Delicious copycat Chipotle Chicken recipe served in a bowl

Copycat Chipotle Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re a fan of Chipotle’s delicious flavors but want to enjoy it from the comfort of your home, this Copycat Chipotle Chicken recipe is perfect for you! It’s simple, quick, and full of bold flavors. With just a few ingredients, you can bring the taste of Chipotle to your kitchen and impress your family and friends. Plus, you can customize it to your liking and use it in a variety of dishes!

How to Make Copycat Chipotle Chicken

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, oil, salt, chipotle chile powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss everything until the chicken is evenly coated.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (75 degrees C).
  4. Slice the chicken and serve in tacos, rice bowls, burritos, salads, or however you like.
  5. For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grease the grill grates with oil. Cook the chicken on the grill for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.

How to Serve Copycat Chipotle Chicken

You can serve this tasty chicken in many ways! It works great in tacos, on top of rice bowls, in burritos, or as a salad topping. You can also pair it with your favorite sauces or toppings, such as salsa, cheese, or guacamole, to make your meal even more exciting.

How to Store Copycat Chipotle Chicken

If you have leftovers, simply allow the chicken to cool to room temperature. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Copycat Chipotle Chicken

  • Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning mix for the best flavor.
  • If you want more heat, add extra chipotle chile powder or include fresh jalapeños in your serving.
  • For added moisture and flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for a few hours or overnight if you have time.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by using different cuts of chicken, like chicken breasts or drumsticks. You can also experiment with different spices to suit your taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly than thighs.

Is this recipe spicy?
The chipotle chile powder gives it a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to make it spicier or milder according to your preference.

Can I grill the chicken instead?
Absolutely! The chicken can be grilled for a smoky flavor. Just follow the grilling directions for perfectly cooked chicken.