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

Gather all ingredients.

Step 6

Preheat an indoor grill with top and bottom plates for medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the bag and discard marinade. 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.

Step 7

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.