Description
Bring the bold, smoky flavors of your favorite Mexican grill into your home with this healthy, protein-packed Copycat Chipotle Chicken. Marinated in an aromatic blend of chipotle peppers, lime, and warm spices, this dish is perfect for nourishing burrito bowls, taco salads, or wraps. It is a simple, clean, and delicious meal prep solution that allows you to control the quality of ingredients for a wholesome, satisfying dining experience.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 chipotle peppers in adobo
1.5 tablespoons adobo sauce
0.125 cup red onion, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
4 tablespoons high-quality olive oil, divided
Instructions
Place the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, red onion, chili powder, lime juice, garlic, cumin, salt, onion powder, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a blender or food processor.
Process the ingredients until a smooth, fragrant paste forms.
Place the chicken in a large bowl or sealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated.
Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, for maximum flavor penetration.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is nicely charred.
Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips or chunks before serving.
Notes
For the best texture, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they stay juicier than breasts. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use a standard chili powder if ancho chili powder is unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: approx. 6 oz
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg