Grilled Chipotle Chicken Recipe

This smoky tender Grilled Chipotle Chicken Recipe is made with chipotle peppers in adobo and fresh lime juice, ready in 25 minutes. The charred edges mixed with the spicy marinade create a dark, sticky crust right off the hot grill. I love keeping a batch in the fridge for quick lunches all week.

Better Than Takeaway

For a long time, I relied on takeout bowls when craving that distinct smoky heat. Making this at home completely changed my routine because the marinade is incredibly simple to throw together.

My biggest mistake early on was not blending the chipotles in adobo into a smooth paste. Getting the marinade perfectly smooth ensures every piece of chicken gets evenly coated without random fiery bites.

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Grilled Chipotle Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp kosher salt

How To Make Grilled Chipotle Chicken Recipe

1. Mix the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the blended chipotle peppers, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, oregano, and salt.
2. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until evenly coated, then rest for 30 minutes in the fridge.
3. Grill the Meat: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Rest and Slice: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Recipe Tips

• Blend the adobo: Puréeing the peppers and sauce creates a thicker marinade that sticks better to the meat.
• Use chicken thighs: Dark meat stays much juicier on the hot grill compared to leaner chicken breasts.
• Watch the char: The sugars in the adobo sauce can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on the heat level.

What To Serve With Grilled Chipotle Chicken

This chicken is incredibly versatile for building burrito bowls with cilantro lime rice and black beans. You can also slice it thin and serve it over a crisp romaine salad with a creamy avocado dressing.

How To Store

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months, thawing it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I bake this instead of grilling?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can broil it for the last 2 minutes for a charred finish.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a moderate kick from the adobo sauce. You can reduce the heat by using only 1 tablespoon of the chipotle peppers instead of three.

Can I use chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Just pound them to an even thickness so they cook uniformly without drying out on the hot grill.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
• Protein: 34 g

Try More Recipes:

• Buffalo Chicken Dip Casserole Recipe
• Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Casserole Recipe
• Chicken Dumpling Casserole Recipe