Copycat Chipotle Chicken

Make chipotle chicken at home with this easy recipe for grilled chicken with a spicy chipotle-ancho chile marinade inspired by the restaurant chain.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Calories: 293 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 ounce dried chipotle chile pepper
• 1 ounce dried ancho chile pepper
• 0.5 cup water
• 2.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 0.5 red onion, cut into small chunks

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Blend chile peppers, red onion, garlic, sea salt, cumin, oregano, and black pepper in a blender until a coarse paste forms; add olive oil and blend until marinade is smooth.

Step 2

Place chipotle and ancho chile peppers in a shallow bowl; pour in water. Cover the bowl and let sit at room temperature until peppers are softened, 10 to 12 hours. Drain water and remove seeds from peppers.

Step 3

Place chicken thighs between 2 sheets of heavy plastic on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound chicken with the smooth side of a meat mallet to a 1/2-inch thickness.

Step 4

Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag and add marinade. Turn chicken several times to coat. Seal bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours.

Step 5

Preheat an indoor grill with top and bottom plates for medium-high heat.

Step 6

Remove chicken from the bag and discard marinade.

Step 7

Place chicken on the preheated grill, close the lid, and cook until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 5 to 7 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Cut chicken into strips and serve warm.