Chipotle Chicken Recipe (with Chicken Thighs)

A chipotle chicken recipe with chicken thighs for stovetop, oven, or air fryer. Use all week in bowls, tacos, wraps, and meal prep.

Course dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican

Diet Gluten Free, Low Lactose

Keyword chipotle chicken, meal prep, smoky, spicy

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Marination 30

Total Time 50

Servings servings

Calories 165

Make the marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the red onion, garlic, adobo sauce, avocado or olive oil, ancho chile powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and water. Blend until mostly smooth and pourable.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the top and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate up to overnight for extra flavor.

Preheat to 425°F. Arrange the marinated thighs in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through to 165°F and the edges begin to caramelize. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.

Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer (working in batches if needed) and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through to 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.

Preheat to 400°F. Add the marinated thighs in a single layer (in batches as needed) and cook for 14-15 minutes, flipping halfway, browned and cooked through to 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.

Ancho Chili Powder: If you’ve never used ancho chili powder, it’s worth picking up. It’s smoky, a little earthy, and not too spicy. If you don’t have it, though, a mix of regular chili powder and smoked paprika works too. It’s not exactly the same, but it still gives that warm depth.
What to Do with the Leftover Chipotle in Adobo: If you have leftover chipotle in adobo after making this recipe, freeze it! It freezes beautifully in a small zip-top bag or freezer-safe container, and the next time you need some, just slice of a tablespoon or two (no need to even defrost, first!).
Chipotle Chicken Bowls: If you want the full Chipotle-style experience at home, build a bowl with this chicken, my cilantro lime rice, and a quick guac. Sooooo good!