This Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe is THE recipe you need to make your favorite chipotle bowls at home! It’s easy to make and also perfect to meal prep for easy meals all week long.
You Need This Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe
For me this year is all about saving a little money by eating more of my meals at home. So far I’ve made recipes for both a Chipotle burrito copycat and a delicious Sweetgreen bowl. Next on my list is this delicious and juicy copycat chipotle chicken recipe! Here are few reasons why you’re going to end up loving my homemade version even more than takeout:
- Flavorful – the chicken is marinated in an incredible marinade that’s packed with flavor. It turns out tender and juicy but without a ton of time.
- Quick – Once the chicken is marinated, it cooks in less than 20 minutes!
- Meal prep-friendly – You’ve got to make this recipe for meal prep! The chicken reheats so well and it’s perfect to add to salads, burritos, bowls, wraps, or whatever else you can think of!
Watch How to Make This Recipe
More Reader-Favorite Chipotle-Flavored Recipes
- Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Burrito Bowls
- Chipotle Potato Salad
- Chipotle Steak Tacos
- Chipotle Chicken Sandwich
- Honey Chipotle Salmon Bowls
- Cheesy Skillet Chipotle Chicken

Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken: I prefer to use boneless skinless chicken thighs for this recipe, because they stay juicier than breasts. However, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts if that’s what you prefer.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These add that delicious chipotle flavor and some good heat. I like to start with two but feel free to add more if you want even more heat!
- Olive Oil: This helps to emulsify the marinade ingredients so you have a smooth marinade that sticks to the chicken.
- Seasonings: Lots of herbs, spices, and fresh garlic build the base of flavor in the marinade. Highly recommend using fresh garlic in this recipe for the best flavor.
- Lime: We’re using both lime juice and lime zest for the ultimate flavor! The lime juice will also help to keep the chicken tender.


Chipotle Chicken in a 4 Simple Steps
- Make the chipotle marinade. This is super simple! Just add all of the ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth.
- Marinate your chicken. I like to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but overnight is also great!
- A quick cook. After the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook! Highly recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees.
- Serve and enjoy! I like to let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Waiting a few minutes helps those juices redistribute for extra juicy chicken.
Tips for Juiciest Chicken
- If you have the time, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours before cooking. You’ll get maximum flavor and juicy chicken!
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer! If you don’t have one I highly recommend investing in one to prevent overcooking your chicken. Overcooked chicken is dry chicken, my friend!
- If you do decide to use chicken breast and you notice it is extra thick, use a sharp knife and split it in half to help it cook more evenly. This will help ensure that the chicken is tender and juicy all the way through and not overcooked in some areas while undercooked in others.

My Favorite Serving Suggestions
There are so many ways to use this chicken! Here are some of my favorite options:
- Burrito bowls
- Burritos, quesadillas, and tacos
- Wraps
- Fajitas
- Enchiladas
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Store leftover chipotle chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
- Freeze cooked chicken for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to serve.
- To serve warm the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes
- Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken
- Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
- Greek Yogurt Chicken
- Salsa Chicken
- Buffalo Chicken Tenders
I hope you give this Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe a try! It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep. If you do give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews and ratings help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you trust and love.
Print
Chipotle Chicken
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe is THE recipe you need to make your favorite chipotle bowls at home! It’s easy to make and also perfect to meal prep for easy meals all week long.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, fat trimmed
Chipotle Marinade
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
Instructions
- Make the Chipotle Marinade: Add all of the marinade ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth.
- Place the chicken thighs into to a large mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs and toss until they are well coated in the marinade. Cover and let the chicken marinade, in the fridge, for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- After the chicken has marinated remove it from the fridge.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, around 6-8 minutes per side. You may have to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing and serving either with sides or in a burrito bowl.
Recipe by: Ashlea Carver / All the Healthy Things | Photography by: Eat Love Eat