Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- ½ medium red onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil), plus more for the pan
- 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons water
Main Ingredient
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the roughly chopped red onion, peeled garlic cloves, adobo sauce, avocado or olive oil, ancho chile powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and water. Blend the mixture until it is mostly smooth and pourable to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the trimmed boneless, skinless chicken thighs into a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken and toss to coat all pieces evenly. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate it for up to overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Cook on the stovetop: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Cook in the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Cook for 14 to 15 minutes, flipping the thighs halfway through, until they are browned and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- If you prefer less spicy, reduce the amount of chipotle adobo sauce and ancho chile powder.
- This chicken pairs well with rice bowls, salads, or tacos.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
