• Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Shop
  • Checkout
  • Coaching
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Shop
  • Checkout
  • Coaching
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Shop
  • Checkout
  • Coaching
×
Home » Lunch/Dinner

Chipotle Chicken

Updated: Sep 17, 2026 · Published: Mar 16, 2025 by Calvin Kang · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Yield: 1 serving, with extra blended sauce if you use only enough to coat the chicken.

Chipotle saved me a bunch of times when I was in college, but now I make this chicken at home. My cookbook version blends chipotle peppers with fresh lime and garlic for a smoky, bright sauce. ✌️

chipotle chicken with lime and rice
Jump to:
  • WHAT IS CHIPOTLE CHICKEN?
  • INGREDIENTS
  • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
  • RECIPE

WHAT IS CHIPOTLE CHICKEN?

The marinade infuses the chicken with a smoky kick, while grilling or pan-searing enhances the dish with a crispy, caramelized exterior. Whether served in a wrap, over rice, or in a salad, this Chipotle chicken is a versatile and a satisfying high-protein meal.

INGREDIENTS

Chipotles peppers in adobo sauce: I like to use the La Costena brand which comes in a can. It’s got a really nice kick to it and has all the flavor that you need for this recipe.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: I used "skinless" chicken thighs since there is less fat and therefore fewer calories. It's juicier than using chicken breast for this recipe, but you can substitute with chicken breast if that is your preference. And get the boneless ones!

Lime and garlic: I use the juice of 1 lime and 3 garlic cloves in the sauce instead of water.

Oil spray: A light coating helps keep the chicken from sticking to the pan.

chipotle chicken with lime

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How spicy it is?

Spicy levels can be controlled by the amount of chipotle peppers you use.
I found that it becomes less spicy after a day - don't ask me why, it just is.

Can I cook the chicken in an air fryer instead?

Yes, you can! If using an air fryer, cook the chicken for 390°F for 10-15 minutes. The amount of time you cook it for will depend on the brand of air fryer, so feel free to cook it for longer until the center reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I substitute the chicken with steak?

Yes, you can! Check out my Chipotle steak recipe!

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 chipotle chicken blend sauce

STEP 1

In a blender, combine ½ can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, the juice of 1 lime, and 3 garlic cloves. Blend until smooth.

Step 2 chipotle chicken marinade

STEP 2

Season 8 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Add enough blended sauce to coat the chicken evenly.

I start with a little salt and pepper and adjust at the table.

Step 3 chipotle chicken store sauce

STEP 3

If I have extra sauce, I set it aside in a clean container before it touches raw chicken and refrigerate it. I do not save sauce that has touched raw chicken.

Step 4 chipotle chicken pan

STEP 4

Lightly spray a skillet with oil. Pan-cook the chicken over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes per side, adjusting for thickness, until the center reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5 chipotle chicken serve

STEP 5

Serve as a wrap, with rice, or in a salad and add any toppings of choice!

Optional: Garnish with chopped cilantro and squeeze some lime juice on top and enjoy!

RECIPE

How did it turn out? Take a photo and tag me on Instagram @cooklikeimbook so I can see and share!!

chipotle chicken with lime and rice

Chipotle Chicken

Calvin Kang
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings 1 serving

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • ½ can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Oil spray for pan

Instructions
 

  • Blend half a can of chipotle peppers in adobo with the juice of one lime and 3 garlic cloves until smooth.
  • Season 8 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Spoon on enough of the blended sauce to coat the chicken. If saving extra sauce, transfer it to a clean container before any sauce touches raw chicken.
  • Lightly spray a skillet with oil. Pan-cook the chicken over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes per side, adjusting for thickness, until the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Serve in a wrap, over rice, or in a salad.

  • korean tofu soup in stone pot on stove
    Soondubu Jjigae (Korean Tofu Soup)
  • creamy pasta with chicken and bacon on a spoon
    Costco Chicken Bake Pasta
  • orange chicken and orange slices
    Air Fried Orange Chicken
  • stacked crunchwrap supreme cross sections
    Crunchwrap Supreme

Comments

No Comments

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hi, I'm Calvin!


I started my cooking journey as an athlete, teaching myself how to eat more nutritiously. Now, I’m here to share simple, delicious recipes that make balanced eating easy and fun.

Most of my recipes are low in calorie and high protein to make fitness and health more enjoyable. As an online nutrition coach, I love helping others smash their fitness goals. Let’s cook, eat, and level up together! 🍳🔥💪

More about me

Popular

  • corn latte in plastic cup
    Healthier Low-Calorie Corn Latte
  • scrambled eggs and potatoes with ketchup and ranch
    Scrambled Eggs and Air Fried Potato Hash
  • chicken pot pies with puff pastries
    Chicken Pot Pie
  • Air Fried Pizza Rolls

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 @cooklikeimbook