Copycat Chipotle Chicken

There is something about Chipotle’s Chicken that my entire family loves. I decided to make it at home with this easy copycat recipe. The delicious marinade makes this grilled chicken recipe quick and easy.

After the chicken is marinated it easy grills for a quick weeknight meal. You can easily serve this chicken many different ways or meal prep for the week. This Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe is packed with flavor. This copycat recipe has become my go-to recipe to make our chicken with. You may also love to try Chipotle Burger.

Easy Chipotle Chicken Marinade

Chipotle Chicken Marinade is delicious and loaded with flavor. We love to marinade our chicken for at least 6 or overnight. This marinade adds flavor and the ingredients can easily be changed.

Try one of these ingredients to change or add variation to these recipes.

• Chipotle Peppers
• Chipotle Chiles
• Adobo Sauce
• Paprika
• Ancho Chiles
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder

If adding in chipotle peppers to your marinade, you may need to blend with a food processor.

Ingredients

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variation Ideas

• Change the Chicken – You can easily use skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders for this recipe.
• Marinade Ingredients – Feel free to change the ingredients for the marinade to what you prefer.
• Crispy Chicken – To make the chicken closely taste like Chipotle Chicken, we like to get it slightly crispy. You do not need to but this is one of our favorite parts of this recipe.
• Vegetable Oil – Substitute vegetable oil for olive oil, if you prefer. You can also use avocado oil or apple cider vinegar.

How to Make Copycat Chipotle Chicken

• Step 1 – Mix Marinade Ingredients – Add the salt, pepper, chili powder, dried oregano, and cumin. Then add in white vinegar, minced garlic, half of the vegetable oil and water in a medium size mixing bowl.  

• Step 2 – Marinate Chicken – Add the chicken and marinade to a large ziplock bag.  Seal and let the chicken marinade for at least 6 hours or overnight. 

• Step 3 – Heat Grill – Preheat a grill over medium high heat (approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit). 

• Step 4 – Remove Excess Marinade – Remove the chicken from the marinade and gently shake off any excess marinade.  Place chicken on the grill.

• Step 5 – Grill Chicken – Place on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Cook the chicken until the marinated chicken cooks thoroughly. Or it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

• Step 6 – Chop Chicken – Remove the chicken from the grill.  Roughly chop the chicken.  

• Step 7 – Crispy Chicken – Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add in the chopped chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until it’s crispy. 

• Step 8 – Serve and Enjoy – Remove from the heat, serve immediately while warm and enjoy. 

Recipe Tips

• Hot Grill – Make sure your grill is hot. Cooking chicken on a hot grill helps to keep them juicy.
• Same Size Chicken – When preparing your chicken, make sure that they are all even thickness. This makes sure they are evenly cooked. You may need to use a meat mallet to thin out the chicken.
• Marinate Chicken – We recommend marinating chicken for about 6 hours or overnight. After marinating chicken remove any excess marinade before placing on the grill.
• Allow Chicken rest – After chicken is done cooking, make sure you allow chicken to rest. This locks in the juices and the flavoring.
• Cutting Chicken – Once the chicken is cooked, we like to go ahead and cut on a cutting board. This allows us to easily add to many different recipes to enjoy quick and easy.

How do you Know when Chicken is Done

Cooking time will depend on what temperature you put your grill on. If you use medium high heat and depending of the thickness of the chicken. It will take about 7 to 10 minutes to cook your chicken.

An instant read meat thermometer is the best way to know when the chicken is ready to enjoy.

Make sure that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use the meat thermometer at the thickest part of the chicken thigh.

How to Use Leftover Cooked Chipotle Chicken

Cooked Chipotle Chicken is one of our favorite recipes to have in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner. There are many ways to use the leftover chicken and here are some of our favorites.

• Burrito Bowls – We love making burrito bowls with the leftover chicken. Serve with brown rice or white rice. Top with cilantro lime rice, pinto beans, black beans, guacamole and sour cream.
• Chipotle Chicken Tacos – Make the best chicken tacos with this chicken. Fill corn tortillas with chicken, chipotle corn salsa, and lettuce for a delicious meal idea. We like to squeeze fresh lime juice for a delicious touch.
• Chicken Salads – If you are looking for a healthy option, top the chicken on green salads. Add your favorite fajita veggies, avocados, and chopped red onion for a delicious salad.