Go Back

Grilled Chicken with Chipotle Marinade

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a spicy, smoky chipotle and lime mixture, perfect for busy families or meal prep enthusiasts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the marinade
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1 large red onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons adobo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon distilled vinegar
  • 0.5 cup water Adjusts the marinade consistency.
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless and skinless chicken breasts Provides a lean source of protein.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse and pound the chicken to an even thickness of about half an inch and place in a large Ziploc bag.
  2. In a food processor, blend the marinade ingredients (olive oil, red onion, garlic, adobo sauce, chipotle chili powder, cumin, oregano, lime juice, paprika, distilled vinegar, water, salt, and pepper) until smooth.
  3. Add the marinade to the bag with the chicken, remove air, seal, and shake to coat. Marinate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
  3. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before chopping into pieces.
Serving
  1. In a large pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped chicken and cook until crisp, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Garnish with parsley and serve with rice, in tacos, or in burritos.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Can also use shrimp or tofu as a protein alternative.