Description
This copycat Chipotle Chicken features a smoky, spicy ancho chile marinade that delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. It is versatile and can be prepared on the stovetop, grill, or in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 medium red onion, coarsely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken
Instructions
- Blend: In a food processor or blender, combine red onion, garlic, adobo sauce, ancho chile powder, olive oil, cumin, dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; blend until smooth, then add water in a measuring cup to reach 1 cup total.
- Marinate: Place chicken in a large freezer-safe plastic bag, pour in the marinade, seal, and mash until evenly coated; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Cook (Stovetop): Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet until shimmering, then cook chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
- Cook (Grill): Preheat grill over medium-high heat, coat with 2 tablespoons oil, and grill chicken in batches for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
- Cook (Oven): Preheat oven to 400 degrees, arrange chicken in an oiled baking dish, cover completely with parchment paper, and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
- Finish: Transfer chicken to a cutting board, tent with foil for 10 minutes, chop into small pieces, and season with additional salt to taste.
Notes
To use dried ancho chiles instead of powder: remove stems and seeds, toast in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, soak in boiling water for 10 minutes (or warm water overnight), drain, and blend in step 1.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking, or Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 ounces
- Calories: 326 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 1008 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.04 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg