Description
Get ready to bring bold flavor to your dinner table with this Easy Chipotle Chicken (Copycat) recipe! Perfectly seasoned, juicy, and slightly charred, this quick dinner option is a must-try for fans of smoky, spicy food. Whether you’re building burrito bowls, stuffing tacos, or meal prepping for the week, this easy recipe delivers every time. Packed with protein and customizable to your taste, it’s one of the best quick dinner ideas you’ll come across. Great for healthy snacks, weeknight dinners, or impressive food ideas to share.
Ingredients
680g boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk to make the marinade.
2. Trim excess fat from chicken thighs. Cut into chunks or leave whole depending on use. Add to the marinade and coat well.
3. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
4. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Add chicken in a single layer.
5. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side until well charred and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
6. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
7. Serve over rice, in tacos, or salads with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Marinate the chicken longer (up to overnight) for deeper flavor.
Don’t overcrowd your pan; cook in batches for best browning.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled or Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 26
- Cholesterol: 75
Keywords: easy chipotle chicken, chipotle chicken copycat, chicken dinner ideas, spicy grilled chicken, healthy meal prep