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copycat chipotle chicken with air fryer
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5 from 128 votes

Chipotle Chicken Copycat recipe (Air Fryer + Oven methods)

Moist, tender copycat Chipotle Chicken is full of earthy, spicy flavor. Cooked easily in the Air Fryer or oven it's perfect for so many dishes or meal prep!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time21 minutes
Marinating time (minimum)6 hours
Total Time6 hours 26 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie
Servings: 8
Calories: 186kcal
Author: Toni Dash

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ medium red onion peeled, cut into large pieces
  • 2-3 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the can of chipotles en adobo
  • 3 large garlic cloves peeled
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Place the chicken breasts between waxed paper or in a plastic bag and gently pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet or the bottom of a skillet.
    NOTE: this is not to make the chicken breasts thin but just to create an even thickness.
  • Prepare the marinade: combine the red onion, garlic, adobo chiles, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper in a blender and puree.
  • Place the chicken in a plastic storage bag or storage container. Pour contents of blender over chicken. Turn to even coat chicken.
    Place in refrigerator and all the chicken to marinate 6 hours or up to overnight.

Air Fryer method

  • Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket (you may need to cook in batches). Cook at 360 degrees F for 18 minutes, turning the chicken over halfway through cooking. The chicken should register 165 degrees internal temperature when done.
  • Remove from the air fryer and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes before cutting it.

Oven method

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the chicken in a baking pan. Bake 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature is 165 degrees.
    Allow to rest 3-5 minutes before cutting.

Notes

Note on Air Fryer cooking
All air fryers cook slightly differently which may require slightly longer or shorter cooking. The best way to ensure the chicken is done is by the internal temperature which will be 165 degrees when the chicken is cooked. 
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How to Freeze it
Allow the juicy Chipotle chicken to cool. It can be sliced, chopped or left whole. Add portions to freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for best results.
How to Freezer Marinate Chicken
If you want to get a jump on future meals or making batches of this delicious copycat Chipotle chicken you can also freezer marinate the chicken. You'll make the marinade as directed and combine it with the chicken in a freezer bag.
Freezer for 6-8 weeks then thaw in the refrigerator when ready to cook it. The chicken must be cooked within 24 hours of thawing.
Always discard marinade chicken has been in and do not reuse it.

Nutrition

Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1535mg | Potassium: 473mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 253IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg