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Keto chipotle chicken with charred edges on a parchment-lined baking sheet, showing smoky adobo marinade

Keto Chipotle Chicken

A copycat version of Chipotle restaurant's famous chicken featuring boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and Mexican spices, then baked to perfection. Keto-friendly with only 1 net carb per serving.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 275
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-2 inch pieces
  • 1/3 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce chopped
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the can
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic fresh preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano Mexican oregano preferred
  • 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat
  • Plastic wrap or airtight container

Method
 

  1. Place cut chicken thighs into a large mixing bowl, ensuring pieces are roughly uniform in size (1-2 inches) for even cooking.
  2. Add finely chopped red onion, olive oil, chopped chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, ancho chili powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl with chicken. Toss everything together thoroughly until each piece is coated with marinade.
  3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours to allow the chipotle and spices to penetrate the meat. Minimum 2 hours if short on time.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  5. Spread marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow even browning.
  6. Bake for 20-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Chicken should be golden brown with slightly charred edges and no pink inside.
  7. Optional: Turn oven to broil for 1-2 minutes to create crispy, charred edges. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

Chicken thighs stay juicier than breast meat. Find chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in the international food section. Can substitute chicken breast but may need extra sauce to prevent drying. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure chicken is completely cooled before storing.