Forktionary

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

Recipe Actions

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Ancho Chile Marinade For Meat Ala Chipotle

  • Dried Ancho Chiles
  • Black Pepper
  • Cumin Powder
  • Fresh Oregano
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Red Onion
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Chicken Breasts

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.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

4 g

Sugar

2g

Fat

28g

Carbs

3g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Weeknight Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Main Dish Condiments Etc Poultry Mexican Barbecue Easy Kid Friendly Marinades And Rubs Chicken Food Processor Blender Dietary Spicy Copycat Low Sodium High Protein Low Carb High In Something Low In Something Meat Chicken Breasts Novelty Taste Mood Equipment Grilling Small Appliance 4 Hours Or Less