This chipotle chicken marinade is a quick and easy way to add a depth of flavor to any cut of poultry along with beef, pork, and vegetables. We love using marinades that are versatile so they can be used on any cut of meat really, and this chipotle marinade is no different.
If you are looking for make-ahead dishes, you can also freeze it for later which makes dinner fairly easy. No matter which way you choose, pair your main course meal with our Cilantro Lime Rice for a simple weeknight meal.
You can use this homemade marinade when you are grilling, baking in the oven, on the stove top, when making tacos or burritos, and even for Instant Pot and air fryer recipes. If you are tired of making boring salads, chipotle chicken is a fantastic addition.
CHIPOTLE CHICKEN MARINADE INGREDIENTS
You may have all of these ingredients for this easy recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this delicious recipe you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients. Exact ingredients are in the recipe card below.
Jump to Recipe- Peppers: canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Spices: garlic, cumin, coriander, chili powder, oregano, salt
- Etc.: chicken, shallot, adobo sauce (comes in the can of peppers)
7 WAYS TO USE THIS CHIPOTLE MARINADE
We love to make this marinade then put in a ziploc bag with chicken breasts or chicken wings and marinate for 30 minutes or freeze for later. Here are 7 recipes that use this chipotle chicken marinade. Just make the marinade now, freeze it with the chicken and then defrost when you're ready to cook. It take a lot of time out of your nightly cooking!
Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Wings
Air fryer chipotle chicken wings are crispy every time and pair well with our cilantro sour cream dipping sauce.
Chipotle Chicken Stuffed Pasta Shells
Stuffed pasta in the air fryer? Yes, please! You only need 3 simple ingredients to make this easy chipotle chicken stuffed pasta dinner or appetizer. This is great to make with leftover chipotle chicken from any of these recipes.
Pan Seared Chicken Burrito Bowls
Burrito bowls are packed with flavor, hearty, are super easy to make, and tastes phenomenal. Don't forget to pair it with our Cilantro Lime Butter.
Chicken and Pineapple Kabobs
If you love chipotle flavors, you have to try our juicy grilled chipotle chicken and pineapple skewers. Dice up the pre-marinated chicken and pop them on skewers for a great spring and summer meal.
Chipotle Chicken Taco Soup
Instant Pot tortilla soup feeds a crowd and is ready in about 30 minutes. I don't even defrost my marinated chicken before making this. You can't have an easier weeknight meal. It's also great to freeze for later and the perfect comfort food.
Sheet Pan Fajitas
One-pan chicken fajitas will make you want to ditch the restaurant every single time! These are easy and there's virtually no cleanup. Just pull your marinated chicken out of the freezer the night before, grab some bell peppers, onions and tortillas and you've got a meal!
- food processor or blender
- resealable plastic bag (ziplock)
INSTRUCTIONS
Follow the full instructions and kitchen tips and quick tips for the best way to make this recipe. Don't forget to check the prep time and cook time in the recipe card below before you begin.
MAKE MARINADE: Add all of the ingredients (minus the chicken) into a food processor or blender. Pulse until it's smooth.
ADD CHICKEN: Place the chicken breasts or chicken thighs into a bowl or plastic bags and divide the marinade evenly.
KITCHEN TIP
We recommend putting 2 pieces of chicken in each bag and freezing to prep for meals in the future. This is especially useful for our Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl, Sheet Pan Fajitas, Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup and Chipotle Chicken Kabobs recipes that require 2 chicken breasts.
COAT CHICKEN: Use your hands to coat the chicken on the inside of the bag.
MARINATE: Place the marinaded chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 24 hours.
KITCHEN TIP
You can freeze the chicken in the marinade for later. Simply place the bag flat when freezing to save space.
STORAGE TIPS
Storing your food properly is important to prevent spoiling or food poisoning.
Refrigerate: Store marinating raw chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Once the chicken has been cooked, store in an airtight container or ziploc bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days if you can't eat it the next day.
Freeze: Store in an airtight, freezer safe, container. If you're storing in a zip top plastic bag, try to get as much air out as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Defrosting: Defrost a ziplock bag of marinated chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click the questions to see the answer.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Canned Chipotle Peppers
- 2 tablespoons Adobo sauce - This comes in the Chipotle Peppers can.
- ¼ cup oil - Avocado oil or vegetable oil should be used if you'll be cooking at high heat. Olive oil can be used otherwise.
- 1 shallot
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 ½ tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon coriander
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 lbs chicken breasts - Use any meat or vegetables you prefer.
Instructions
Combine ingredients In food processor. Blend.
Separate chicken breasts into freezer ziploc bags. We recommend putting 2 breasts In each bag and putting half the marinade with each bag.
While chicken is in ziploc bag, use your hands to coat chicken thoroughly with the marinade.- Marinade for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day in the refrigerator. Lay flat in bag to freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Freeze in ziploc bags with 2 breasts. This will allow you to easily defrost just 2 breasts for recipes that call for 2 breasts instead of 4.
- Double or triple the recipe and marinade then freeze more chicken, beef or vegetables for future meals.
Nutrition
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