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Chipotle chicken bowl with rice and toppings

Smoky Chipotle Chicken Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners


  • Author: Manson Carter
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

  • This one-pan Chipotle Chicken is the perfect bold, smoky, and spicy dinner solution for your midweek slump. Juicy chicken thighs are seared to perfection in a punchy chipotle marinade for a dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes — and sure to wow.

 


Ingredients

  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs)

  • 1¼ tsp kosher salt

  • Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed

  • ½ tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce (or 1 tbsp for extra heat)

  • 1 tsp ancho chile powder

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)


Instructions

  • Season the trimmed chicken thighs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.

  • In a small bowl, combine the garlic, chipotle in adobo, ancho chile powder, cumin, and oregano. Mix into a thick marinade.

  • Rub the marinade all over the chicken thighs until evenly coated.

  • Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil.

  • Sear the chicken thighs smooth-side down for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

 

  • Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.

Notes

  • Too spicy? Balance the heat with a splash of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream.

  • To make it creamy, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt after cooking.

 

  • Double the batch and freeze extras for taco emergencies.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: seiring
  • Cuisine: mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of recipe)
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg

Keywords: chipotle chicken, one-pan dinner, spicy chicken, adobo chicken, quick weeknight meals