Are you stuck in a dinner rut? You know, the one where you cycle through the same three meals every week. I get it. Finding exciting yet simple chicken recipes that everyone will enjoy can feel like a huge challenge, especially on busy weeknights.
Well, get ready to add a new favorite to your rotation. This recipe is all about maximum flavor with minimal fuss. We are talking about tender, juicy chicken thighs soaked in a smoky, savory marinade that does all the heavy lifting for you. It’s one of those healthy dinner recipes that tastes wonderfully complex but is surprisingly easy to make.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is just fantastic. The marinade uses ancho chile powder and a little adobo sauce for a deep, smoky flavor that is not overwhelmingly spicy. It gives the chicken a beautiful color and an amazing taste that is so satisfying.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve this chicken in so many ways. Chop it up for tacos or burritos, slice it over a fresh salad for one of the best healthy dinner ideas, or serve it alongside rice and roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless.
Plus, this is a great recipe for meal prepping. You can marinate the chicken overnight, so when it is time to cook, it is ready to go. The leftovers are also delicious, making it one of those quick dinner ideas that keeps on giving throughout the week.
Ingredients
The magic for these healthy chicken recipes starts with a handful of simple pantry staples. You do not need anything fancy to create that incredible flavor. Here is what you will need to gather.
- ½ medium red onion, coarsely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce, from a can of chipotle peppers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Water, as needed
- 3 to 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make some of the most flavorful chicken ever? Let us walk through it together. The process is very straightforward, which is why it is one of my favorite chicken recipes for any night of the week.
Step 1: Make The Marinade
First things first, let us create that amazing marinade. Grab your food processor or a blender. Add the chopped red onion, garlic cloves, adobo sauce, olive oil, ancho chile powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper into it.
Now, blend everything until it becomes a smooth paste. You want all those ingredients to be completely combined. Pour the mixture into a one cup measuring cup. Top it off with enough water to bring the total volume up to exactly one cup. Give it a quick stir.
Step 2: Marinate The Chicken
Take your chicken thighs and a fork. Gently poke holes all over the surface of the chicken. This little trick helps the marinade penetrate deeper into the meat, making every bite extra flavorful.
Place the chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag. Pour that beautiful marinade all over the chicken. Seal the bag tightly, making sure to squeeze out most of the air.
Now for the fun part. Squish the bag around with your hands to make sure every single piece of chicken is evenly coated in the marinade. Pop the bag into the refrigerator for at least one hour. If you have the time, letting it marinate overnight is even better.
Step 3: Cook The Chicken
When you are ready to cook, preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil, just enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is shimmering slightly, it is time to add the chicken.
Carefully place the chicken thighs in the hot pan. You might need to do this in two batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures the chicken sears nicely instead of steaming. Cook the chicken, turning it occasionally, until it is cooked through.
The internal temperature should reach 165 to 175 degrees F on an instant read thermometer. This is key for juicy, safely cooked chicken. If you are cooking in batches, feel free to add a little more olive oil between them.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a large cutting board and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This is a very important step. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. After resting, you can slice or chop the chicken as you wish.
How To Store Leftovers
Got leftovers? You are in luck because this chicken tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. Storing it properly is simple. Just let the chicken cool down completely before you put it away.
Place the leftover chicken in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it a great option for future healthy dinner ideas throughout the week.
Tips
Want to make these chicken recipes even better? Here are a few handy tips. While chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and moisture, this recipe also works wonderfully with chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as breasts can cook faster.
Worried about the spice level? Do not be. I would classify this as mild. The adobo sauce adds more of a smoky depth than intense heat. Most people who are sensitive to spicy food find this dish very manageable.
You will not use the whole can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Instead of letting the rest go to waste, you can freeze it. An ice cube tray is great for this. Just spoon the sauce and peppers into the tray, freeze, and then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for future recipes.
This recipe is also freezer friendly. You can freeze the marinade by itself, the raw chicken in the marinade, or the fully cooked chicken. Just use an airtight, freezer safe container or bag. When you are ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A straightforward, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying chicken recipe that is sure to become a staple in your home. It proves that you do not need complicated steps or ingredients to create amazing meals.
This is more than just another entry in your list of chicken recipes. It is a reliable base for so many wonderful dishes. Whether you are looking for quick dinner ideas or tasty components for your weekly meal plan, this recipe delivers. I hope you enjoy it.
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of the more flexible healthy chicken recipes. Chicken breasts work well, but they are leaner, so be careful not to overcook them to keep them from drying out. Monitor the internal temperature closely.
Is This Recipe Very Spicy?
Not at all. The recipe has a mild spiciness with more of a smoky, savory flavor profile from the ancho chile and adobo sauce. It is generally well tolerated even by those who are not big fans of heat.
What Can I Do With Leftover Adobo Sauce?
Leftover adobo sauce is a flavor powerhouse. You can freeze it in an ice cube tray for easy portions. Use it later to add a smoky kick to soups, stews, marinades, or even mixed into mayonnaise for a zesty sandwich spread.
Can I Freeze This Chicken?
Yes, this chicken freezes beautifully. You can freeze the raw, marinated chicken for a quick meal later. You can also freeze the cooked chicken. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. It is a fantastic way to plan ahead for busy days.
What Should I Serve With This Chicken?
This is one of the best parts. Serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings. Lay it over a bed of greens for a filling salad. Or, pair it with cilantro lime rice and black beans for a classic burrito bowl. The options for healthy dinner recipes are nearly endless.
Smoky Chicken Thighs
Tender, juicy chicken thighs soaked in a smoky, savory marinade for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for healthy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grab your food processor or a blender. Add the chopped red onion, garlic cloves, adobo sauce, olive oil, ancho chile powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper into it.
- Blend everything until it becomes a smooth paste. Pour the mixture into a one cup measuring cup. Top it off with enough water to bring the total volume up to exactly one cup. Give it a quick stir.
- Take your chicken thighs and a fork. Gently poke holes all over the surface of the chicken. This little trick helps the marinade penetrate deeper into the meat, making every bite extra flavorful.
- Place the chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag. Pour that beautiful marinade all over the chicken. Seal the bag tightly, making sure to squeeze out most of the air.
- Squish the bag around with your hands to make sure every single piece of chicken is evenly coated in the marinade. Pop the bag into the refrigerator for at least one hour. If you have the time, letting it marinate overnight is even better.
- When you are ready to cook, preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil, just enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is shimmering slightly, it is time to add the chicken.
- Carefully place the chicken thighs in the hot pan. You might need to do this in two batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures the chicken sears nicely instead of steaming. Cook the chicken, turning it occasionally, until it is cooked through.
- The internal temperature should reach 165 to 175 degrees F on an instant read thermometer. This is key for juicy, safely cooked chicken. If you are cooking in batches, feel free to add a little more olive oil between them.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a large cutting board and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. After resting, you can slice or chop the chicken as you wish.
Notes
While chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and moisture, this recipe also works wonderfully with chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as breasts can cook faster.
Worried about the spice level? Do not be. I would classify this as mild. The adobo sauce adds more of a smoky depth than intense heat. Most people who are sensitive to spicy food find this dish very manageable.
You will not use the whole can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Instead of letting the rest go to waste, you can freeze it. An ice cube tray is great for this. Just spoon the sauce and peppers into the tray, freeze, and then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for future recipes.
This recipe is also freezer friendly. You can freeze the marinade by itself, the raw chicken in the marinade, or the fully cooked chicken. Just use an airtight, freezer safe container or bag. When you are ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
