Perfect for grilling season.
This Chipotle Chicken Marinade is smoky and packed with bold flavor from chipotle peppers, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and warm spices. The marinade comes together in just a few minutes in the blender and makes flavorful protein that’s perfect for grilling, meal prep, tacos, salads, rice bowls, and more!
Chicken Marinades
I think we all get a little tired of figuring out what’s for dinner every. single. day.
I love to have an arsenal of quick chicken marinades that help make the protein part of dinner super easy. Throw it with some veggies and pasta, potatoes, or rice and it works for dinner!
Not every meal is going to be the best thing you’ve ever made. Barbecue Grilled Chicken & Herby Grilled Chicken are also in our top 3.
Ingredients
- chicken breasts – thinly sliced for even cooking
- chipotle peppers in adobo – I recently found them in a jar at Walmart so you can keep them in the fridge easier for next time!
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- honey
- garlic cloves
- kosher salt – I use Diamond Crystal in all my recipes
- cumin
- smoked paprika
- onion powder
- lemon zest
How to Make Chipotle Chicken Marinade
- Blend the Marinade: Add all of the marinade ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to evenly coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Cook and Serve: Grill or pan sear the chicken until cooked through. Finish with fresh lemon juice before serving.
What to Serve with Chipotle Chicken Marinated Chicken
You can absolutely eat this chicken by itself or simply alongside a few easy sides, some of my favorites are:
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Avocado Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
- Black Beans
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Rice Bowls or Burrito Bowls
- Tacos
How to Make Chipotle Chicken Marinade Ahead of Time
The marinade can be blended up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
You can also marinate the chicken overnight.
Equipment I Use to Make Chipotle Chicken Marinade
- Splatter Tray – so versatile and cute!
- Grilling Utensils – must haves for easy grilling
- Microplane – so helpful for zesting lemons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this marinade very spicy?
It has minimal heat. Using one chipotle pepper gives plenty of smoky flavor without making the chicken overwhelmingly spicy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully with this marinade.
Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Yes. Add the chicken and marinade to a freezer safe ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Print
Chipotle Chicken Marinade
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1½ tablespoons honey
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Add 1 chipotle pepper, 1 tablespoon adobo sauce, 1/3 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1½ tablespoons honey, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon lemon zest to a blender or small food processor. Blend until completely smooth.
- Add your chicken to a bowl or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over top. Toss until fully coated.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and cook in a hot skillet or on the grill until cooked through and lightly charred.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Mains
- Method: Grill, Stovetop
Smores Brownies
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