Chipotle Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle pepper can)
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Wood pellets (hickory or mesquite for a robust, smoky flavor)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Pellet Smoker:
   • Preheat your pellet smoker to 375°F (190°C). Choose wood pellets that complement the bold flavors of chipotle, such as mesquite or hickory.
2. Prepare the Chicken Thighs:
   • Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure proper adherence of the seasoning.
3. Create the Chipotle Marinade:
   • In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a flavorful chipotle marinade.
4. Coat the Chicken Thighs:
   • Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or zip-top bag and coat them evenly with the chipotle marinade. Ensure each thigh is well-covered with the mixture.
5. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the chipotle flavors penetrate the meat. For more intense flavor, you can refrigerate and marinate for up to 4 hours.
6. Place Chicken in the Pellet Smoker:
   • Arrange the marinated chicken thighs directly on the preheated smoker grates.
7. Smoke the Chicken Thighs:
   • Smoke the chicken at 375°F for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The thighs should have a beautiful golden-brown color with a slightly crispy exterior.
8. Rest and Serve
   • Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the pellet smoker and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
   • Garnish the chipotle boneless, skinless chicken thighs with fresh cilantro or lime wedges if desired. Serve them hot with your favorite sides, such as rice, quinoa, or grilled vegetables.

This Chipotle Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs recipe offers a perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors. The pellet smoker infuses a bold smokiness, while the chipotle marinade adds a kick of heat and complexity. Enjoy these flavorful chicken thighs as a standalone dish or in tacos, wraps, or salads for a delicious and versatile meal.