Description
This Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken recipe offers tender, juicy boneless chicken thighs marinated in a smoky, spicy chipotle sauce. It's quick to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, and the air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection with a flavorful, slightly charred finish. Perfect for a delicious rice bowl or a satisfying main course meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 99 g chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 15 g fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken
- 2 lb boneless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Add the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, fresh cilantro, salt, and black pepper to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the boneless chicken thighs in a large bowl. Pour about ⅓ cup of the prepared marinade over the chicken and toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
- Refrigerate the chicken: Cover the bowl with clingfilm and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse, or up to 24 hours for more intense taste.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 20 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken and let it rest for about 5 minutes so the juices redistribute. Serve warm, ideal for rice bowls or with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- This recipe works well with boneless, skinless chicken breast if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Serve with mango salsa, black beans, and cilantro lime rice for a complete meal.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy flavor in the marinade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 337 kcal
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 213 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.04 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg
