Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together smoky, spicy flavors with a tender, juicy chicken that’s baked to perfection. It’s a low-carb, high-protein dish that’s full of flavor yet easy to make. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a tasty, healthy meal, Keto Chipotle Chicken is sure to impress. The combination of chipotle peppers, garlic, and Mexican spices makes each bite incredibly flavorful, while the versatility of the dish allows it to be paired with cauliflower rice, lettuce wraps, or even enjoyed straight from the pan. Plus, the recipe is great for meal prep, so you can enjoy it all week!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ancho chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Place chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl.
- Add all remaining ingredients into the bowl and toss until chicken is well coated.
- Cover and marinate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread chicken on a parchment-lined or silicone-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 20–30 minutes or until cooked through and edges begin to crisp.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 10 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating time)
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Servings: 4
Variations
- For a milder version of this recipe, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers and increase the adobo sauce for a smoky flavor without as much heat.
- If you prefer a different protein, chicken breasts or even turkey thighs can be substituted for chicken thighs.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving to add a fresh citrusy note that complements the spiciness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover Keto Chipotle Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This recipe can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to store the chicken in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag for best results.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts. However, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, making them ideal for this recipe.
2. How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe has a mild to medium heat level due to the chipotle peppers. If you prefer less heat, you can adjust the amount of chipotle peppers used.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken the night before and bake it the following day.
4. How do I make this recipe spicier?
To make it spicier, you can increase the number of chipotle peppers used or add some cayenne pepper to the marinade.
5. Can I use a different oil for marinating the chicken?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or coconut oil if desired.
6. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, grilling the marinated chicken will also give it a delicious smoky flavor. Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side.
7. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the pan before baking to make it a more complete meal.
8. Can I use regular chili powder instead of ancho chili powder?
Yes, regular chili powder can be used, though ancho chili powder offers a deeper, smokier flavor that complements the chipotle peppers.
9. Can I eat this with a side of rice?
Yes, cauliflower rice is an excellent keto-friendly option to serve with this dish. However, if you’re not following a keto diet, regular rice would also work well.
10. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
Keto Chipotle Chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that brings together smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, making it perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week. Whether paired with cauliflower rice, lettuce wraps, or enjoyed on its own, this chicken is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your diet goals.
Keto Chipotle Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Keto Recipes Chicken Recipes Low-Carb Recipes Meal Prep Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Keto Chipotle Chicken recipe is a smoky, spicy, and bold-flavored dish made with chipotle peppers, garlic, and Mexican spices. Perfect for anyone on a keto diet, it’s low-carb, high-protein, and full of flavor. Whether for meal prep or a weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make chicken pairs perfectly with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s the perfect low-carb meal option!
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
2 tbsp adobo sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ancho chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Place chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl.
-
Add all remaining ingredients into the bowl and toss until the chicken is well coated.
-
Cover and marinate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Spread the chicken on a parchment-lined or silicone-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
-
Bake for 20–30 minutes or until cooked through and edges begin to crisp.
-
For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
-
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired and serve hot.
Notes
For a milder version, reduce the chipotle peppers and increase the adobo sauce for a smoky flavor with less heat.
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or turkey thighs.
Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving for a fresh citrusy flavor.
This recipe can be meal prepped by marinating the chicken the night before.
