Smoky Chipotle Marinated Grilled Chicken with Adobo
This copycat recipe recreates Chipotle's signature chicken with a bold marinade of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, cumin, and lime juice. The smoky, spicy marinade penetrates the chicken during a quick 1-3 hour rest, then grills to juicy perfection with a caramelized exterior. Perfect for burrito bowls, salads, or serving alongside Mexican sides. The key is blending the marinade to a smooth paste and not skipping the resting time after grilling.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chipotles in adobo, diced
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ large red onion, roughly chopped
- 4 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- 1
Combine all ingredients except chicken in food processor or blender and process on high speed until smooth paste forms
- 2
Pour marinade over chicken breasts and stir to coat completely
- 3
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 hours
- 4
Preheat grill or stovetop grill pan and brush grates with oil if desired
- 5
Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess marinade
- 6
Grill chicken breasts for 8-10 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- 7
Let cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before chopping or slicing
Tips
For extra smoky flavor, add an extra chipotle pepper or tablespoon of adobo sauce to the marinade.
Don't marinate longer than 3 hours as the acid in lime juice can break down the chicken texture.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
Good to Know
Store cooked chicken in refrigerator for up to 3 days
Can marinate chicken up to 3 hours ahead before grilling
Serve immediately after resting, sliced for bowls or whole for plates
Common Mistakes
Don't reuse marinade to avoid bacterial contamination
Don't skip resting time or chicken will be dry when sliced
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and may be more flavorful and moist. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer.
What if I don't have chipotles in adobo?
You can substitute with chipotle powder and smoked paprika, but the flavor won't be quite as authentic or complex.
How long does the cooked chicken keep?
Properly stored cooked chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.