Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken
This Chipotle Grilled Chicken recipe is your golden ticket to a deliciously juicy, flavor-packed meal that’s both simple to make and irresistibly good. Whether you’re craving something spicy for your burritos, tacos, or just a stand-alone dish, this recipe promises to deliver on taste and satisfaction.
Why you will love making Chipotle Grilled Chicken
If you’re after a dish that’ll impress without the stress, this chipotle chicken recipe is your go-to. Here’s why you’re going to love making it:
- It’s packed with flavor: The combination of chipotle peppers, garlic, and lime juice creates a rich, smoky taste that’s hard to beat.
- Versatile: Serve it in tacos, burritos, over rice, or with a side of grilled vegetables. The possibilities are endless!
- Easy meal prep: This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead, making your weekday meals a breeze.
- It’s surprisingly simple: Despite its complex flavors, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
- Quick: It’s ready in just 25 minutes!
- Healthy: Opting for skinless chicken thighs means you’re getting a leaner cut of meat without skimping on juiciness or flavor.
- Grilling brings out the best: There’s something about grilled chicken that just tastes like summer, but you can easily adapt this recipe for indoor cooking methods, too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to make Chipotle Grilled Chicken with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Getting this chipotle chicken onto your plate is easier than you might think. Here’s how to bring this flavorful dish to life:
Chipotle Chicken Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine your minced garlic, chipotle, onion powder, lime juice, and olive oil. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper before tossing them into the bowl. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade.
Prepping the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is perfect for getting those beautiful grill marks without burning the exterior of your chicken before it’s cooked through. A light spray of cooking oil on the grill grates will prevent sticking.
Grilling to Perfection
Place your marinated chicken on the grill, spacing them out evenly. The initial high heat will sear the outside, locking in those juices and flavors. Once you’ve got a good char on one side, lower the heat and cover the grill. This method cooks the chicken without drying it out. Grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve!
Once your chicken is perfectly grilled, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices, making sure each bite is as delicious as the last. Serve your chipotle grilled chicken on a bed of fresh greens, with grilled vegetables, or slice it up for tacos, and burrito bowls, or serve it over flavorful rice with some salsa.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Nailing the perfect chipotle grilled chicken is easy. Here are some insider tips to ensure you hit the flavor jackpot every time:
- Chicken: While chicken thighs are juicier, chicken breasts are a great leaner option. Just keep an eye on them while grilling, as they can dry out faster.
- Marinate: For the best results, let your chicken marinate overnight. This not only deepens the flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, making it juicier.
- Adjust the heat: Not everyone can handle the same level of spice. Feel free to adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to suit your taste. Start small; you can always add more!
- Internal temperature: Always make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check!
- Make ahead marinade: You can prepare the marinade in advance. In fact, letting it sit for a day or two can enhance the flavors even more. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.
- Save the marinade: If you have extra marinade, boil it down to create a delicious sauce that can be drizzled over the cooked chicken or used as a dressing for salads.
- Alternative cooking methods: No grill? No problem. You can cook this chicken in a grill pan or large skillet on the stove or even bake it in the oven. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How to Store Leftover Chipotle Grilled Chicken
Chipotle grilled chicken can taste just as amazing the next day, if not better, once the flavors have had more time to mix. Here’s how to store it properly:
- Cool & airtight: Before storing, let the chicken come to room temperature and then transfer the chicken to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Properly stored, the chicken will last up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: If you won’t eat the leftovers in time, you can freeze them. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Frozen chipotle grilled chicken can last up to three months.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy your chicken again, reheat it slowly, covered, in the oven, or on the stovetop. You can also microwave it, but be careful to not overcook it, as it can become dry.
Our Top 3 Money Saving Tips for This Recipe
Here are our top three tips for making this recipe wallet-friendly:
- Lime juice: If fresh limes are expensive, bottled lime juice can be a good alternative. It’s cheaper and lasts longer.
- Buy spices in bulk: Bulk bins often offer spices at a lower cost, and you can buy just the amount you need.
- Save and reuse: If you find yourself with leftover chipotle peppers or adobo sauce, freeze them in an ice cube tray for easy use in future recipes.
What to Serve with Chipotle Grilled Chicken
Here are a few suggestions that complement the spicy, smoky flavors of the chicken perfectly:
Chipotle Chicken Salad
Turning this recipe into a salad bowl perfectly complements the rich flavors of chipotle chicken. Try a simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber, or for something heartier, a corn salad with black beans and a lime-cilantro dressing is absolutely delicious. Wrap it up in tortillas with a little cheese and guacamole to make a tasty taco!
Grilled Vegetables
Nothing says summer like grilled veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and asparagus all become sweet and smoky when grilled, making them the perfect sidekick to your chipotle chicken. Drizzle them with a bit of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt before grilling for the simplest preparation.
Starchy Sides
For something more substantial, try starchy sides like rice, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, or even pasta. A cilantro lime rice or a quinoa salad with lime juice and cilantro can enhance the overall flavors of your chipotle grilled chicken.
More Chicken Recipes You Will Love
- Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Best Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe
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Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.7 pounds chicken thighs (6-8 pieces) skinless and boneless
- Salt and pepper
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 lime squeezed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat a grill to medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper.1.7 pounds chicken thighs (6-8 pieces), Salt and pepper
- In a mixing bowl, combine your minced garlic, chipotle, onion powder, lime juice, and olive oil. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper before tossing them into the bowl. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade.2 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 lime, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lightly grease the grill with cooking spray and cook the chicken until browned. Lower the heat, cover, and cook for a few more minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Slice and serve with greens – enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken: While chicken thighs are juicier, chicken breasts are a great leaner option. Just keep an eye on them while grilling, as they can dry out faster.
- Marinate: For the best results, let your chicken marinate overnight. This not only deepens the flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, making it juicier.
- Adjust the heat: Not everyone can handle the same level of spice. Feel free to adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to suit your taste. Start small; you can always add more!
- Internal temperature: Always make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check!
- Make ahead marinade: You can prepare the marinade in advance. In fact, letting it sit for a day or two can enhance the flavors even more. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.
- Save the marinade: If you have extra marinade, boil it down to create a delicious sauce that can be drizzled over the cooked chicken or used as a dressing for salads.
- Alternative cooking methods: No grill? No problem. You can cook this chicken in a grill pan or large skillet on the stove or even bake it in the oven. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool & airtight: Before storing, let the chicken come to room temperature and then transfer the chicken to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Properly stored, the chicken will last up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: If you won’t eat the leftovers in time, you can freeze them. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Frozen chipotle grilled chicken can last up to three months.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy your chicken again, reheat it slowly, covered, in the oven, or on the stovetop. You can also microwave it, but be careful to not overcook it, as it can become dry.
