Chipotle Copycat Chicken Recipe
Updated Aug 11, 2025, Published on May 11, 2025
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Skip the line at Chipotle and make this smoky, flavorful Chipotle Copycat Chicken right at home! With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate the exact same bold, juicy flavors as the restaurant (or even better in my opinion!). In just 20 minutes of hands-on time, you’ll have the perfect chicken for your burrito bowls, tacos, salads, and more!
Looking for a twist on a traditional Chipotle burrito bowl? Try this chicken paired with Avocado Mango Salsa for a tropical vibe!
Create a Chipotle Burrito or Burrito Bowl at Home
Pair with Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice, Chipotle Copycat Black Beans, Chipotle Copycat Fresh Tomato Salsa, Chipotle Copycat Corn Salsa, Chipotle Copycat Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa, Chipotle Copycat Guacamole, and Chipotle-Style Sour Cream for a full Chipotle experience at home!
How to make Chipotle Copycat Chicken
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients with exact quantities.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: This recipe calls for one 7 oz can. Note that you ONLY need 4 of the chipotle peppers from the can. You will use all of the sauce.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Use thighs over chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are your best bet. They’re nearly impossible to overcook and can handle a nice sear without drying out, just like the version served at Chipotle.
Chipotle Copycat Chicken (Step-by-Step Instructions)
See the recipe card below for the full list of instructions.
- Blend the marinade ingredients until smooth.
- Marinate the chicken thighs overnight if time allows for maximum flavor.
- Cook the chicken thighs until nicely charred and cooked through.
- Rest the chicken thighs, slice, and serve!
Ready to try it? Scroll to the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and full instructions.
Recipe Tips
- Marinate for optimal flavor: About 8 hours is ideal to develop that deep, smoky Chipotle flavor. If you're short on time, even 1 hour of marinating will enhance the taste. Avoid marinating for longer than 8–10 hours, as the acid can begin to break down the chicken too much and lead to a mushy texture.
- Char = flavor: A little char on the outside is a good thing and helps replicate that grilled taste from the restaurant.
- Let it rest before slicing: After cooking, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender, juicy, and flavorful.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Making a burrito bowl at home? Set aside 1 chipotle pepper and 1 tsp of adobo sauce from the can and make this Chipotle Copycat Black Beans recipe!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Did you try this Chipotle Copycat Chicken Recipe? Leave a Review!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! If you enjoyed it, please consider leaving a rating and review. And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or TikTok so I can see your creations!
Chipotle Copycat Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large Carbon Steel Pan cast iron or stainless steel work as well
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Marinade
- 5 cloves Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt, extra for sprinkling on top of the chicken while cooking
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil, or neutral oil of choice
- 1 can Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, use only 4 peppers and all of the sauce from a 7 ounce can
- ½ cup Water
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in a gallon-sized zip-top bag.
- Add all of the marinade ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth and well combined. Pour the marinade into the bag with the chicken, seal tightly, and massage gently to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to maximize flavor.
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in an even layer (working in batches if needed). Sprinkle the top with a generous pinch of kosher salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the first side has a nice char, then flip. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips, then turn and cut into bite-sized cubes.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- This recipe was adapted from the Youtube creator CookingwithChris.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Outstanding-so delicious. A huge hit with my family. All the Chipotle copies are amazing-and they wish they tasted this good!
Thank you so much, Heidi!