Chipotle Beer Grilled Chicken is smoky, spicy, and a little bit sweet with a bold flavor from chipotle peppers and a splash of beerin the marinade. It's the kind of grilled chicken recipe that works just as well on a salad as it does wrapped in a soft tortilla.
This marinade was inspired by a warm Saturday at home, the grill going and a cold drink in hand. I wanted something with a hint of heat and a touch of sweetness that would make our backyard lunch feel l little more special, just like my Chipotle Zucchini Cheddar Biscuits do for brunch!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Big flavor, simple ingredients: The beer and chipotle blend together perfectly to create a bold, balanced marinade.
Make ahead friendly: Marinate the chicken in the morning and it's ready to grill for lunch or dinner.
Great for grilling season: This is a perfect recipe for summer cookouts, picnics, or a casual weekend meal.
Key Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, these hold up well on the grill and soak up all that marinade.
Beer: Any light wheat beer or ale works here. It tenderizes the meat and adds depth to the marinade.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Smoky and spicy, they're the star of the marinade.
Brown Sugar: Adds a little sweetness that balances out the heat from the chipotle.
Oregano and Cumin: Earthy spices that round out the flavor and give it that Tex-Mex vibe.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken Breasts instead of thighs for a leaner cut.
Maple syrup or honey in place of brown sugar.
Smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes if you don't have chipotle peppers.
Recipe Variations
Burrito Bowl Style: Serve over rice (or cauliflower rice for low carb) with black beans, corn, and avocado.
Chipotle Chicken Wraps: Slice and roll into a wrap with romaine lettuce leaves and ranch dressing.
Taco Night: Dice the grilled chicken and use it for tacos with shredded cabbage and lime crema.
Top Tips for Grilling Chipotle Beer Chicken
- Let the chicken marinate at least 4 hours (overnight is even better)
- Use indirect heat on the grill to prevent flare-ups from the marinade sugars.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to lock in the juices.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This chicken also freezes well. Just slice it before freezing (if desired) and defrost in the fridge when ready to use.
Serve With...
This Chipotle Beer Grilled Chicken is perfect over a crisp salad, tucked into a tortilla with some creamy coleslaw, or paired with Bacon Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwiches for a backyard-style meal.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Chipotle Beer Grilled Chicken
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Ingredients
- 1½ pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 ½ cups light wheat beer
- 4 ounces chipotle chili peppers in adobo
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend together the beer, chipotle peppers, oregano, cumin, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Place the chicken in a large bowl or ziploc bag and pour ½ of marinade over top. Cover and refrigerate 4-5 hours.
- Preheat grill to high. Turn heat off on one side of the grill. Place chicken thighs on the half of grill that you turned off the heat. (cooking over indirect heat)
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, until chicken is no longer pink.
- Remove chicken from grill and let sit 10 minutes. Drizzle with reserved marinade for extra boost of flavor.
- Serve as as a warm salad with your favorite ingredients or wrap in a tortilla with your favorite taco toppings.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
I've enjoyed this recipe for many summers! So easy to make with a juicy, full of flavor end result. I love it on salads, in wraps, or as a low carb burrito bowl with cauliflower rice.
Sarah says
Sounds like a perfect summer recipe. The beer and chipotle sound like a perfect pair!
Christie says
I love Blue Moon beer. Sounds like a great way to marinade chicken.
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says
That marinade sounds so fantastic! I know we'd love this recipe at our house!
Sarah B says
This is a great recipe! The chicken looks like it is so full of flavor!! Yum! #client
Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says
I love using beer when I cook and Blue Moon is a great choice. This is totally my type of salad. Love the smoky flavor you get from chipotle peppers!
Kim says
I love chicken like this! Marinated to perfection, flavorful and easy.
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
Shelby, I can't wait to try this! We almost always have Blue Moon in the house (because it is one of my favorites) and I love chipotle anything! It sounds wonderful!
Catherine says
Dear Shelby, this is a perfect summer meal. Sounds so good! xo, Catherine