My copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe makes beautifully seasoned, charred, and grilled meat for a spicy exterior and unbelievably juicy center. Although it takes a few hours, the results are worth it: the meat is juicy and full of peppery flavors from the herbs, spices, 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 since I have this Chipotle chicken recipe, it doesn’t matter if there is a Chipotle near me or not. You can save time and money by making your own burrito bowls at home. 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 that you don’t have to do a lot of work for these simple taco bowls, which makes this a great recipe with minimal meal prep.
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!
When it comes to chicken, I can’t live without my margarita, tequila lime, or chipotle lime grilled chicken recipes.
Chipotle’s famous chicken is more than just protein in a tortilla – it’s an experience. The zesty, smoky flavor keeps customers coming back for more. But what exactly gives Chipotle chicken its distinctive taste? As a self-proclaimed Chipotle fanatic, I decided to dig into the ingredients and cooking process to uncover the secrets behind their irresistible chicken.
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 is okay for a keto diet, but watch out for sides like rice and beans that are high in carbs.
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. This could include black beans, sour cream, diced red onion, hot salsa for a spicy flavor, fresh lime juice, ancho chiles, ground cumin, garlic powder, pinto beans, diced bell peppers, chipotle chili pepper, and more. 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 use rice bran if you want to, but I use olive oil for my chicken that tastes like Chipotle chicken.
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 taste, put leftovers in a container that won’t let air in and put them in the fridge until you’re ready to eat them again. Chicken that has been stored should be eaten within two to three days, but I always eat leftovers from the previous night the next day. It goes great with this Chipotle chicken salad recipe! To warm the chicken all the way through, you can either put it in a large skillet or the microwave. 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 hot off the grill, seasoned with savory Mexican spices, in a marinade of seared, smoked chipotle peppers and a touch of pure honey, delivering a new, flavorful bite to any entrée choice.
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?
If you want to make this, you can use chicken breast meat instead of thighs, but thighs are much more juicy. To save time on a busy day, marinade it the day before or the morning of so all you have to do is cook it when it’s time to eat.