Smoky Chipotle Chicken with Lime and Cilantro

Craving smoky chipotle chicken? This easy recipe delivers big flavour with minimal fuss. Think Nando's, but better! Marinate & cook for a quick, spicy dinner.

Smoky Chipotle Chicken: Your New Weeknight Hero

Fancy some smoky, spicy deliciousness? this chipotle chicken recipe is about to become your new best friend. it’s seriously easy, bursting with flavour, and way better than takeout.

Honestly, once you try it, you'll wonder where it's been all your life.

What is Chipotle Chicken, Anyway?

Well, think smoky, subtly spicy chicken with a hint of lime. this recipe is inspired by the awesome flavors of tex-mex cuisine.

While not a traditional dish from, say, sopot, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. it's also super simple to whip up. the difficulty level is easy peasy.

You only need around 20 minutes prep, plus 15- 20 minutes cooking, and boom – dinner is served. this recipe makes enough for 4 hungry people.

Why You'll Absolutely Love This

Firstly, it's packed with protein and relatively healthy. it's perfect for a quick and tasty meal after a busy day.

Secondly, it's totally customisable. you can adjust the spice level to your liking. you know, some people love it really hot, others prefer a milder kick.

Finally, it's incredibly flavorful. the chipotle marinade is what makes this chicken extra special. it’s like sunshine in a bowl.

.. or a plate, whatever. it's also great for those idee pasto sano .

Ready to get cooking? Let's dive into the ingredients you'll need. And if you want something simmered low and slow this is as close as you can get before using Crockpot Recipes Slow Cooker !

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up some amazing smoky chipotle chicken ! honestly, it's easier than you think, promise.

I’ve had some shocking cooking fails in my time, but this recipe? never fails. it's my go-to when i need something quick and flavourful.

Think of those amazing fall soups or soups stews chilis you crave in winter, but in chicken form!

Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

We're going to split this up to make it super easy.

Main Ingredients - US & Metric!

• Chipotle Marinade:

  • 4 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, chopped ( 60g / 2.1 oz ) These are the key ingredient for that smoky kick. Buy good quality for the best flavour.
  • 2 Limes, juiced ( 60 ml / ¼ cup ) Fresh is always best!
  • ¼ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (about 15g / 0.5 oz ) If you are like me and hate Cilantro, just don't add it.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 6g )
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin ( 5 ml / 1 tsp )
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano ( 2.5 ml / ½ tsp )
  • ¼ teaspoon salt ( 1.25 ml / ¼ tsp )
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30 ml / 2 tbsp )

• For the Chipotle Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 150-175g / 5-6 oz each) Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not greyish. That's a good sign of quality.
  • Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml / 1 tbsp )

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

This is where the magic happens, my friend.

• Essential spice combinations: Chipotle, cumin, and oregano are the base of this, a combo I learned when travelling in Sopot . It gives that authentic south-western flavour. I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
• Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Garlic and lime juice brighten everything up. Don't skip them!
• Quick substitution options: No chipotle peppers? Oh my gosh! Okay, don't panic. Use smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper. It won't be exactly the same, but it'll do in a pinch for these Soups Stews Chilis type flavours we want.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don’t need a fancy kitchen for this Idee Pasto Sano .

• Food Processor or Blender You need to mix the marinade.
• Large bowl or zip-top bag For marinating.
• Skillet or Grill Pan For cooking.
• Meat Thermometer (recommended) Makes sure the chicken is cooked.

Common household alternatives? a good old mortar and pestle can work for the marinade if you don't have a food processor, and a frying pan works if you don't own a grill pan.

If you are cooking soup season , you could use a crockpot recipes slow cooker to let the chicken simmer in it's juices.

And just use a normal fork to check if it's cooked through! simple! this recipe is inspired by the flavours found in a cowboy stew , perfect for soup and stew lovers.

Right, let’s talk Chipotle Chicken , yeah? It's proper easy, honestly. Forget those fancy restaurants. You can totally nail this at home.

Smoky Chipotle Chicken: Not Your Average Bird

This ain’t just any chicken. this recipe is all about that amazing smoky flavour from chipotle peppers. it’s like a cheeky nandos but even better, cause you made it.

I reckon you’ll love it, and it’s dead simple. perfect for soup season , actually – the flavours are so warming.

We can even try it in fall soups .

It's so good and its Idee Pasto Sano !

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place is Key

First, get your stuff sorted. that's your mise en place , as those fancy chefs say. chop 4 chipotle peppers , juice 2 limes , and get your cilantro ready.

Minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and olive oil are next. for the chicken, you'll need 4 breasts , salt, pepper, and more olive oil.

Honestly, this is the most important bit. saves you from scrambling later!

Step-by-Step to Chipotle Chicken Glory

Here's how to do it, nice and easy:

1. Blend your marinade. Chuck the chipotles, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and olive oil into a blender. Whizz it till smooth.
2. Marinate the chicken. Bag up the chicken with the marinade. Give it a good shake. Stick it in the fridge for at least 30 mins, or up to 2 hours .
3. Heat your pan or grill. Medium-high heat, with a bit of olive oil.
4. Cook the chicken. Take the chicken out of the marinade, bin the marinade, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6- 8 minutes per side. Make sure the internal temp hits 165° F ( 74° C) .
5. Rest and serve. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

You know, thinking about it, this chipotle chicken would actually be awesome in a Cowboy Stew too. Just saying!

Pro Tips: Secrets to Unbelievable Chicken

• Don't over-marinate! More than 2 hours and the chicken gets a weird texture.
• Get a good sear. Colour equals flavour, as they say.
• A meat thermometer is your best mate. Gets it right every time.

I once messed this up by over-marinating. It was like rubber chicken. Honestly, a right disaster. Don't be like me, yeah?

And there you have it! This dish is amazing. I have even heard that the city of Sopot have a chipotle festival. I can't vouch for it thought!

If you're into easy crockpot recipes slow cooker , you could even adapt this. just chuck everything in and let it do its thing.

This chipotle chicken can be made in soup chili too, why not? or even soups stews chilis . you can easily serve it in a soup and stew ! now go on, give it a go! you won't regret it.

Right then, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this banging chipotle chicken recipe. i'm talkin' about all those little extras that can take it from "alright, that'll do" to "oh my gosh, this is amazing! ".

Honestly, it's the little details, innit?

Recipe Notes: Making it Yours

Plating and Presentation: Look at that!

Presentation is key, you know? think about it: we eat with our eyes first. for the chipotle chicken , i reckon slicing the chicken thinly and fanning it out on a plate looks pretty swanky.

Chuck some chopped cilantro over it for a pop of colour. maybe a wedge of lime for a bit of extra zing.

Simple, but effective!

For sides, black beans and rice are a shout. or, you could serve it with some proper cowboy stew. to drink, a chilled lager or even a sparkling limeade would be lush.

Basically, make it look and taste like a restaurant-quality meal, even if you're just scoffing it on the sofa.

Storing the Goodness: Don't Waste a Morsel!

Right, so you've got leftovers. Don't bin it!

• Fridge: Pop that Chipotle Chicken into an airtight container and it'll be happy in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: If you're thinking longer-term, freezing is your pal. Wrap it well (cling film then foil is a good shout) and it'll last for up to 3 months. Make sure it's properly cooled first though.
• Reheating: Easiest way? Microwave it until piping hot, but be careful not to dry it out. You can also reheat it in a pan with a splash of water or broth. Or, give it a quick flash under the grill.

Get Creative: Variations on a Theme

Fancy a bit of a change? Why not!

• Dietary adaptations: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, bonus! For a lower-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Seasonal swaps: In the autumn or Soup Season , this Chipotle Chicken is gorgeous in Fall Soups , Soups Stews Chilis , Soup Chili , or even Soup And Stew . During the summer, you can char the chicken on the grill to amp up the smokiness.

The Good Stuff: Nutrition Basics

Okay, a little bit about what's actually in this chipotle chicken . a serving clocks in at roughly 350 calories . you're getting a hefty dose of protein (around 45g ), which is great for muscle building and keeping you full.

There's also some fat (around 15g ), but mostly from healthy olive oil. carbs are about 10g .

Idee Pasto Sano , eh? The best bit? Chipotle peppers are packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants. Plus, they give you a nice little kick!

Honestly, this recipe is all about taking simple ingredients and turning them into something utterly delicious. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

I bet, you'll find this in other crockpot recipes slow cooker , and then a little sopot of a side will be good.

You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is chipotle chicken, anyway? Sounds a bit fancy!

Chipotle chicken is simply chicken that's been flavored with chipotle peppers. Chipotle peppers are just smoked and dried jalapeños, giving the chicken a delicious smoky and slightly spicy kick. Think of it like a more grown-up, smoky version of your average BBQ chicken - perfect for livening up a Tuesday night tea!

How spicy is this chipotle chicken recipe going to be? I don't want to blow my head off!

The spice level of this chipotle chicken is easily adjustable! If you're spice-sensitive, remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers before adding them to the marinade. For a fiery kick that'd make even a dragon sweat, add an extra pepper or a pinch of cayenne. It's all about finding that Goldilocks spice level - not too hot, not too mild, but just right.

Can I make chipotle chicken ahead of time? Life's a bit hectic, you know.

Absolutely! Marinating the chicken is key to flavour, and you can prep the marinade up to 24 hours in advance. Cooked chipotle chicken will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It's even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to mingle! Think of it like a fine wine, except chicken. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this smoky chipotle chicken? I'm drawing a blank!

This chipotle chicken plays nicely with loads of sides! For a classic Tex-Mex vibe, serve it with rice and black beans. It's also fantastic in tacos or burritos, loaded with your favourite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream. Grilled corn on the cob is another winner - a true taste of summer, even if the weather's saying otherwise!

I can't find chipotle peppers in adobo sauce anywhere! What can I use instead to make chipotle chicken?

Don't fret! If you can't get your hands on chipotle peppers in adobo, you can substitute with smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper to mimic the smoky and spicy flavour. While it won't be exactly the same, it will give you a similar vibe. Consider it a bit of a cheat code to deliciousness.

Is this chipotle chicken recipe healthy? I'm trying to be good, you know!

This recipe can be part of a healthy diet! Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps the fat content down. It's also packed with protein, which is great for keeping you feeling full and satisfied. To make it even healthier, serve it with whole grains like brown rice and load up on the veggies. A balanced diet is the key, after all!

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