Ancho Chile Marinade For Meat Ala Chipotle Recipe

Fire up your grill and prepare for a flavor explosion! This recipe recreates the magic of Chipotle's crave-worthy carnitas, but with juicy grilled chicken. Inspired by their famous tacos, this ancho chile marinade delivers a smoky, savory depth that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoying on its own, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results in under an hour. Get ready for the ultimate taco night!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 68 mins
Calories 429.3 kcal
Protein 65g
Rating 5.0 (4 Reviews)
Ancho Chile Marinade For Meat Ala Chipotle 82

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Ancho Chile Marinade For Meat Ala Chipotle

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How to Make Ancho Chile Marinade For Meat Ala Chipotle

  1. Soak 1 ounce dried ancho chiles in 2 cups of hot water overnight, or until completely softened.
  2. Remove stems and seeds from the rehydrated chiles.
  3. Combine the soaked chiles, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a food processor. Puree until completely smooth.
  4. Place 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
  5. Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  7. Grill chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

4 g

Sugar

2g

Fat

28g

Carbs

3g