A Chipotle Chicken Marinade is a flavorful blend. It is designed to infuse chicken with smoky, spicy, and savory elements. This is perfect for grilling, roasting, or pan-searing. The marinade typically includes ingredients like chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and garlic. Olive oil is added along with a hint of sweetness from honey or brown sugar. The chipotle peppers give a smoky heat, balanced by the acidity of lime and the richness of olive oil. Extra spices like cumin, paprika, oregano, and sometimes onion powder enhance the flavor depth. This marinade tenderizes the chicken while imparting a bold, slightly charred taste after cooking.
Elevate your chicken dishes with this zesty chipotle chicken marinade. It combines smoky chipotle peppers, tangy lime juice, garlic, and a hint of honey. This flavorful blend infuses the chicken with a delicious kick, perfect for grilling, baking, or sautéing. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, this marinade will add a bold, smoky flavor to your meals. It is also ideal for hosting a barbecue. It is a must-have for your recipe collection!
This easy Chipotle Chicken Marinade mixes some of my favorite Mexican flavors, chipotle in adobo sauce and fresh lime! Add some staple spices. You will have a delightful flavor mixed. It is ready to really take a simple piece of chicken to fiesta-worthy heights!
Ingredients for Delicious Chipotle Chicken Marinade
- ▢ 1 lb chicken breast (4 medium chicken breast)
- ▢ 4 tablespoon chipotle sauce (with chopped chipotle peppers)
- ▢ 2 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
- ▢ 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ▢ 1 teaspoon cumin
- ▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon pepper
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chipotle Chicken Marinade
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chipotle sauce, olive oil, and lime juice. Add the cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until well mixed.
- Prepare Chicken: Place your chicken (breasts, thighs, or another cut) in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Marinate: Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Chill: Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate for several hours or overnight.
- Cook Chicken: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve on tacos, in salads, or alongside your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy your flavorful Chipotle Chicken!
Notes
This marinade is roughly 5 tablespoons or ⅓ cup to be used with 1 pound of chicken.
Here are some helpful tips for creating a delicious Chipotle Chicken Marinade:
Tips for Making Chipotle Chicken Marinade
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh herbs and spices can make a significant difference.
- Balance Flavors: Aim for a balance of heat and acidity. The chipotle peppers offer smokiness and heat, while citrus (like lime or lemon juice) adds brightness.
- Let it Marinate: For optimal flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. Ideally, marinate it for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder marinade, use less chipotle pepper or remove the seeds. Conversely, add more for increased heat.
- Add Sweetness: Consider adding a touch of honey, brown sugar, or agave syrup to balance the heat and acidity.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh cilantro is a classic addition. You also consider adding other herbs like oregano or thyme for extra depth of flavor.
- Use Acid: Incorporate acidic elements like vinegar, yogurt, or citrus juices. This not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken.
- Think Beyond Chicken: This marinade works well with other proteins like beef, pork, or even vegetables. It lets you enjoy the flavor in various dishes.
- Save Some Marinade: If you’re grilling, you want to reserve some marinade before adding the chicken. It can be cooked down to create a flavorful sauce or glaze.
- Cook with Care: When cooking marinated chicken, avoid overcooking to keep it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches the safe cooking temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Extra Serving Suggestions
- Tacos or Burritos: Use the marinated chicken as a filling for tacos. Alternatively, use it for burritos. Top your dish with fresh salsa, avocado, and cheese.
- Salads: Slice the grilled chicken over a fresh salad for a protein-packed meal.
- Bowls: Create a rice or quinoa bowl with grilled chipotle chicken, grilled vegetables, and your favorite toppings.
By using these tips, you’ll create a mouthwatering Chipotle Chicken Marinade that elevates your dish to the next level! Enjoy your cooking!
Video
Chipotle Chicken Marinade FAQs:
1. What is chipotle chicken marinade made of?
It’s typically a blend of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil. The marinade also includes spices like cumin and paprika for smoky heat.
2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes. Ideally, marinate for 4–24 hours to let the smoky spice really soak in.
3. Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes! It works beautifully with beef, shrimp, or even tofu and vegetables for a smoky, spicy kick.
4. Is chipotle chicken marinade very spicy?
It has a medium heat level. You can adjust the spice by adding fewer chipotle peppers. Alternatively, balance with extra lime juice and honey.
5. Can I freeze chicken in this marinade?
Absolutely. Combine chicken and marinade in a freezer bag, freeze, and thaw in the fridge before cooking for a ready-to-go meal.
6. What’s the best way to cook chipotle-marinated chicken?
Grilling adds extra smokiness, but you can also bake, pan-fry, or air-fry the chicken with delicious results.
Chipotle Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this zesty chipotle chicken marinade that combines smoky chipotle peppers, tangy lime juice, garlic, and a hint of honey. This flavorful blend infuses the chicken with a delicious kick, perfect for grilling, baking, or sautéing. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a barbecue, this marinade will add a bold, smoky flavor to your meals, making it a must-have for your recipe collection!
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breast about 1 pound
- 4 tablespoons chipotle sauce (with chopped chipotle peppers)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chipotle sauce, olive oil, and lime juice. Add the cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until well mixed.
- Prepare Chicken: Place your chicken (breasts, thighs, or another cut) in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Marinate: Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Chill: Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate for several hours or overnight.
- Cook Chicken: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve on tacos, in salads, or alongside your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy your flavorful Chipotle Chicken!
Notes
This marinade is roughly 5 tablespoons or ⅓ cup to be used with 1 pound of chicken.
Here are some helpful tips for creating a delicious Chipotle Chicken Marinade:
Tips for Making Chipotle Chicken Marinade
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh herbs and spices can make a significant difference.
- Balance Flavors: Aim for a balance of heat and acidity. The chipotle peppers offer smokiness and heat, while citrus (like lime or lemon juice) adds brightness.
- Let it Marinate: For optimal flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. Ideally, marinate it for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder marinade, use less chipotle pepper or remove the seeds. Conversely, add more for increased heat.
- Add Sweetness: Consider adding a touch of honey, brown sugar, or agave syrup to balance the heat and acidity.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh cilantro is a classic addition. You also consider adding other herbs like oregano or thyme for extra depth of flavor.
- Use Acid: Incorporate acidic elements like vinegar, yogurt, or citrus juices. This not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken.
- Think Beyond Chicken: This marinade works well with other proteins like beef, pork, or even vegetables. It lets you enjoy the flavor in various dishes.
- Save Some Marinade: If you're grilling, you want to reserve some marinade before adding the chicken. It can be cooked down to create a flavorful sauce or glaze.
- Cook with Care: When cooking marinated chicken, avoid overcooking to keep it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches the safe cooking temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Extra Serving Suggestions
- Tacos or Burritos: Use the marinated chicken as a filling for tacos. Alternatively, use it for burritos. Top your dish with fresh salsa, avocado, and cheese.
- Salads: Slice the grilled chicken over a fresh salad for a protein-packed meal.
- Bowls: Create a rice or quinoa bowl with grilled chipotle chicken, grilled vegetables, and your favorite toppings.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 345Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 735mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 38g
The presented values are approximate and shouldn't be considered as accurate. Please calculate your OWN nutrition information in a database using the brand names you have at hand. Each brand is different, and information can vary.
