combine garlic, onion, vinegar, ancho chili powder, cumin, oregano, 2 tablespoons of oil, salt, pepper, chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce in a blender and puree until smooth.
  2. Put the chicken into a large resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and massage it to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. For grilling, warm the grill to medium-high and brush with 1 to 2 tablespoons oil. Grill chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until cooked through and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Work in batches if needed.
  4. Let the grilled chicken rest briefly, then cut into chunks.
  5. To cook on the stovetop, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Avoid crowding; cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes before chopping.
  7. For oven preparation, set the oven to 450°F. Arrange chicken in a baking dish and bake for 18 minutes.
  8. Cover with foil and bake an additional 4 to 5 minutes.
  9. Let the chicken settle before chopping roughly.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for longer if time allows to deepen the flavor. You can switch between chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference. Resting the chicken after cooking ensures juiciness and better texture.