Description
This Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken thighs marinated in a smoky and spicy chipotle pepper sauce. Prepared quickly and cooked in the air fryer, this flavorful chicken is perfect for rice bowls or as a main dish, delivering a deliciously vibrant taste that rivals takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lb boneless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 99 g chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 15 g fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a blender, combine chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, fresh cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Coat the chicken: Place the boneless chicken thighs in a large bowl. Pour approximately ⅓ cup of the marinade over the chicken. Toss well to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with clingfilm and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Arrange and cook: Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 20 minutes total, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- Rest: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Serve: Serve the chipotle chicken with your favorite sides, such as rice bowls with mango salsa, black beans, and cilantro lime rice, for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or remove seeds before blending.
- Serve with mango salsa, black beans, and cilantro lime rice for a delicious and balanced meal.
- Boneless chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness, but boneless chicken breasts can be used with slightly reduced cooking time.
- Ensure the chicken is arranged in a single layer in the air fryer for even cooking.
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
