Chipotle Chicken Marinade

This Chipotle Chicken Marinade makes flavorful, juicy chicken with the perfect kick and a charred, golden crust—you’ll want it on repeat.

Tasty Chipotle Chicken Marinade

As the warm weather approaches and we eagerly start firing up our grills, it’s time to get creative! If you’re tired of the same old chicken dishes and looking for a way to elevate your grill game, we’ve got just the recipe for you! Introducing our favorite Grilled Chipotle Chicken, a mouthwatering blend of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors.

This has quickly become my favorite chicken marinade! Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also simple to prepare and grill. The marinade combines red wine vinegar, honey, olive oil, and an array of herbs and spices with a heaping tablespoon of chipotle pepper for that distinctive smoky kick. Freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro add a bright, zesty touch that perfectly balances the rich, smoky heat.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and let’s get started! I can’t wait to hear what you think about this recipe!

Grilled Chipotle Chicken Marinade Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Use boneless and skinless so they’re easier to grill and cook evenly.
• Red wine vinegar: This adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Honey: Want it sweeter? Add a little more honey. Want it spicier? Use less.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Using high-quality oil enhances the flavor of the marinade.
• Minced garlic: In a pinch, use ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
• Seasonings: Adjust any of these to your liking.
• Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce: Use more or less depending on how spicy you like it—just know less will also mean less flavor.
• Fresh lime juice and zest: I use a microplane to zest and a citrus juicer to juice.
• Cilantro: If you don’t like cilantro, just leave it out.

How To Make Chipotle Chicken Marinade (Tips)

• Even thickness for even cooking: Pound the chicken pieces to an even thickness for consistent cooking and to avoid overcooking thinner parts.
• Oil the grill grates: Prevent the chicken from sticking by generously oiling the grill grates before cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature (160°F), use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
• Let the chicken rest: After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes, covered with foil. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy chicken.
• Make-ahead marinade: Prepare the marinade in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, so you can quickly marinate and grill the chicken when you’re ready to cook.

How To Use Marinated Chipotle Chicken

There are many ways to use Chipotle Chicken in a variety of dishes. Here are some suggestions:

1. Tacos: Dice or shred the chicken and serve it in charred corn tortillas, topped with guacamole or mashed avocado, cotija cheese, and a drizzle of sauce.
2. Burritos or burrito bowls: Add Chipotle Chicken to a burrito or burrito bowl with rice, beans, salsa, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream.
3. Salads: Toss the chicken with mixed greens, black beans, corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a Cilantro-Lime Dressing or reserved marinade for a flavorful salad.
4. Quesadillas: Place the Chipotle Chicken between two tortillas along with cheese, diced onions, and bell peppers. Grill or cook in a pan until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crisp. Dunk quesadillas in some reserved marinade sauce. (Follow directions on this Ground Beef Quesadillas post). Don’t use the marinade that the chicken has sat in; save some before adding chicken.
5. Nachos: Layer tortilla chips, Chipotle Chicken, black beans, cheese, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes on a baking sheet. Bake until cheese is melted, and then top with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
6. Rice bowls: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice with your choice of vegetables, beans, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Drizzle on reserved marinade.
7. Enchiladas: Roll Chipotle Chicken with cheese in tortillas. Place in a baking dish, cover with Enchilada Sauce, and bake until bubbly. Top with additional cheese, if desired. (Complete directions are on this Shredded Beef Enchiladas post).
8. Sandwiches or wraps: Layer Chipotle Chicken with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and a spicy mayo (or reserved marinade) in a sandwich or wrap for a quick and delicious lunch option.

What To Serve With Chipotle Chicken

Here are some ideas to complement the flavors and create a balanced meal:

• Rice is a go-to! Try our Mexican Rice Recipe with it cooked all in one pan! This Coconut Rice is also a nice base.
• Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Prepare vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or asparagus to serve alongside the chicken for a healthy and colorful side. Grilling and roasting really bring out the flavors.
• Black Bean Salad: This salad with black beans, corn, pepper, and avocado pairs well with the smoky flavors of the chicken.
• Guacamole or Avocado Salsa: The creaminess of the avocado adds a cooling element to balance the spiciness of the Chipotle Chicken.
• Beans: Serve refried beans or these incredible homemade Pinto Beans or saucy pressure cooker Black Beans.
• Fruity salsa: A sweet and tangy Pineapple Salsa or Mango Salsa adds a fruity contrast to the smoky and spicy chicken.
• Cornbread or corn muffins: Serve warm cornbread or cornbread muffins as a side to provide a comforting, slightly sweet accompaniment to the meal.
• Quinoa or couscous salad: A light Quinoa or Couscous Salad with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a citrusy dressing is a nutritious and delicious side option.
• Tortilla Chips and Salsa: Offer a simple side of tortilla chips with your favorite Salsa or Pico de Gallo for an easy, crowd-pleasing option. (Prepare the salsa when you prepare the chipotle chicken marinade and it will be super flavorful by the time you serve both!)

More Chicken Marinade Recipes:

• Italian Chicken Marinade with Italian seasoning
• Citrus Chicken Marinade with orange and lime juice
• Chicken Taco Marinade with fresh lime
• Grilled Chicken Marinade our favorite all-purpose chicken marinade
• Chicken Fajita Marinade with grilled peppers and onions