This Chipotle Chicken recipe is a delicious protein to serve on bowls, salads, tacos and more. It's juicy, flavorful and great for meal prep!
If you've ever been at a loss with how to best cook chicken thighs, this chipotle chicken recipe is going to be your best friend.
Chicken thighs are underrated because they tend to be more affordable and flavorful than chicken breasts, but they take the right recipe to get right. This recipe uses chipotle peppers canned in adobe sauce, fresh lime and lots of seasons for a chicken thigh infused with flavor. We top it with a homemade chimichurri sauce for notes of freshness and a pop of color.
Pair with rice or crispy roasted potatoes, and my homemade creamy cucumber salad for a delicious balanced dinner.
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Meal prep staple. Having a flavorful protein prepped makes it easy to put together balanced meals during the week.
- Flavourful chicken with minimal ingredients. You don't need anything fancy to get a super flavorful chicken thigh, just the right combination of some pantry staples.
- High protein option. Chicken thighs are a great source of high quality protein.
Ingredients
Chicken thighs. For this recipe I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, however you can use chicken breast as well; just follow the instructions under the recipe card.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. You will find these in the aisle of the store where taco seasoning and salsas are. The adobo sauce adds so much flavor!
Spices. Salt, garlic powder, black pepper and cumin are all you'll need.
Honey. For a little sweetness to compliment the spice.
Olive oil. This is the base of our chipotle sauce.
Fresh parsley. For freshness, to brighten up the spice of the chipotle peppers.
Lime. We use both the juice and zest for a nice refreshing flavour and to help tenderize the chicken.
Homemade chimichurri sauce. I make mine with olive oil, vinegar (or lime), spices and fresh parsley.
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- To a food processor add chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice and zest, olive oil, honey, spices and parsley. Blend until smooth (about 2 minutes).
- Once the sauce is blended, to a large mixing bowl add chicken thighs. Pour the sauce on the thighs and toss to coat. Ensure the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
- Arrange the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, try to ensure the chicken is not touching.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the center of the largest thighs reads 165F. If you would like a crispier exterior you may place the chicken under the broiler for about 2 minutes. Serve with chimichurri sauce, rice and cucumber salad if desired.
- To make the chimichurri sauce, add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until combined.
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
To make dairy-free: this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
To make nut-free: this recipe is naturally nut-free.
Equipment
Storage
Top Tips for Success
This is a great recipe to pair with all your favourite sides. Think fresh salads, grains, sweet potatoes, and roasted veggies.
You can customize the flavours by changing up the spice amounts. Brandon likes adding an entire can of chipotle peppers for a spicier option, or you can add more honey for a sweet and savory option.
Frequently Asked Questions
No! I love this recipe because it has the perfect amount of spice, even if you can't take a lot of heat. The parsley and honey add additional sweetness and freshness to counter act the spice from the chipotle peppers.
You can usually find them in the aisle of the grocery store where you will find taco seasoning and salsa. There are small cans of individual chipotle peppers stored in adobo sauce for more flavour.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
If you liked this chipotle chicken recipe, try these next:
- Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Greek Chicken Marinade
- Chicken Thighs and Pesto Rice
- One Pan Parmesan Chicken Thighs and Vegetables
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this chipotle chicken recipe, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Chipotle Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4-5 individual chipotle peppers from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo plus 4 teaspoon adobo sauce
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ tps honey
- 2 tablespoon fresh flat leaved parsley chopped
- 2 lbs chicken thighs boneless, skinless (about 12 thighs)
For the chimichurri sauce:
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon white vinegar or lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup finely chopped flat leafed italian parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- To a food processor add chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice and zest, olive oil, honey, spices and parsley. Blend until smooth (about 2 minutes).
- Once the sauce is blended, to a large mixing bowl add chicken thighs. Pour the sauce on the thighs and toss to coat. Ensure the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
- Arrange the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, try to ensure the chicken is not touching.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the center of the largest thighs reads 165F. If you would like a crispier exterior you may place the chicken under the broiler for about 2 minutes. Serve with chimichurri sauce, rice and cucumber salad if desired.
- To make the chimichurri sauce, add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until combined.
Nicole Addison says
the most FLAVOURFUL chicken! I hope you enjoy this one!