Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe
This Copycat Chipotle Chicken recipe recreates the bold, smoky, and spicy flavors of the beloved Chipotle chicken, perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or bowls. Marinated in a blend of chili powder, adobo sauce, and spices, then air-fried to juicy perfection, it offers a quick and flavorful meal option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth
Main Ingredient
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large zip-top bag, combine the olive oil, adobo sauce, chili powder, onion powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly by stirring or massaging the bag until all ingredients are well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the zip-top bag with the marinade. Seal the bag securely and massage it gently to ensure the chicken pieces are fully coated with the marinade.
- Allow to Marinate: Refrigerate the bag and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to infuse, or up to 12 hours for maximum flavor development.
- Preheat Air Fryer: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Chop and Serve: Remove cooked chicken and chop into bite-sized pieces. Use as a filling for tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads to enjoy the smoky, spicy flavor.
Notes
- Adobo sauce can be found canned with chipotle peppers in most grocery stores; it adds smoky heat.
- Marinating for longer times enhances flavor, but do not exceed 12 hours to maintain texture.
- Using chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy and tender compared to chicken breasts.
- If an air fryer is not available, the chicken can be cooked in a hot skillet or oven but cook times and texture may vary.
- Adjust chili powder and adobo sauce levels for desired spice heat.
Keywords: Chipotle chicken, copycat Chipotle recipe, smoky chicken, taco filling, air fryer chicken, Mexican chicken recipe
Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/copycat-chipotle-chicken-recipe/
