Name: Chipotle Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 kg Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs; 2 tablespoon Chipotle Paste; 3 tablespoon Lime Juice; 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder; 1 tablespoon Onion Powder; 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika; 1 teaspoon Cumin; ½ teaspoon Salt; ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper; 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The first time I paired smoky chipotle with a splash of lime, the kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma. Before I knew it, everyone was drifting in, asking what was cooking. These Chipotle Chicken Thighs have been a favorite ever since, bold, simple, and full of flavor. Recipe includes a how-to video!

Recipe

Chipotle Chicken Thighs Recipe

What always gets me about this recipe is how something as simple as chicken thighs turns into such a rich, smoky dish.

Mixing chipotle paste with a squeeze of lime makes a marinade that clings to the meat, deepening the flavor with every minute it sits.

Chipotle chicken thighs are my go-to on nights when I want something bold without fuss. I almost always have the ingredients on hand, which makes it even easier when the craving hits.

These Chipotle Chicken thighs always find its way into more than just one meal at my house.

I’ve tossed it into salads for an easy lunch, tucked it into tortillas for quick tacos, and stirred it into grain bowls when I’m aiming for something hearty.

If we’re lucky enough to have leftovers, I’ll slice them up for sandwiches or wraps the next day.

The smoky, spicy, tangy flavor seems to fit just about anything I’m in the mood for.

Jump to:

⭐Why You'll Love This Chipotle Chicken
🧾Chipotle Chicken Thighs Ingredients
👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Chipotle Chicken Thighs
📖Variations
🍽 What to Serve with Chipotle Chicken
💭Tips for Recipe Success
🍛More Chicken Recipes to Try!
🍛More Dinner Recipes!
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

⭐Why You'll Love This Chipotle Chicken

It’s packed with flavor, but so easy: This chipotle chicken has that smoky-spicy-limey goodness that makes you go “oh wow” with the first bite.
No complicated ingredients: Everything in this recipe is stuff I already have hanging out in the kitchen.
You can use it a million ways: I’ve had it in tacos, over rice, with a salad, or just sliced up with some warm bread on the side. However you serve it, it works.
Leftovers are a gift: I almost always make extra, because the next-day chicken is just as tasty.
Everyone always wants seconds: Every time I make chipotle chicken thighs for friends or family, someone ends up asking for the recipe.

🧾Chipotle Chicken Thighs Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this Chipotle Chicken recipe:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: I always go for boneless skinless chicken thighs when I want juicy, flavorful chicken that doesn’t dry out.
Chipotle Paste: This is the star of the show. It gives the chipotle chicken thighs that deep, smoky heat that makes every bite exciting.
Lime Juice: I love how the lime brightens everything up. It cuts through the spice and adds a fresh, zesty kick that balances the richness of the chicken.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika & Cumin: This is my favorite combo of spices when I want something warm, bold, and a little earthy.
Salt and Black Pepper: Just the basics, but they really pull everything together. A little goes a long way to bring out all the flavors in the marinade.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I use this to cook the chicken, not in the marinade. It helps the chicken get that golden, slightly crispy outside while keeping it juicy on the inside.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Chipotle Chicken Thighs

These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

1. Toss everything together: In a large bowl, add the chicken thighs, chipotle paste, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated.

2. Let it Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have the time. The flavor just gets better the longer it sits.

3. Cook the chicken: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, until it's cooked through with a nice bit of char.

4. Let it rest: Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

📖Variations

Extra Spice: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a chopped jalapeño to the marinade. I’ve done it when I’m in the mood for something fiery, it brings the heat.
Sweet Touch: Sometimes I’ll add a tiny drizzle of honey or a pinch of brown sugar to the marinade to balance the heat with a hint of sweetness. Optional, but nice if you like that kind of sweet and spicy chipotle chicken thighs.

🍽 What to Serve with Chipotle Chicken

I usually pair this chicken with cilantro lime rice or grilled corn, they balance the heat perfectly.

Sliced avocado or quick guacamole adds creaminess, and warm tortillas turn it into the best DIY taco night. If I have time, I’ll throw together a fresh tomato salad or a crunchy slaw to keep things light and fresh.

💭Tips for Recipe Success

Use skin-on thighs for extra flavor: If you don’t mind a little crispiness, try it with skin-on chicken thighs. The skin gets golden and adds even more richness, especially if you're grilling.

Let the chicken sit out before cooking: After marinating, I like to leave the chicken out for about 15–20 minutes so it’s not ice-cold going into the pan. It cooks more evenly that way and sears better.

Make it freezer-friendly: You can prep the chicken with the marinade and freeze it right away. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight; it’s perfect for busy weeks.

Store and reheat leftovers the easy way: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days, or up to 2 months in the freezer. I like slicing them before freezing for quicker reheating. A quick warm-up in a skillet with a splash of lime juice brings it right back to life.

Grill it for smoky depth: If the weather’s nice, throw it on the grill! The char from the grill complements the chipotle and lime flavors, it’s one of my favorite ways to cook this.