Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken (Copycat Recipe)

If you love the taste of Chipotle Chicken, you are going to love this easy to make, air fryer recipe. The meat turns out tender and juicy every time and the flavor tastes just like your favorite fast food Mexican restaurant.

However now you no longer need to get in car to pick up your order or standing in those long lines to get your favorite chicken burrito or bowl. Instead, this simple homemade recipe will provided you with that iconic flavor that we all have come to love.

And it couldn’t be easier to make! With the help of a simple marinade and the work of your air fryer you are guaranteed to make tender, juicy chicken every time with very little effort.

This is one of those recipes that is perfect for those days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Instead, marinate the chicken in the morning and when you get home all you have to do is throw it in the basket to cook.

And in less than 20 minutes your chicken is ready to be served. With its fantastic flavor and simplicity to prepare and cook, it’s sure to become a favorite for you and your family.

Why Make Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken

Although it may be easy to order a burrito or burrito bowl to take home with you, that may not always be the best option. First of all, the standard portion sizes are rather large when you order take out.

And with the large quantity of the other menu items that are added to those burritos and bowls they quickly turn from healthy to unhealthy. Therefore, it is best if you make it at home where you have full control over the ingredients and portion sizes.

In addition, making the meal yourself is faster and less expensive than going to a restaurant. I am sure you can see how making food at home will save you money, however you may be questioning the time saving advantages.

Although having someone else make your meal for you seems like a huge time saver, let’s look at the entire process. Most of us will drive at least 10-15 minutes, if not more to get to the restaurant.

Then you have to stand in line, order, and pay. By the time that you get your utensils and drink, you are already at least 30 minutes into the process.

Even if you order your meal on the app (takes approximately 5 minutes) and pick up a to-go order, you won’t be diving into the delicious food for at least 25 minutes. Makes sense, right?

20 Minute Meal

However with a few make ahead options, you can have your entire Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken meal on the table in less than 20 minutes. For instance, marinate the chicken the night before or in the morning before you leave.

And when you get home make Instant Pot White Rice so that it is hot and ready to eat when the chicken comes out of the air fryer. Then add your favorite salsa, shredded cheese and sour cream and you are ready to eat!

What Type Of Chicken To Use

Although the famous restaurant uses chicken thighs, I prefer to make this recipe using the healthier option of chicken breasts. Chicken breasts contain less fat and fewer calories than chicken thighs, however, you can substitute chicken thighs if you prefer.

Equipment Needed

Blender or Food Processor – you will need to blend the ingredients for the marinade. I prefer to use my Hamilton Beach Duo Food Processor, although you could also use a high speed blender if you prefer.

Air Fryer – As the title of the recipe indicates, you will need an air fryer to make this Chipotle Chicken recipe. You can use either a basket air fryer or an oven air fryer, however because all air fryers cook at different rates you will need to check the chicken for doneness during the last 5 minutes of cook time so that it doesn’t get over done.

Instant Read Digital Thermometer – This is one of the most valuable tools that I have in my kitchen. It truly is the only way to tell exactly when your meat is cooked to perfection.

I recommend using an instant read digital thermometer rather a dial thermometer. They are much more accurate and give you the internal temperature of the meat immediately.

Oven Instructions

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still enjoy Chipotle Chicken by baking it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and cook the chicken for 35 – 40 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

I have included the specific oven baking instructions in the printable recipe card below.

Different Ways To Serve Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken

This versatile Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken can be served in various ways. I have listed a few of my favorite ways to serve it below:

• Burrito Bowl
• Tacos
• Burritos
• Quesadillas
• Nachos
• Salads
• Sandwich
• Main Dish

Make It Into A Freezer Meal

Transform this recipe into a freezer meal by marinating and freezing the raw chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a freezer safe container. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw the chicken in the refrigerator and follow the cooking instructions below.

How To Store & Reheat Chipotle Chicken

Store leftover Chipotle Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use the air fryer, oven, or microwave, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming.

Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken (Copycat Recipe)

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ½ medium red onion peeled, cut into large pieces
• 2 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the can of chipotles)
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 TBSP ground cumin
• 1 TBSP dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Be sure that the pieces of chicken are even in thickness. If one side is bigger than the other, place a piece of plastic wrap over top of the chicken and pound just the thick side until it is the same thickness as the rest of the breast. Repeat with the other chicken breasts as necessary. Set aside.

Add the red onion, garlic, adobo chile peppers, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, dried cumin, dried oregano, salt and pepper in a blender or food processor and pulse until a puree forms. It doesn’t have to be completely smooth, however there should not be large chunks in the marinade.

Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or container. The pour the marinade over the top of the chicken. Flip the chicken pieces to coat the underside. contents of blender over chicken. Close the container and place it in the refrigerator for 6-12 hours.

Preheat the air fryer at 360°F (180°C). Once the air fryer is preheated, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the liquid. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and carefully lower the chicken inside the basket.

Cook Time Required

Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking process. The chicken is done when the internal temperature in the thickest portion of the chicken reaches 165°F. Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

There you have it! An easy Chipotle Chicken recipe that you can make at home in the air fryer!

You’ll save money, enjoy a healthier meal, and impress your family and friends with this versatile dish that can be used in numerous creative ways. Give it a try today!

Enjoy! Mary

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