My copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe makes meat that is perfectly seasoned, charred, and grilled, with a spicy outside and unbelievably juicy inside. It takes a couple of hours to marinate, but you can’t deny the results: juicy and full of peppery flavors from the herbs, seasonings, and adobo chiles. Learn how to make Chipotle Mexican Grill chicken in less than 45 minutes and become your friends’ new favorite fast food joint!.
And with this Chipotle copycat chicken recipe, it doesn’t matter if I happen to have a location near me or not. I can make it right in my own kitchen! Making your own burrito bowls at home is a great way to save time and money. Plus – you can make Mexican food anytime that craving hits!.
This tastes just like the real thing, and makes such a simple easy weeknight dinner. I love how easy these taco bowls are to make. They’re a great recipe for when you don’t want to spend a lot of time making meals.
This cult favorite chicken is popular for a reason. The marinade tenderizes and flavors the meat with herbaceous yet spicy seasonings.
Grilled to juicy perfection, Chipotle Mexican Grill chicken can be thrown right into any quesadilla, fajita, taco, burrito… You name it!.
I love to really replicate the restaurant experience by serving with a vibrant bowl of cilantro lime rice, pico de gallo, guacamole, and/or corn salsa — some of my favorite Chipotle recipes!.
I can’t live without my chipotle lime, margarita, or tequila lime grilled chicken recipes.
Chicken from Chipotle is more than just protein in a tortilla; it’s an experience. The zesty, smoky flavor keeps customers coming back for more. But what makes Chipotle chicken taste so good? As a self-proclaimed Chipotle fanatic, I decided to look into the ingredients and cooking method to find out what makes their chicken so delicious.
A Quality Foundation – Humanely Raised Chicken
Let’s start with the chicken itself. Chipotle only uses chicken that was raised in a way that respects animals and treats them well. You can be sure that Chipotle’s chicken is natural and hasn’t been changed in any way, even if the breed or source changes. This high-quality chicken has a tender, juicy texture and a clean, fresh taste, making it a great base for the spices that will be added later.
The Flavor Powerhouse – Adobo Marinade
Here’s where the magic happens. Chipotle chicken gets its signature flavor from an overnight bath in a special adobo marinade. The main components:
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Chipotle Peppers – These smoked jalapeños bring the heat and impart a deep smoky essence. They are rehydrated and canned in a tangy tomato-based adobo sauce.
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Cumin – This earthy spice adds warmth and depth.
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Oregano – The fragrant herb provides a subtle grassy flavor
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Garlic – Minced garlic contributes an aromatic, savory punch.
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Black Pepper – A touch of peppercorn spice rounds it all out.
The exact ratio of these ingredients is a closely guarded secret, but together they infuse the chicken with that crave-worthy Chipotle taste. The marinade also tenderizes the meat while seasoning it from the inside out.
Grilling to Perfection
The final step is grilling the chicken over an open flame. The hot grill provides a slight char while cooking the chicken through until perfectly juicy. Too much time over high heat can cause the chicken to dry out, so Chipotle’s cooks carefully monitor for doneness.
The result is chicken that is bursting with flavor in every bite. From the quality of ingredients to the complex marinade to the quick grilling, each element builds on the last to create an unforgettable food experience. The next time I bite into a Chipotle chicken burrito, I’ll have a new appreciation for the care that goes into it.
Now that you know the truth, here are some answers to the most common questions people have about Chipotle’s famous chicken:
Is Chipotle Chicken Gluten-Free?
The chicken and marinade itself are gluten-free. However, cross-contamination is possible in the restaurant kitchen. Let staff know if you have celiac disease or an allergy.
What Kind of Chicken Does Chipotle Use?
Chipotle sources responsibly raised chicken without antibiotics or hormones. The breed varies depending on supply.
How Spicy is the Chicken?
The chipotle peppers add a moderate heat level. It’s spicy but not overly hot for most people.
How Many Calories in Chipotle Chicken?
A 4 ounce serving contains 180-200 calories. Check Chipotle’s website for exact nutrition facts.
Can I Replicate the Chicken at Home?
Yes! Find copycat recipes that mimic the adobo marinade’s flavor profile. Focus on quality chicken and ingredients.
Is Chipotle Chicken Keto-Friendly?
The chicken itself fits a keto diet, but be mindful of high-carb sides like rice and beans.
Does the Recipe Vary by Location?
While slight variations occur, the core marinade remains consistent across restaurants.
So there you have it – the secrets behind Chipotle’s crave-worthy chicken uncovered. A quality chicken canvas, complex adobo marinade, and perfect grilling come together to create magic in every bite. Understanding the care and technique involved gives me an even greater appreciation next time I dig into a Chipotle chicken bowl.
Ingredients Notes and Substitutions
All you need are a few simple ingredients to get this amazing flavor!
- When I make this Chipotle chicken recipe, I like to use breast meat because it’s tasty, tender, and lower in fat than thighs. But you can use either! In fact, the restaurant uses chicken thighs without skin.
- Chipotles in Adobo—These little peppers are unique because they are dried and soaked in a spicy, tangy sauce that makes them as acidic as they are hot! You could also use regular whole chipotles and an extra 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce instead.
- Cumin, chili pepper, and oregano make the food warm and earthy, hot and spicy, and peppery. You can add more of your favorite spices to the chipotle chicken marinade if you want to get a taste more like the restaurant. Thyme, paprika, and onion powder would fit right in.
- You can use olive oil instead of the original Chipotle chicken recipe’s rice bran oil if you’d like. You can also use canola or sunflower oil, which won’t change the taste of the dish.
You can also easily add any other taco or burrito ingredients or favorite toppings that you want. Black beans, sour cream, diced red onion, fresh lime juice, ancho chiles, ground cumin, garlic powder, pinto beans, diced bell peppers, chipotle chili pepper, and more could be in this. Keep in mind that the more you add, the less this Chipotle burrito bowl will be an exact copycat, but this is all part of making new recipes your own.
Chipotle Chicken Recipe FAQ
The original Chipotle chicken recipe uses thigh meat, not breasts as we do in this recipe. Keep in mind, however, that the restaurant makes it in large quantities and well in advance, not just before serving as we’re doing here. So breast meat is more than juicy and tender enough to use here!.
The oil used at Chipotle Mexican Grill for chicken is rice bran oil. They put it in almost everything, like salad dressing and rice, because it doesn’t taste strong by itself and doesn’t bother people with allergies. You can certainly use rice bran if you like, but for my copycat Chipotle chicken, I use olive oil.
A whole lot of good stuff! Adobo peppers, cumin, chili pepper, oregano, olive oil, onion, garlic, lime juice, and just a sprinkling of good ol’ salt and pepper. It’s herbaceous, peppery, and acidic — just what you want in a marinade!.
For the best flavor and taste, store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for the next time you eat it. Leftover chicken should be eaten within 2-3 days of storing it, but I typically always eat leftovers from the last night the next day. (especially with this Chipotle chicken salad recipe!) You can reheat the chicken in a large skillet or pop it in the microwave to warm all the way through. And I promise that this leftover juicy chipotle chicken is so good!.
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Chipotle’s Chicken Cooked at Home – By a Former Chipotle Employee
FAQ
What are the ingredients in the new Chipotle chicken?
Chipotle Honey Chicken is made with fresh chicken that has just come off the grill and has been seasoned with savory Mexican spices. It is marinated in a sauce made of seared, smoked chipotle peppers and a touch of pure honey. This adds a new, flavorful bite to any main dish.
Why is Chipotle chicken so good?
Chipotle’s chicken is a popular choice due to its flavorful marinade, smoky char from grilling, and tender, juicy texture. The marinade, featuring chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, provides a distinct smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. Recipes from The Slow Roasted Italian and Carlsbad Cravings https://www. theslowroasteditalian. com/copycat-chipotle-chicken/ suggest that the combination of chipotle peppers, spices like cumin and smoked paprika, and lime juice tenderizes the chicken and enhances its flavor.
What part of the chicken is in Chipotle?
Chicken thighs are a lot more juicy and the cut that Chipotle uses! However, you can also make this with breast meat. If you’re busy, marinate it the night before or early in the morning. Then, when it’s time to eat, all you have to do is cook it.