Chili Lime Chipotle Chicken Recipe

This juicy charred Chili Lime Chipotle Chicken Recipe is made with smoky adobo peppers, fresh lime juice, and chicken thighs, ready in 55 minutes. You will know it is right when the dark red marinade hits the hot pan and immediately forms a sweet, spicy crust. I love making this on busy weeknights for quick burrito bowls.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to spend way too much money buying burrito bowls every week until I figured out the marinade. The real trick is using actual chipotle peppers in adobo rather than just dried powder.

My biggest mistake early on was not letting the pan get hot enough before adding the meat. Now I make sure it is screaming hot to get those crispy, charred edges without drying out the chicken.

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Chili Lime Chipotle Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp kosher salt

How To Make Chili Lime Chipotle Chicken Recipe

1. Blend The Marinade: Place the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, spices, and salt in a blender. Pulse until a smooth paste forms.
2. Marinate The Chicken: Add the chicken thighs and marinade to a zip-top bag, massaging to coat well. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat The Skillet: Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is lightly smoking. Add a tiny splash of oil to coat the bottom.
4. Sear The Meat: Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until deeply charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Rest And Chop: Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

Recipe Tips

• Use chicken thighs: They stay much juicier over high heat than chicken breasts and absorb the marinade better.
• Do not skip the rest: Letting the meat sit before chopping ensures the spicy juices stay inside the chicken.
• Ventilate your kitchen: The chili peppers in the hot pan will create spicy smoke, so turn on your exhaust fan.

What To Serve With Chili Lime Chipotle Chicken

Serve this chicken over a bowl of cilantro lime rice and black beans. It also works perfectly tucked into warm corn tortillas with a scoop of fresh guacamole and pico de gallo.

How To Store

Keep leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze the cooked, chopped chicken for up to 3 months. To meal prep, freeze the raw chicken in the marinade and thaw overnight before cooking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead? Yes, but you will need to reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid drying them out.

Is this recipe very spicy? It has a moderate kick from the chipotle peppers. Use fewer peppers and remove their seeds if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I bake this instead of pan-frying? You can bake it at 400°F for 20 minutes, though you will miss out on the charred crust.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 4g
• Protein: 32g