Chipotle Restaurant Chicken Recipe With A Vibrant Roasted Red Pepper Lime Crema

I’ve found that the best weeknight meals are those that feel like a restaurant experience without all the effort. This simple chipotle restaurant chicken recipe captures that signature smoky, tangy flavor you crave, but adds a delicious twist with a vibrant roasted red pepper lime crema. It’s fast enough for a busy weeknight, yet feels special enough for a family dinner or meal prep. Get ready for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken that’s full of flavor and ready to star in tacos, bowls, or burritos; this chipotle restaurant chicken recipe is a winner. The homemade crema really takes this a step beyond the original.

Ingredients

600 g (1.3 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for optimal juiciness and flavor in this recipe. Trim away any excess fat or sinew to ensure even cooking. Chicken thighs hold up better to the marinade than breasts.
2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: These are crucial for the smoky heat and tangy flavor profile of the chicken. Find them canned in the international or Latin foods aisle of most supermarkets. Use 2 peppers for mild heat, 3 for a noticeable kick.
2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the can of chipotles): This liquid gold from the can carries a concentrated smoky flavor and rich color. It helps tenderize the meat during marination and prevents the chicken from drying out during cooking.
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Use 1 tablespoon for the marinade to coat the chicken and distribute the seasonings. Use the remaining 1 tablespoon to coat the pan before cooking, ensuring a good sear.
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, divided: Fresh lime juice adds a necessary bright, acidic note to balance the richness of the chipotle peppers. Half goes into the marinade, and half goes into the crema for zest. Always use fresh-squeezed lime juice.
1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder: This classic spice blend creates the authentic, savory base flavor for the chipotle restaurant chicken recipe. The combination of cumin and oregano provides the earthy, smoky notes characteristic of this dish. Keep these spices fresh to ensure maximum potency in the marinade.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste: Salt brings out all the other flavors in the marinade and during cooking. Kosher salt is preferred for its clean taste and coarser texture for seasoning.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste: Black pepper adds a subtle sharp, pungent background note to the savory spices. Freshly ground black pepper provides a more intense aroma and flavor.
340 g (12 oz) jarred roasted red peppers, drained well: These form the base of the vibrant crema, providing sweetness and color without needing to roast them yourself. Drain them thoroughly before blending to avoid making the crema too watery.
120 g (1/2 cup) full-fat sour cream: Full-fat sour cream provides a rich, creamy base for the crema. The high fat content balances the spicy chipotle and acidic lime. Greek yogurt can be used as a slightly lighter alternative if that’s what’s in the fridge, but sour cream offers a more authentic taste.
1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar: A touch of honey adds necessary sweetness to balance the tart lime juice and sour cream in the crema. The sweetness helps round out the flavors, creating a more complex sauce.
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of color at the end. It complements the lime and chipotle flavors perfectly. If you dislike cilantro, use fresh parsley instead.
2 lime wedges, for serving: Squeezing fresh lime juice over the finished dish adds a final layer of brightness. It enhances all the flavors of the chicken and crema just before serving.

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Begin by patting the chicken thighs completely dry to ensure a good sear later; moisture prevents browning. In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, half of the lime juice (1/2 tablespoon), cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the mixture, tossing to coat thoroughly, then marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. I often toss this together right before I walk out the door for my kid’s school pickup; 30 minutes on the counter works great for getting enough flavor for a weeknight family dinner. This marination is key to achieving a great chipotle restaurant chicken recipe.

2. Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper Lime Crema

While the chicken marinates, drain the roasted red peppers well. In a small blender or food processor, combine the drained red peppers, sour cream, remaining lime juice, honey (or agave nectar), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and vibrant orange-red, then taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before setting aside in the fridge.

3. Cook the Chicken

Preheat a large cast-iron skillet (or grill pan) over medium-high heat until hot; add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer, ensuring not to crowd the pan, which would steam the chicken instead of searing it. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken develops deep char marks and reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). If the pan is overcrowded, the chicken will steam instead of searing; work in batches if necessary to achieve that desirable char. This char gives a classic chipotle restaurant chicken recipe its smoky depth.

4. Rest and Dice

Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a clean cutting board or plate. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays tender and moist. After resting, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for serving. The rest step is vital for making this chipotle restaurant chicken recipe juicy.

5. Combine and Serve

Transfer the diced chicken to a warm serving bowl or platter. Add about half of the prepared Roasted Red Pepper Lime Crema to the chicken and gently fold it in a few times, just enough to create visible streaks and ribbons of the sauce. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and serve with the remaining crema drizzled over the top and lime wedges on the side. This final preparation step for this family-friendly chipotle restaurant chicken recipe ensures every bite is tender and saucy.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

The make-ahead options make this easy chipotle restaurant chicken recipe perfect for busy schedules. You can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours ahead in the fridge; this actually improves the flavor. The red pepper lime crema can also be prepared 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Leftovers are excellent for meal prep lunches. I like to roast a large batch on Sunday, using half for dinner and portioning the rest for healthy lunches with rice and vegetables throughout the week.

What to Serve With This Chipotle Chicken

This versatile chipotle restaurant chicken recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of sides for easy dinner ideas:

For Burrito Bowls: Serve over cilantro-lime rice with black beans, corn salsa, guacamole, and a sprinkle of cheese.
For Tacos or Quesadillas: Dice smaller and serve in warm corn or flour tortillas with pico de gallo and Cotija cheese.
For Salads: Place on top of a bed of crisp romaine lettuce with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing.
Classic Sides: Pair with a side of easy refried beans, Mexican rice, or elotes (Mexican street corn salad).

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat. This high-protein chipotle restaurant chicken recipe works well with both cuts, but thighs offer a richer flavor. Ensure the internal temperature still reaches 165°F (74°C).

How do I make the crema less spicy?

The heat primarily comes from the chipotle peppers. To reduce spice in this specific chipotle restaurant chicken recipe, use only one pepper (or even half of one) and ensure you use the full amount of sour cream to balance the heat.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked, diced chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It makes for excellent meal prep for this easy chipotle restaurant chicken recipe.

Where can I find chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?

Look for them in the canned goods aisle, often near other specialty chili products or in the section dedicated to Latin American cuisine. This ingredient is essential for achieving the signature flavor of this chipotle restaurant chicken recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this chipotle restaurant chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free spices and ensure no cross-contamination.

What if I don’t have a blender for the crema?

You can finely mince the roasted red peppers and whisk them vigorously with the sour cream, but the texture will not be as smooth as a blended crema. I find the texture is much smoother and creamier with the blender.

Conclusion

This easy chipotle restaurant chicken recipe brings all the flavor and satisfaction of your favorite meal right to your kitchen. Save this easy weeknight recipe on Pinterest for healthy eating and quick family dinners throughout the week.