Chipotle Chicken is smoky, crispy, and super easy—just broil it and toss it in tacos, bowls, or whatever you’re feeling.

Overhead image of the Chipotle Chicken

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Chipotle Chicken

This is bold, smoky, and super easy to make. I cut up chicken thighs, toss them in a delicious spice mix with a little oil and vinegar, then broil until they’re perfectly tender and juice on the inside with a nice caramelized exterior. A squeeze of lime at the end makes all the flavors pop!

Great in tacos, bowls, or salads—and it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner.

Process shots-- images of the marinade being made and it being mixed with the chicken thighs

Chipotle Chicken Ingredients

  • Olive oil & red wine vinegar: Help the spices stick & the chicken cook evenly.
  • Spice blend: Chili powder, cumin, paprika & oregano bring bold smoky flavors.
  • Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweet & helps the chicken caramelize nicely.
  • Garlic powder: Gives flavor without burning like fresh garlic would.
  • Chicken thighs: Stay juicy & tender—breasts dry out too fast here.
  • Fresh lime juice: Squeezed on at the end for a fresh pop of flavor.

Quick Tip

Using both chipotle & regular chili powder gives a great smoky flavor without making the chicken too spicy.

Process shots of Chipotle Chicken-- images of the chicken being spread on a sheet pan and broiled

How to Make Chipotle Chicken (Tips)

  • Cut even pieces so the chicken cooks the same all over.
  • Preheat the oven for at least 15 minutes so the chicken caramelizes nicely.
  • Don’t crowd the pan or the chicken will steam, not broil.
  • Check temp with a meat thermometer—aim for 160°F.
  • Let it rest a few minutes to lock those juices in.
  • Adjust spice by using more or less chipotle powder to preference.
Overhead image of the dish ready to be enjoyed

Serving Suggestions

  • Tacos or burritos: Add the chicken with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, sour cream & lime.
  • Salad: Serve over greens with black beans, corn, avocado & a cilantro-lime dressing.
  • Rice bowl: Layer with cilantro-lime rice, beans, roasted veggies, pico, guac & sour cream.
  • Pasta: Toss with pasta, roasted veggies & a light creamy sauce for a spicy twist.
  • Wrap: Roll it in a tortilla with rice, veggies & your favorite sauce or dressing.

  • 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.

Up-close overhead image of the Chipotle Chicken ready to be enjoyed

More Easy Chicken Recipes:

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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5 from 1 vote

Chipotle Chicken

By Chelsea Lords
Coated in a bold, smoky seasoning blend, and broiled for a caramelized exterior and tender interior, this Chipotle Chicken is versatile and delicious!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Equipment

  • Sheet pan (15" x 10") lined

Ingredients

Seasoning Blend
  • 4 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder see note 1
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon pepper
Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs see note 2
  • 2 limes
  • Serving suggestions see note 3

Instructions 

  • Place oven rack 6 inches from heat source. Preheat oven to broil. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step is important for easy cleanup.
  • In a large bowl, add all the seasoning blend ingredients. Whisk to combine.
  • Pat thighs dry with paper towel. Cut off large pieces of gristle and fat, then cut into even 1-inch pieces. Add chunked chicken to seasoning bowl and toss until well coated.
  • Add chicken pieces to prepared 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. The interior temperature should be 160°F; carryover heat will take it to 165°F.
  • Remove pan and let stand for 5 minutes uncovered to rest. Drizzle with fresh lime to taste and salt as needed. Enjoy hot!

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts, and they hold up better when broiled. You can use chicken breasts, but reduce the broiling time by 1–2 minutes, as they tend to be drier.
Note 2: This recipe combines chipotle chili powder and regular chili powder to create a balanced flavor without excessive heat. Chipotle chili powder, made from smoked, dried jalapeños, provides a unique smoky warmth, while regular chili powder—a blend of ground chili peppers, cumin, garlic, and oregano—adds depth. Together, they form a rich, flavorful spice blend that’s pleasantly spiced but not overwhelming.
Note 3: While chicken cooks, prepare packaged ready rice. Serve with diced avocado, diced English or Persian cucumber, and fresh lime wedges. Drizzle with store-bought cilantro-lime sauce or a quick homemade version: whisk 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons lime juice, a handful of chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
Storage: Store leftover chipotle chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

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

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Meet Chelsea

Hello, and welcome to Chelsea’s Messy Apron! I’m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. I’m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping by—I hope you find something delicious to make!

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4 Comments

  1. Carol says:

    5 stars
    OMG, the flavors were amazing. I used smoke paprika and I felt the taste took the flavor to the next level. This was such a quick and easy dish. I served over rice but think next time I will add the chicken to chopped salad.

    Reply
    1. Chelsea says:

      Delish! I am so happy to hear this! Thanks Carol! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Ramya says:

    Cant wait to make this soon for me can i use tofu i never had chipotle chicken before perfect for my after office meals love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work

    Reply
    1. Chelsea says:

      Thanks so much Ramya! 🙂 Enjoy!

      Reply