Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Lime wedges and fresh cilantro (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Marinade Preparation:
- In a blender or food processor, combine garlic cloves, chipotle peppers, vinegar, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until you get a smooth paste.
- Add oil to the paste and blend again until well combined.
2. Marinating the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or a zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate. Let the chicken marinate for a minimum of 8 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
- If using a grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If using a cast-iron skillet: Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until they are lightly charred and cooked through.
4. Serving:
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Serve the chicken with lime wedges and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
This chicken is perfect for burrito bowls, but it also tastes great in tacos, quesadillas, nachos, or even on its own. Pair with your favorite sides like rice, beans, salsa, and guacamole for a complete meal.
Note:
The key to this recipe is allowing the chicken to marinate for a sufficient amount of time. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and juicy the chicken will be.
Enjoy your homemade Chipotle chicken experience and save some bucks!
About The Author
