Chipotle Chicken

This Chipotle Chicken recipe offers an easy way to prepare bite-sized chicken pieces with a bold, smoky seasoning blend. We coat chicken thighs in a robust seasoning blend, then broil to achieve a caramelized exterior with a tender interior. It’s a versatile recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or incorporated into other dishes like tacos or salads.

Chipotle Chicken is part of our Back-To-School Lifesavers — a series of recipes that are intended to have little (or no) veggie chopping, minimal prep time, around 10 ingredients or less (not including pantry staples), and use kid-friendly ingredients. Click here to see all the recipes in the series!

Chipotle Chicken

This Chipotle Chicken recipe is flavorful and easy to prepare, featuring tender chicken thighs, seasoned with a bold and aromatic chipotle-spiced blend. We coat the chicken in a mix of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet spices, including chipotle and regular chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and oregano. Then we tie it all together with a splash of olive oil and red wine vinegar and add a bit of freshly squeezed lime juice at the end of the cooking process. The citrusy brightness contrasts beautifully with the smoky heat of the chipotle.

Bite-sized pieces of chicken ensure fast and even cooking under the broiler. This method also helps to achieve a desirable caramelization and blackening on the outside of the chicken pieces, while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

The recipe is quite versatile–enjoy it as a main course, or in a variety of other dishes such as tacos, salads, or bowls. It’s a wonderful choice for those who enjoy spicy, robust flavors! Relatively quick preparation and cooking make this an excellent option for our back-to-school series!

Chipotle Chicken Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil helps the seasoning blend coat the chicken and carry the flavors. Make sure to use a high-quality one, as it can significantly affect the overall taste.
• Red wine vinegar: This dish needs acidity to balance the spices and red wine vinegar does that, along with giving a subtle tanginess to the chicken.
• Chipotle chili powder AND regular chili powder: See the “quick tip” box below for why we use both types of chili powder!
• Light brown sugar: Sugar adds a hint of sweetness to balance the heat and acidity, and it helps caramelize the chicken under the broiler.
• Ground cumin: That traditional warm, earthy flavor in this dish comes from cumin.
• Smoked paprika: We use smoked paprika because it contributes a smoky flavor and vibrant color to the chicken. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work well too.
• Garlic powder: Since fresh garlic will burn under the heat of the broiler, we’re using garlic powder. 
• Dried oregano: The herbal note of oregano complements the other spices.
• Chicken thighs: Thighs are more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts. They’re also more forgiving when being broiled. 
• Fresh limes: The juice adds a fresh, citrusy touch at the end, contrasting with the spicy and smoky flavors of the chicken. Use fresh, not bottled lime juice, for the best flavor.

QUICK TIP

Two Types of Chili Powder: We use both chipotle chili powder and regular chili powder in this recipe to achieve the perfect chipotle flavor without making the dish too spicy. Chipotle chili powder is made from smoked, dried jalapeños, and adds a distinctive smoky heat. Regular chili powder, a blend of various ingredients like ground chili peppers, cumin, garlic and oregano, adds depth and warmth. By using both, we create a balanced, flavorful spice blend that’s rich in character but not excessively hot.

How To Make Chipotle Chicken (Tips)

• Even-sized chicken pieces: When preparing the chicken, make sure to trim off excess fat and then aim for even-sized pieces. This ensures that all the pieces cook at the same rate and you don’t end up with some pieces overcooked and others undercooked.
• Preheat the oven: Make sure your oven is fully heated before you start broiling; heat for at least 15 minutes. This will help you achieve the perfect caramelization on the chicken.
• Space the chicken: When arranging the chicken pieces on the baking sheet, make sure there’s space between each piece. Overcrowding can lead to the chicken steaming instead of broiling, and you may not get enough caramelization.
• Internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to be sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, which is safe for consumption. The temperature will continue to rise a bit after you remove it from the oven.
• Resting time: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken and keeps it moist and flavorful.
• Adjust the heat level: If you prefer less spicy food, feel free to reduce the amount of chipotle chili powder. You can also add more if you like it hotter!

Serving Suggestions

• Tacos/burritos: Use this Chipotle Chicken as a filling for tacos or burritos. Pair with toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.
• Salad: Make a hearty salad! Serve the Chipotle Chicken over a bed of mixed greens along with black beans, corn, avocado, and a simple Cilantro-Lime Dressing.
• Rice bowl: Create a restaurant-style bowl with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, roasted corn and peppers, plus onions. Top with this chicken, fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Pasta: Toss the chicken with cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, and a light creamy sauce for a spicy chicken pasta dish.
• Wrap: Use it in a wrap with a whole grain or spinach tortilla. Add rice, fresh veggies, and a cilantro-lime sauce or dressing to finish it off.

QUICK TIP

Here’s our “Back-To-School” Serving Suggestion: While the chicken is cooking, prepare some packaged ready or minute rice. To serve, pair the chicken and rice with diced ripe avocado and a diced English or Persian cucumber (it might sound unusual, but it’s really good!). Make sure to have plenty of fresh lime wedges on the side.

If you have a favorite pre-made or store-bought cilantro-lime sauce, feel free to drizzle that on top. If not, you can whip up a super quick alternative sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, a handful of chopped cilantro, and a tiny pinch of salt. Drizzle this simple sauce on top of your dish. Feel free to make more sauce if you prefer.

More Easy Chicken Recipes:

• Chicken Meatballs baked to perfection
• Chipotle Chicken Marinade for grilled chipotle chicken!
• Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs made in the pressure cooker
• Chicken Alfredo Recipe with the best easy Alfredo sauce
• Chicken Pozole made with a few shortcuts

QUICK TIP

Spice Note: This Chipotle Chicken recipe, as outlined, does pack a punch! It was a hit with two out of my three kids, while my third found it a tad spicy. However, all three kids enjoyed the chicken when it was served with elements that help tame the spice, like sour cream, guacamole or avocado slices, and crisp cucumbers. So, if you or your family members are sensitive to heat, consider pairing this dish with some of these cooling accompaniments to balance the spiciness.

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Chipotle Chicken

5 from 3 votes

- Review this recipe

This Chipotle Chicken recipe is an easy way to prepare bite-sized chicken pieces with a bold, smoky seasoning blend. We coat chicken thighs in a robust seasoning blend, then broil to achieve a caramelized exterior while keeping the interior tender. It's a versatile recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or incorporated into other dishes like tacos or salads.

Spice Note: This Chipotle Chicken recipe, as outlined, does pack a punch! It was a hit with two out of my three kids, while my third found it a tad spicy. However, all three kids enjoyed the chicken when it was served with elements that help tame the spice, such as sour cream, guacamole or avocado slices, and crisp cucumbers. So, if you or your family members are sensitive to heat, consider pairing this dish with some of these cooling accompaniments to balance the spiciness.

SAVE TO RECIPE BOX

Print Recipe

Chipotle Chicken

5 from 3 votes

- Review this recipe

SAVE TO RECIPE BOX

Print Recipe

This Chipotle Chicken recipe is an easy way to prepare bite-sized chicken pieces with a bold, smoky seasoning blend. We coat chicken thighs in a robust seasoning blend, then broil to achieve a caramelized exterior while keeping the interior tender. It's a versatile recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or incorporated into other dishes like tacos or salads.

Spice Note: This Chipotle Chicken recipe, as outlined, does pack a punch! It was a hit with two out of my three kids, while my third found it a tad spicy. However, all three kids enjoyed the chicken when it was served with elements that help tame the spice, such as sour cream, guacamole or avocado slices, and crisp cucumbers. So, if you or your family members are sensitive to heat, consider pairing this dish with some of these cooling accompaniments to balance the spiciness.

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Healthy, Mexican

Keyword Chipotle Chicken

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 7 minutes minutes

Total Time 22 minutes minutes

Servings 2 servings

Chelsea Lords

Calories 408kcal

Author Chelsea Lords

Cost $8.94

Ingredients

Seasoning Blend

• ▢ 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• ▢ 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder (Note 1)
• ▢ 1 teaspoon regular chili powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon each: light brown sugar, ground cumin, paprika (we like smoked paprika best)
• ▢ ½ teaspoon each: garlic powder, dried oregano
• ▢ Fine sea salt and pepper

Chicken & Serving

• ▢ 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (2⅓ cups cubed chicken) (Note 2)
• ▢ 1-2 fresh limes
• ▢ Serving suggestion: See Note 3

US - Metric

USMetric

Instructions

• PREP: Move oven rack 6 inches from heat source. Preheat oven to HI Broil. Let fully heat-- at least 15 minutes. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper (don't skip this or cleanup is rough!)
• SEASONING MIX: In a large bowl add all of the "seasoning blend" ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper (I add 1¼ tsp salt and ¾ tsp pepper). Whisk to combine.
  
• PREP THIGHS: Pat thighs dry with paper towel. Cut off large pieces of gristle/fat and then cut into even 1-inch pieces. Add chunked chicken to bowl and toss until well and evenly coated.
• BAKE: Add chicken pieces to sheet pan, spacing them out to make sure chicken pieces aren't touching. Broil in fully heated oven for 6-8 minutes or until you've got a nice blackening and caramelization. (Interior should be 160 degrees F; carryover heat will take it to 165.)
  
• ENJOY: Remove pan and let stand for 5 minutes (uncovered) to rest. Drizzle with fresh lime (to taste; we like lots!). Taste and add an extra pinch of salt if needed. Enjoy hot!

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Chicken thighs: Thighs are more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts. They're also more forgiving when being broiled. That said, if you prefer, you can use breasts, broiling for 1-2 minutes less. (Breasts will end up slightly drier.) 

Note 2: Two chili powders: We use both chipotle chili powder and regular chili powder in this recipe to achieve the desired chipotle flavor without making the dish overly spicy. Chipotle chili powder, made from smoked, dried jalapeños, adds a distinctive smoky heat, while regular chili powder, a blend of various ingredients like ground chili peppers, cumin, garlic, and oregano, adds depth and warmth. By using both, we can create a balanced, flavorful spice blend that's rich in character but not excessively hot.

Note 3: Here's our "Back-To-School" Serving Suggestion: While the chicken is cooking, prepare some packaged ready or minute rice. To serve, pair the chicken and rice with diced ripe avocado and a diced English or Persian cucumber (it might sound unusual, but it's really good!). Make sure to have plenty of fresh lime wedges on the side. If you have a favorite pre-made or store-bought cilantro-lime sauce, feel free to drizzle that on top. If not, you can whip up a super quick alternative sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, a handful of chopped cilantro, and a tiny pinch of salt. Drizzle this simple sauce on top of your dish. Feel free to make more sauce if you prefer.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 408kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 243mg | Potassium: 693mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 776IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 3mg

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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