Smoky And Savory Chipotle Chicken Recipe Adobo
The smoky aroma that wafts down the street, the promise of creamy guac and tangy salsa nestled against perfectly seasoned chicken – it’s enough to make any home cook yearn to recreate that magic in their own kitchen.
You don’t need a secret handshake or a Chipotle employee badge to unlock the secrets of smoky, savory chicken. Today, we’re diving headfirst into a recipe that captures the essence of Chipotle’s beloved chicken – the Chipotle Chicken Recipe Adobo.
This recipe isn’t just about mimicking a takeout favorite; it’s about creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. We’ll be harnessing the deep, smoky magic of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, a Mexican staple that infuses our chicken with an irresistible depth of flavor.
The adobo sauce, a blend of dried chilies, spices, and often tomatoes, adds a touch of tang and a hint of sweetness that complements the smokiness beautifully. Trust me, once you experience the complex flavor profile of this chicken, you might just forget about the drive-thru line.
But the beauty of this recipe lies not just in its taste, but also in its simplicity. We’ll be using readily available ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry. The process itself is fuss-free, requiring minimal prep work and cooking time. So, ditch the delivery menus and the endless recipe browsing.
With this Chipotle Chicken Recipe Adobo, you’ll be whipping up a restaurant-worthy dish in under an hour, leaving you with time to savor the deliciousness and maybe even impress people.
Chipotle Chicken Recipe Adobo
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes1400-1500
kcalCraving bold flavors? This chipotle chicken recipe uses an adobo marinade to deliver smoky depth and a touch of heat. Marinated chicken gets juicy and tender, perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads. Whip up this easy recipe for a weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and ground black pepper
For the Chipotle Adobo Sauce:
1 (7 ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (2-3 peppers depending on desired heat level)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
Additional Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Cooked rice, tortillas, or salad greens (for serving)
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat them evenly in the spice mixture. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to an hour for an extra burst of smoky flavor.
- Prepare the Chipotle Adobo Sauce: While the chicken marinates, it’s time to create the star of the show – the chipotle adobo sauce! In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (start with 2 peppers, add the third for more heat if desired), brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Blend until you have a smooth sauce with a slightly chunky texture.
- Sizzle and Simmer: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent. If using, add the diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Welcome the Marinated Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces (along with any leftover marinade) to the skillet with the softened vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Unleash the Smoky Goodness: Pour the prepared chipotle adobo sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken and vegetables. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is coated in the flavorful sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- The Grand Finale: Once the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Garnish your Chipotle Chicken Adobo with chopped fresh cilantro (optional) for a touch of color and a burst of freshness.
Recipe Video
Tips For Chipotle Chicken Recipe Adobo
Your Chipotle Chicken Adobo is simmering away, filling your kitchen with an intoxicating smoky aroma. Now, let’s explore some tips and tricks to elevate this dish from delicious to truly extraordinary!
- Spice it Up (or Down): The beauty of this recipe lies in its customizability. Love the heat? Use all three chipotle peppers in the adobo sauce. Prefer a milder flavor? Start with just two peppers and adjust the heat level to your preference.
- Don’t Skip the Marinating Step: While the chicken marinates for a minimum of 10 minutes, allowing it to rest for a full hour infuses it with even deeper smoky flavors. Plan accordingly to maximize the flavor profile.
- Vegetable Variations: This recipe uses onions and bell peppers for a classic flavor combination. Feel free to get creative! Swap the bell pepper for poblano peppers for a touch of smokiness, or add chopped zucchini or corn for extra texture and sweetness.
- Leftover Love: Cooked Chipotle Chicken Adobo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, and enjoy it over rice, in tortillas, or on a bed of salad greens.
- Beyond the Bowl: While Chipotle Chicken Adobo is perfect for bowls, don’t limit your creativity! Shred the chicken and use it in tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas. The smoky flavor adds a delicious twist to any Mexican-inspired dish.
- Get Cheesy (Optional): For an extra layer of richness, consider adding shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or queso fresco to your Chipotle Chicken Adobo before serving. The melted cheese creates a delightful contrast to the smoky sauce and adds a touch of creaminess.
Get details about more mouthwatering dishes
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Serving Tips Chipotle Chicken Recipe Adobo
The smoky aroma fills the air, the chicken simmers in the rich adobo sauce, and your taste buds are ready for a fiesta! But before you dive into a bowl of deliciousness, consider these plating tips to elevate your dish from ordinary to extraordinary. After all, presentation plays a big role in creating a satisfying dining experience. Let’s transform your Chipotle Chicken Adobo into a visual masterpiece that complements the amazing flavors:
- Bowl Basics: The classic Chipotle bowl is a great way to showcase your creation. Choose a colorful or patterned bowl to add a touch of vibrancy. Start by scooping a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice (depending on your preference) in the center of the bowl.
- Chicken Star: Next, gently arrange the cooked Chipotle Chicken Adobo pieces on top of the rice. This allows the chicken to be the star of the show and showcases the beautiful golden-brown color from the marinade.
- Saucy Swirl: Don’t just dump the remaining sauce on top! Use a spoon to gently swirl the sauce around the chicken and rice, creating a visually appealing and flavorful distribution. This ensures every bite is packed with the delicious smoky adobo goodness.
- Vegetable Vibrancy: For a burst of color and freshness, scatter your chosen vegetables around the plate. Chopped red bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of fresh corn kernels add vibrancy and complement the dish’s overall flavor profile.
- Green Garnish: A touch of greenery goes a long way! Garnish your Chipotle Chicken Adobo with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or chopped fresh parsley. The bright green adds a pop of color and freshness, making the dish even more inviting.
- Cheese, Please (Optional): For an extra layer of richness and visual interest, offer grated cheese like Monterey Jack or crumbled queso fresco on the side. This allows your guests to customize the level of cheesiness to their preference and adds a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Nutrition in Chipotle Chicken Recipe Adobo
We’ve been tantalizing your taste buds with the smoky, savory goodness of Chipotle Chicken Adobo. But as home cooks, it’s always important to consider the nutritional content of the meals we create. So, let’s delve into the specifics of this flavorful recipe and understand what it offers from a dietary perspective.
The exact nutritional breakdown of your Chipotle Chicken Adobo can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients you use and the amount you consume. However, this recipe generally provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Here’s a ballpark estimate of the key nutrients per serving (assuming a serving size of one-fourth of the recipe):
- Calories: Around 450-550 calories per serving (depending on the oil used and if you add cheese)
- Protein: Approximately 35-40 grams of protein per serving (primarily from the chicken)
- Carbohydrates: Around 40-50 grams of carbohydrates per serving (from the rice, diced tomatoes, and chipotle peppers)
- Fat: Roughly 15-25 grams of fat per serving (including healthy fats from olive oil)
Conclusion
This Chipotle Chicken Recipe Adobo is more than just a recipe – it’s a gateway to a world of smoky, savory deliciousness. It’s a dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. With readily available ingredients and minimal prep work, you can whip up this flavor-packed wonder in under 40 minutes.
But the true beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, spice levels, and protein options. Swap the bell pepper for poblano for a smokier kick, add a can of black beans for extra protein and fiber, or use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian twist. This recipe is your culinary canvas, so unleash your creativity and create a Chipotle Chicken Adobo experience that’s uniquely yours.
FAQs
What is chipotle adobo sauce made of?
Chipotle adobo sauce is made from chipotle peppers, which are smoked and dried jalapeño peppers, and adobo sauce, a tangy and slightly sweet sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, garlic, and spices.
How to use chipotle in adobo?
Chipotle in adobo can be used as a flavoring agent in a variety of dishes. Simply remove the chipotle peppers from the can and chop them finely, then add them along with some of the adobo sauce to soups, stews, marinades, sauces, or salsas to add smoky heat and depth of flavor.
Does chipotle have adobo chicken?
Chipotle does not have a specific menu item called u0022adobo chicken,u0022 but they do offer a seasoned, all-white-meat chicken option that is marinated in a blend of spices and citrus juices. Customers can customize their orders to include chicken as a protein option in burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, and other menu items.
Marie Johnson is an accomplished recipe blog writer, blending her passion for cooking with her knack for storytelling. With years of experience in the culinary world, Marie’s writing transports readers into the heart of her kitchen, where every dish tells a delicious tale. Her recipes are not just instructions; they’re invitations to embark on culinary adventures, exploring flavors, cultures, and traditions.
