Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Today, I've got a mouthwatering Chipotle Chicken recipe that's perfect for those craving a flavorful, low-carb dish. Imagine tender chicken legs and thighs marinated in zesty lime juice and coated with a robust chipotle dry rub. It's simple yet packs a punch of smoky, spicy flavors that'll have your taste buds dancing. Let's dive into how to make this delicious meal without any difficulty—perfect for any night of the week!
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Table of Contents
7 Reasons to love this recipe
Here are 7 reasons why you will love this recipe:
- Amazingly different recipe for chicken!
- The entire family will love how flavorful this recipe is.
- Can be made ahead and reheats beautifully.
- Easy for a weeknight meal or for a family BBQ.
- Pairs with so many different side dishes.
- Completely low-carb but nobody will know!
- Tender, juicy chicken every time.
Is Chipotle Chicken Low-Carb?
Yes, chipotle chicken is low-carb. This particular recipe, contains just 1 g net carbs per serving. You can easily enjoy this healthy chicken recipe on a low carb diet without worrying about the carb count! You can also pair it with a vegetarian side dish to make a complete meal.
Chipotle Chicken Recipe: Southwest Delight
You might not know this about me, but I'm a huge fan of Southwestern flavors. If there's a way to give a dish that Southwestern twist, count me in—whether it's low-carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, or any other way of eating. Southwestern cuisine is one of my favorites, and I love infusing that flair into my cooking.
So, let's delve into chipotle chicken. What makes chipotle chicken so irresistible to me? It's the smoky spiciness. It's deeply savory yet with a hint of sweetness that's simply irresistible. That's what immediately comes to mind when I think about this recipe.
Chipotle Dry Rub
One of the highlights of this recipe is its versatility: the chipotle chicken dry rub can be generously applied to nearly any type of chicken, delivering a burst of Southwestern flavor with every bite. The key to achieving the best results lies in keeping the chicken skin intact, as it enhances the richness and boldness of the chipotle chicken seasoning rub's flavors.
You can make your own chipotle chicken dry rub by combining chipotle powder; salt; granulated garlic powder; onion powder; dried oregano; ground cumin; black pepper; cayenne powder; and ground coriander in a bowl. Use a food processor if you're using a whole chipotle pepper.
The combination of smoky chipotle with aromatic spices and a hint of sweetness really shines when paired with the natural fats found in the chicken skin. And don't worry if raw chicken thighs aren't on hand—this versatile chipotle rub works equally well as a seasoning for pork butt or ribs, ensuring that every dish seasoned with it is a flavor-packed delight.
What is Chipotle Chili Pepper?
A chipotle pepper is a jalapeño pepper that has been smoke-dried, resulting in a small, dark red pepper with a delightful sweet heat. Once smoked, the jalapeño becomes shriveled, leathery, and quite pliable. It acts as a perfect chipotle seasoning for chicken. Through this smoking process, the natural heat of the jalapeño pepper intensifies, adding depth to its flavor profile. Trust me, this seasoning will become your favorite topping for many recipes.
Low-Carb Chipotle Chicken Recipe
This low-carb chipotle chicken recipe features skin-on chicken legs, keeping carbs minimal while delivering rich flavors from spices. The skin typically holds most of the chicken's flavor and keeps it juicy during baking. For those on a low-carb diet, the skin provides a satisfying way to enjoy these spices, adding a decadent crunch and enhancing the overall eating experience. If you're watching the fat content and opt for skinless chicken breasts, the dish still remains very low-carb, focusing solely on the flavorful spices.
Chipotle Chicken Ingredients List
You need the following ingredients to make keto chipotle chicken:
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken legs
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
For the Chipotle Chicken Dry Rub Marinade
- 2 tablespoons chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
Here are a few simple ingredients to consider as substitutes:
- Chicken legs and thighs: Consider different chicken pieces, like chicken leg quarters, as a budget-friendly alternative. Alternatively, you can adjust the quantity by using only boneless chicken thighs or only legs, depending on your preference.
- Lime juice: Substitute with lemon juice for a slightly different citrus twist. Lemon juice provides a similar acidity in the chipotle chicken marinade that complements the flavors of the dish.
Additional Ingredients
To enhance the flavors of this recipe even further, add:
- Spices: Elevate the depth with a pinch of cinnamon and chili powder, along with turmeric and smoked paprika. For a mild, flavorful addition, try Ancho chile powder. If you prefer more heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Note: These are optional ingredients and are not included in the recipe.
Cooking Tools
You need the following cooking tools to make chipotle chicken:
- Oven-proof dish
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
How to Make Chipotle Chicken: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Guide
- Baking
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice.
Cooking Instructions
For the Chipotle Chicken Dry Rub
- In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients for the dry rub. Mix well.
For the Chipotle Chicken Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Coat the chicken with the lime juice. Sprinkle all of the rub onto the chicken.
- Place the coated chicken into the baking dish.
- When the oven has come to temperature, bake for 35-40 minutes or until your meat thermometer reads 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the oven. Serve hot and enjoy!
Step 1: Gather all the spices in a bowl.
Step 2: Thoroughly coat the raw chicken pieces with the spice mix, ensuring even coverage.
Step 3: Place the spiced chicken pieces in a baking dish and start the cooking process.
Step 4: Cook the chicken until fully done, achieving a crispy, caramelized skin.
💡 My Pro Tips
- Ensure the chicken skin remains intact to keep the meat moist and flavorful while baking. Without it, the chicken may become dry and the seasoning may burn.
- Apply lime juice directly onto the chicken skin before sprinkling the dry rub. Lay the chicken out on a plate or baking sheet, coat with lime juice, then evenly distribute the dry rub using tongs for better adherence. This method prevents clumping and ensures the spices evenly coat the chicken.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Make the dry rub ahead of time.
- Double the recipe for the dry rub to save time in the future.
- Preheat your oven before starting to gather ingredients.
- Let the raw chicken come to room temperature before cooking, to reduce cook time.
What to Serve With Chipotle Chicken?
Juicy chipotle chicken pairs beautifully with cauliflower, offering a range of delicious options. Besides that, it also tastes amazing with brown rice or cilantro lime rice. Here are a few tasty options to try:
- Cauliflower Purée: Creamy and smooth, this pairs perfectly with the bold and amazing flavors of chipotle chicken, creating a balanced meal.
- Cauliflower Steaks: Roasted cauliflower steaks complement the smoky flavors of the chicken, adding a satisfying texture to your plate.
- Cauliflower Potato Salad: A lighter take on traditional potato salad, with cauliflower adding a nutritious twist that complements the spicy chicken and gives you the exact experience of a beloved restaurant dish!
- Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits: A Southern-inspired dish that combines the smokiness of chipotle chicken with creamy cauliflower grits and succulent shrimp.
- Bacon Avocado Salad: A fresh and crunchy salad with crisp bacon and creamy avocado makes a healthy meal and provide maximum flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage Tips
- Store leftover chicken pieces in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container.
Reheating Tips
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (180°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. Avoid reheating in a pan to maintain texture and flavor.
- Microwave: Use medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until heated through.
Freezing Tips
- Freezes great! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and heat according to the instructions above.
Recipe Conclusion
With this Chipotle Chicken Recipe, you're letting yourself in for a feast of smoky, spicy goodness! With tender chicken infused with zesty lime and a kick of chipotle, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a backyard BBQ bash, this chipotle chicken brings the flavors of the Southwest right to your plate.
Don't wait - treat yourself to some delicious spicy food for tonight! Transform your kitchen into a flavor-filled fiesta with every bite of this mouthwatering chipotle chicken. Your family and friends will thank you for it!
Other Chicken Recipes
Try out more healthy chicken recipes for a delicious meal!
FAQs
Chipotle chicken al pastor is a dish featuring chicken in chipotle sauce, cooked in a style inspired by traditional Mexican al pastor.
Chipotle chicken is a Mexican food with a warm flavor. It can be spicy due to the hot chipotle rub. Mexican spices typically have a higher level of spice compared to other cuisines.
Copycat chipotle chicken refers to a homemade version of the chicken in marinade used in Chipotle Mexican Grill's dishes, typically seasoned similarly to replicate its flavor profile.
No, chipotle peppers refer to smoked jalapeño peppers, while adobo sauce is a rich, tangy sauce made with tomatoes, vinegar, and spices, often containing chipotles in adobo sauce.
Chipotle chicken is mainly made from chicken legs and thighs, but you can also use boneless chicken breasts as an alternative. You could also use boneless skinless chicken thighs or legs.
This recipe is best made in the oven, as it requires baking raw chicken at a specific temperature to ensure thorough cooking. However, you can make this recipe on the stovetop by cooking the chicken over medium-high heat in a nonstick skillet. Add one tablespoon olive oil and a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
The Best Chipotle Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken legs
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
For the Chipotle Chicken Dry Rub Marinade
- 2 tablespoons chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground coriander optional
Instructions
For the Chipotle Chicken Dry Rub
- In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients for the dry rub. Mix well.
For the Chipotle Chicken Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Coat the chicken with the lime juice. Sprinkle all of the rub onto the chicken.
- Place the coated chicken into the baking dish.
- When the oven has come to temperature, bake for 35-40 minutes or until your meat thermometer reads 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the oven. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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6 Responses
Scott - I'm making this this week for one of our dinners!! Looks and sounds amazing!!
Hi Amanda:
Thank you for trying this delicious chicken. I would really love for you to let me know how it went.
Have an excellent day in the kitchen!
Scott
I'm trying this tonight! Sounds amazing!!
I hope that you liked the recipe... sorry for the late response!
LOVE this recipe! Very flavorful and we made enough for leftovers so we can have it again tomorrow. Didn’t have lime juice on hand but it was perfectly fine using as a dry rub on chicken thighs.We will definitely be making this again.
Thanks so much- definitely works just fine without the lime juice too! Apologies for the late response to the comment!