Go Back
pollo-asado-chipotle-copycat-recipe

Pollo Asado (Chipotle Copycat Recipe)

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a smoky chipotle, citrus, and garlic sauce then grilled or pan-seared to perfection. A bold and flavorful Chipotle copycat recipe perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, and meal prep.
Print Recipe Save to Pins
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinate Time 30 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 322
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise
  • 2 tsp olive oil for cooking
  • 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 7 oz can
  • 4 tbsp fresh lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 4 tbsp fresh orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 medium onion quartered
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano Mexican oregano preferred
  • 1 tsp ground coriander optional
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • Grill, skillet, or air fryer
  • Airtight container or zip-lock bag
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Add all marinade ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and evenly combined.
  2. Place chicken in a large airtight container or zip-lock bag. Pour marinade over chicken and mix until evenly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes up to 24 hours.
  3. Grill method: Preheat grill to 350 to 400 degrees F. Brush grates with olive oil. Grill chicken 15 to 30 minutes flipping occasionally until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
  4. Pan method: Heat skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add chicken and all marinade sauce. Cook 5 minutes then flip and cook 3 to 5 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Add splash of water if sauce dries out. Drizzle pan sauce over chicken before serving.
  5. Air fryer method: Coat basket with olive oil. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 8 minutes. Flip and cook 6 to 7 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
  6. Rest chicken for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Marinate overnight for the best flavor and most tender results. Freeze raw marinated chicken for up to 6 months for easy future meals. Store cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 5 days.