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Copycat Chipotle Chicken - Seriously SO SO GOOD. Perfect for burritos and/or burrito bowls! And it's even better than Chipotle, but shhhhh!

Seriously SO SO GOOD. Perfect for burritos and/or burrito bowls! And it’s even better than Chipotle, but shhhhh!

Copycat Chipotle Chicken - Seriously SO SO GOOD. Perfect for burritos and/or burrito bowls! And it's even better than Chipotle, but shhhhh!

This recipe has been such a lifesaver.

I have been incredibly busy with work/errands/adult chores lately that I have been (shamelessly) ordering delivery a few times a week. And with all the surcharges, tips and fees, I think I have been spending at least $20 on ONE Chipotle burrito bowl.

Copycat Chipotle Chicken - Seriously SO SO GOOD. Perfect for burritos and/or burrito bowls! And it's even better than Chipotle, but shhhhh!

I know. It’s been a lot. But not anymore.

So I introduce to you the copycat Chipotle chicken recipe. A recipe that tastes so much better than the restaurant-version. And it’s been a god-send with meal prep. With a grain base (I prefer a wild rice + brown rice blend), corn, some greens, pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of cheese, this has been saving me and my wallet all week!

Copycat Chipotle Chicken - Seriously SO SO GOOD. Perfect for burritos and/or burrito bowls! And it's even better than Chipotle, but shhhhh!

Tools For This Recipe

Cast iron grill pan or large cast iron skillet

Copycat Chipotle Chicken: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken breasts can absolutely be used here but chicken thighs have more dark meat and a higher fat content which will yield juicier, more flavorful chicken.

What kind of beer would you recommend?

Modelo is a great option for this recipe!

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill, no problem. A cast iron grill pan or a large cast iron skillet will work beautifully here, especially during those winter months when it’s too cold to grill out!

Copycat Chipotle Chicken

Copycat Chipotle Chicken

Seriously SO SO GOOD. Perfect for burritos and/or burrito bowls! And it’s even better than Chipotle, but shhhhh!
4.9 stars (31 ratings)

Ingredients

  • ½ cup beer
  • ½ medium sweet onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 chipotle chili pepper in adobo sauce
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Instructions

  • Combine beer, onion, garlic, chili pepper, 2 tablespoons canola oil, lime juice, adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper in blender until smooth.
  • In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken thighs and beer mixture; marinate for at least 4 hours to overnight, turning the bag occasionally. Drain the chicken from the marinade.
  • Preheat grill to medium heat.
  • Brush chicken with remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add chicken to grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool before dicing into bite-size pieces.
  • Serve warm.

Video

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