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Delicious tofu stir-fry with crispy, golden-brown cubes seasoned with spices, garnished with fresh lime slices and cilantro. Ideal for vegetarian and vegan recipes.

Chipotle Copycat Chicken

A smoky, spicy, and tangy marinated chicken recipe that perfectly mimics the popular restaurant chain's signature flavour. Easy to make at home for burritos, bowls, or tacos.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce minced
  • 1 tbsp adobo sauce from the can
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lime about 2 tbsp
For the Chicken
  • 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 2.5cm (1-inch) pieces
  • 1 tbsp vegetable or rapeseed oil for frying

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to form a thick paste.
  2. Add Liquids: Pour the olive oil and fresh lime juice into the spice paste and whisk everything together until it's well combined into a smooth marinade.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Add your chopped chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Use a spoon or your hands to toss the chicken thoroughly, ensuring every piece is completely coated.
  4. Let it Rest: Cover the bowl with cling film and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit for 2-4 hours will result in a much deeper flavour. You can even leave it overnight.
  5. Heat the Pan: When you're ready to cook, place a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan or cast-iron skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it get hot – you should see it shimmer slightly.
  6. Cook the Chicken: Carefully add the marinated chicken to the hot pan in a single layer. It's important not to overcrowd the pan, so cook in two batches if necessary. Let the chicken cook, undisturbed, for 4-5 minutes. What works best for me is resisting the urge to stir it constantly; this allows it to develop a fantastic dark brown crust.
  7. Finish Cooking: After the first side is nicely charred, use a spatula to stir and flip the chicken pieces. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and charred in spots. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer it to a plate. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken is extra tender.

Notes

For a deeper flavour, marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours or even overnight. Serve in burrito bowls, tacos, or salads. Leftovers keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.