Chipotle Chicken

5 from 1 vote

Coated in a bold, smoky seasoning blend, and broiled for a caramelized exterior and tender interior, this Chipotle Chicken is versatile and delicious!

Prep Time15

Cook Time7

Total Time22

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Healthy, Mexican

Keyword: Chipotle Chicken

Servings: servings

Author: Chelsea Lords

Cost: $8.94

Equipment

Sheet pan lined

Ingredients

Seasoning Blend

4 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder see note 1
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon each: light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper

Chicken

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs see note 2
2 limes
Serving suggestions see note 3

US - Metric

Instructions

Place oven rack 6 inches from heat source. Preheat oven to Broil. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step is important for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl add all of the seasoning blend ingredients. Whisk to combine.
Pat thighs dry with paper towel. Cut off large pieces of gristle and fat, then cut into even 1-inch pieces. Add chunked chicken to seasoning bowl and toss until well coated.
Add chicken pieces to prepared sheet pan, spacing them out to make sure chicken pieces aren't touching. Broil in fully heated oven for 6–8 minutes or until you've got a nice blackening and caramelization. The interior temperature should be 160℉; carryover heat will take it to 165℉.
Remove pan and let stand for 5 minutes uncovered to rest. Drizzle with fresh lime to taste and salt as needed. Enjoy hot!

Video

Notes

Note 1: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts, and they hold up better when broiled. If you prefer chicken breasts, you can use them but reduce the broiling time by 1–2 minutes, as they tend to be drier.

Note 2: This recipe combines chipotle chili powder and regular chili powder to create a balanced flavor without excessive heat. Chipotle chili powder, made from smoked, dried jalapeños, provides a unique smoky warmth, while regular chili powder—a blend of ground chili peppers, cumin, garlic, and oregano—adds depth. Together, they form a rich, flavorful spice blend that's pleasantly spiced but not overwhelming.

Note 3: While the chicken is cooking, prepare some packaged ready or minute rice. To serve, pair the chicken and rice with diced ripe avocado and a diced English or Persian cucumber. Make sure to have plenty of fresh lime wedges on the side. If you have a favorite pre-made or store-bought cilantro-lime sauce, feel free to drizzle that on top. If not, you can whip up a super quick alternative sauce by whisking together 1/4 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, a handful of chopped cilantro, and a tiny pinch of salt. Drizzle this simple sauce on top of your dish. If you are sensitive to spice, consider serving this dish with some cooling components to balance the heat.

Storage: Store leftover chipotle chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition