If you’re craving a delicious Chicken Marinade Recipe for Pollo Asado Chipotle Copycat, you’re in the right place! I remember the first time I made this for my family. My son, Jake, couldn’t stop raving about how it reminded him of our favorite taco truck. This marinade is packed with flavor and will make your chicken juicy and tender.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s super easy to whip up.
- Perfect for family gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
- You can customize the spice level to your liking.
Pure Comfort
This Chicken Marinade Recipe for Pollo Asado Chipotle Copycat brings warmth to the dinner table, making every bite feel like a hug from your favorite aunt.
What You Need
- 2 lbs 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless – You can use chicken breasts if you prefer.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup olive oil – Can substitute with avocado oil.
- 3 tbsp 3 tbsp lime juice – Freshly squeezed is best.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced – Adjust according to your spice preference.
- 4 cloves 4 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp ground cumin – Coriander can be a nice alternative.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp smoked paprika – Regular paprika can be used if needed.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp salt – Feel free to reduce for low-sodium diets.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp black pepper – White pepper is a good substitute.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 35 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, marinate for up to 24 hours.
Steps to Make It
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. The vibrant colors of the spices and fresh lime juice will get you excited to cook.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced chipotle peppers, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they’re well coated. Let them soak up all that flavor for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the fridge for a deeper taste.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so the chicken sizzles when it hits the pan.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy and tender. Slice it up and get ready to serve!
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, try adding a bit of orange juice to the marinade.
- If you’re short on time, marinating for just 15 minutes still gives great results.
- Always let your chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
Mix It Up
- Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh twist.
- For a sweeter marinade, mix in a tablespoon of honey.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with warm tortillas and fresh salsa.
- Pair with a side of Mexican rice or grilled veggies.
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FAQs
Can I make this marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before cooking.
What can I use instead of chicken thighs?
Chicken breasts or even pork can work well with this marinade.
How spicy is this marinade?
It’s mildly spicy due to the chipotle peppers, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Conclusion
This Chicken Marinade Recipe for Pollo Asado Chipotle Copycat is sure to become a family favorite. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, you’ll find yourself making it time and time again. Enjoy every bite!
Chicken Marinade Recipe for Pollo Asado Chipotle Copycat
Equipment
- bowl
- grill
- Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless You can use chicken breasts if you prefer.
- 1/4 cup olive oil Can substitute with avocado oil.
- 3 tbsp lime juice Freshly squeezed is best.
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced Adjust according to your spice preference.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- 1 tsp ground cumin Coriander can be a nice alternative.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika Regular paprika can be used if needed.
- 1 tsp salt Feel free to reduce for low-sodium diets.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper White pepper is a good substitute.
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. The vibrant colors of the spices and fresh lime juice will get you excited to cook.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced chipotle peppers, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they’re well coated. Let them soak up all that flavor for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the fridge for a deeper taste.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so the chicken sizzles when it hits the pan.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy and tender. Slice it up and get ready to serve!