By Gary 
Feeding a family of 5
Introduction:
Recreate the smoky, spicy flavors of Chipotle’s famous chicken right in your own kitchen with this Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe. Perfectly marinated and seared for a delightful crust, this dish brings a restaurant-quality taste that your whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers
– 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for cooking
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 2 tablespoons white vinegar
– 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
Marinating the Chicken:
Begin by preparing the marinade. In a large resealable bag, combine the chicken thighs with minced garlic, finely chopped chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, ground cumin, white vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, and honey. Seal the bag and massage the contents to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let it marinate for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor absorption.
Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to get it ready for finishing the chicken later.
Initial Cooking:
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure it’s properly heated by testing with a drop of water—it should sizzle upon contact. Add additional olive oil if necessary to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the marinated chicken in an even layer in the skillet, without crowding, and cook without moving for about 5 to 7 minutes until a deep golden brown crust forms.
Oven Finishing:
Once a crust has formed, flip the chicken thighs. Without removing the contents from the skillet, transfer them to the preheated oven. Bake until the chicken is cooked through—when the center is no longer pink and juices run clear, this should take about 20 minutes. Check that the internal temperature at the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) using an instant-read thermometer.
Serving:
After removing from the oven, allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to settle, making your chicken tender and flavorful. Slice the chicken as desired and serve with your favorite sides to recreate a family-friendly Chipotle experience at home.
Conclusion:
This Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe is sure to impress with its deliciously bold flavors and aromas. Perfectly marinated and seared, it brings a taste of your favorite restaurant straight to your table. Enjoy with some warm tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience that your family of 5 will love.
Alex Harrington