Easy Chipotle Chicken Copycat Recipe

Dive into the smoky, spicy flavors of your favorite Chipotle meal right at home with this Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken copycat recipe! Perfect for burrito bowl aficionados, salad lovers, and burrito enthusiasts alike, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to replicate that Chipotle magic on a budget or get ahead on meal prep for the week.

Whether you’re a die-hard Chipotle fan or simply looking to spice up your meal prep routine while keeping costs low, this Easy Chipotle Chicken Copycat Recipe will not disappoint. Get ready to savor the convenience and deliciousness of homemade Chipotle chicken with just a few simple steps!

With this copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe, you can recreate that signature taste right at home. Perfect for anyone who loves Mexican food, this recipe uses simple ingredients and an easy-to-make flavorful marinade.

Whether you’re aiming to impress at a family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or just want an affordable dinner everyone will love this versatile chipotle chicken is the answer!

Fire up your air fryer or pull out your favorite skillet and get ready to enjoy juicy, delicious Chipotle-style chicken any day of the week!

Meal Prepping With This Easy Chipotle Chicken Copycat Recipe

Whipping up a big batch of this Chipotle Chicken for dinner is our little hack for some awesome ready to go lunches. It’s fantastic to have these tasty leftovers on hand, ready to jazz up our lunchtime routine.

Whether we’re tossing it into a crunchy salad or piling it high in a burrito bowl, it never fails to hit the spot. It’s our go-to move for meal prep – easy, delicious, and anything but boring.

You’ve got to love how one great dinner turns into super satisfying, no-fuss lunches for the next several days. Seriously, leftovers have never tasted this good!

Supply List:

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8oz each) or boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons canned adobo sauce
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• Salt to taste (about ½-1 tsp)

How to Make Copycat Chipotle Chicken:

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl or large ziploc bag, combine the adobo sauce, paprika, brown sugar (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and salt. Mix marinade ingredients until well combined.

Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and rub the chipotle chicken marinade into the chicken. Ensure the chicken is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for 4 hours or even overnight.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 360 degrees F for 5 minutes. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly.

Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 360 degrees F for 17-19 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Remember to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken is moist and flavorful.

Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make Chipotle Chicken as a main dish, on a bed of rice, sliced in salads, or cut into small pieces for a hearty filling for burritos or tacos. It’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to be a hit!

Skillet/Grill Pan Instructions for Easy Chipotle Chicken Copycat:

Prepare the Chicken: After marinating, let the chicken come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. This ensures even cooking.

Heat the Skillet/Grill Pan: Place your skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle a little bit of olive oil to coat the surface.

Cook the Chicken: Once the pan is hot, place the marinated chicken in the skillet or on the grill pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness. The chicken should have a nice sear on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.

Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Rest the Chicken: After cooking, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the chicken retain its juices.

These skillet/grill pan instructions are perfect for achieving that delicious, charred flavor similar to Chipotle’s chicken. Serve this tender and juicy chipotle chicken in a variety of meals!

What is a good Substitue for Adobo Sauce?

In a pinch you can mix 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon chipotle powder (or smoked paprika), ½ teaspoon cumin, a pinch of garlic powder, oregano, and a splash of water. Adjust the ingredients to taste.

How Should I Store Leftover Chipotle Chicken?

Storing leftover Chipotle Chicken correctly is key to enjoying its delicious flavors even days after cooking. Here’s how to do it:

Let it Cool: Before storing, allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature. However, don’t leave it out for more than two hours to avoid bacterial growth.

Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the leftover chicken to airtight containers. This helps to retain moisture and flavor and keeps the chicken fresh.

Refrigeration: Place the airtight containers in the fridge. Properly stored, the chicken can last for 3-4 days.

How To Freeze This Easy Chipotle Chicken Copycat

I love having things like this in the freezer ready to go for quick dinners!

Freezing Option: If you don’t plan to eat the leftovers within a few days, freezing is a great option. Frozen chipotle chicken can last for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure it’s tightly sealed in freezer-safe containers or bags.

Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to eat the frozen chicken, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it thoroughly in a microwave, skillet, or oven until it reaches the desired temperature.

By following these simple storage tips, you can ensure your Chipotle Chicken leftovers remain just as appetizing and safe to eat as when they were freshly made.

How to Make Chipotle Marinade Ahead

You can make a big batch of your marinade in the food processor and refrigerate or freeze for later use! Once you make your marinade transfer it to an airtight container. If you’re not using it immediately, store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and deepen over a day or two, making it even more delicious when you’re ready to use it.

Suggested Uses For Chipotle Chicken:

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl: Layer your juicy chipotle chicken over cilantro lime rice, add black beans, pinto beans, corn salsa, and a dollop of sour cream.

Chipotle Chicken Salad: Mix chopped chicken with greens, red onion, bell peppers, and your favorite dressing.

Tacos and Wraps: Fill tortillas with chicken, top with pico de gallo, green onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Meal Prep: Prepare a double batch, store in airtight containers, and enjoy with different sides throughout the week.

Sandwiches and Sliders: Use leftover chicken in sandwiches, adding a little bit of chipotle mayonnaise for an extra kick.

Quesadillas: Use the chicken as a filling for quesadillas, combined with melted cheese, sautéed peppers, and onions for a melty, satisfying treat.

These versatile ideas ensure your Chipotle Chicken never gets boring and can be enjoyed in numerous delicious ways. Whether it’s a quick dinner fix or a planned meal prep, these options cater to all tastes and occasions.

This Chipotle copycat chicken recipe is not just a recreation; it’s your new go-to for a healthy, flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy experimenting and don’t forget to come backck and share your favorite ways to serve this spicy, smoky delight!