copycat chipotle chicken

If you’ve ever been to Chipotle, you know how good their chicken is. Whether it’s in a taco, burrito or in a burrito bowl, their chicken is fabulous.

Just like their Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa recipe, this one is quick & easy to make. The longest part of this recipe is letting the chicken marinate for a minimum of 6 hours.

copycat chipotle chicken

Copycat Rating

Since the goal of a Copycat Recipe is for it to taste exactly like the original, it’s only natural to rate this recipe against the original. This Copycat recipe rates a solid 8 out of 10 in my opinion.

copycat chipotle chicken

If you’re looking for a substitute for rice bran oil, you can use canola oil, sunflower oil or even some Avocado Oil. They are almost all neutral in flavor and have a high smoke point.

Tips

  • If you don’t have a grill for the initial step of cooking the chicken just use a skillet. It’s ok!
  • I like to use food grade gloves when handling raw chicken.

Kitchen Gadgets

Using the Right Equipment can make a BIG Difference. Check out our Favs!

You will need the following ingredients to make this Copycat Chicken recipe from Chipotle. For ingredient amounts please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless
  • Kosher Salt – you can also use regular salt
  • Ground Black Pepper – Freshly ground if possible
  • Chipotle Chili Powder – Adds flavor and heat
  • Dried Oregano – brings a bold, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor
  • Ground Cumin – Brings a warm, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor
  • White Vinegar – Helps tenderize the chicken among other things
  • Garlic Cloves – Fresh minced garlic cloves
  • Rice Bran Oil – or one of the substitutions listed above
  • Water – needed for the marinade

How to Make Copycat Chipotle Chicken

  1. If you are using thick chicken breasts, either cut them in half or pound the breasts to an even thickness, about a half-inch thick.
  2. Add all the ingredients (save 2 tablespoons of oil) to a large ziplock bag and marinate for at least 6 hours in the refrigerator.
    chicken marinating in a bag
  3. Remove the chicken from the bag and cook on a grill and for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through.
    marinated chicken breasts in a skillet
  4. Roughly chop the chicken then continue to cook with the remaining oil in a skillet for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    chicken in a skillet

More Recipe Ideas

Printable Recipe Card

copycat chipotle chicken

Copycat Chipotle Chicken

Craving Chipotle's famous chicken? Try this Copycat Chipotle Chicken recipe that tastes just like the real thing. Easy to make and delicious.
5 from 2 votes

↑ Click stars to rate

Prep Time6 hours
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Author Rodney
Servings 6
Calories 262 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 3 Chicken Breasts, boneless skinless
  • 1 Tsp Kosher Salt
  • ½ Tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 Tsp Chipotle Chili Powder
  • 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 Tsp Ground Cumin
  • ¼ Cup White Vinegar
  • 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 6 Tbsp Rice Bran Oil, divided
  • ¼ Cup Water

Instructions

  • If you are using thick chicken breasts, either cut them in half or pound the breasts to an even thickness, about a half inch thick.
  • Add all the ingredients (save 2 tablespoons of oil) to a large ziplock bag and marinate for at least 6 hours in the refrigerator.
  • Remove the chicken from the bag and cook on a grill and for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through.
  • Roughly chop the chicken then continue to cook with the remaining oil in a skillet for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition (1 of 6 servings)
Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 531mg | Potassium: 452mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 243IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg
This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.
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One Comment

  1. Doug says:

    This chipotle chicken is fantastic!

5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)