Spicy Chicken Marinade Recipe

Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs on a cast iron platter.

Spicy Chicken Marinade Recipe

This Spicy Chicken Marinade is so easy to make and can be customized to your preferences, whether you like it HOT or want it more mild. There's no better way to introduce some heat to your meat for your next cookout.

4.6 from 114 votes

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 15

Additional Time: 2

Total Time: 2 30

Servings: 4

Calories: 158kcal

Ingredients

1/4 cup Olive oil
7 oz can Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (see note 1)
2 Tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
3 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (see note 1)
2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs (see note 2)

Instructions

Place all of the ingredients except the chicken in a food processor or blender and pulse until a thick sauce is formed. (Be sure to follow the notes to find the right amount of each ingredient for you!)
Add the chicken to a bowl or ziplock bag, and pour the marinade over top. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
Grease the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil. Preheat the grill to medium high heat (400-450 degrees).
Grill chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. Remove to a plate and cover with foil. Rest for 10 minutes, then serve.

Notes

Note 1: To customize how spicy your chicken is, add Chipotle Peppers and Adobo sauce to your taste as guided below:

For Warm (the barest amount of heat): Use 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce without any peppers. Omit the cayenne pepper.
For Mild: Use 2 Chipotle peppers and 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce.
For Medium: Use 5 Chipotle peppers and 3 tablespoons of adobo sauce, and increase the cayenne pepper to 3/4 teaspoon.
For Hot: Add the entire 7 oz can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and increase the cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon.

Note 2: This marinade can be used on any cut of chicken, including breasts, wings, and drumsticks. We prefer thighs because they're so foolproof, especially for grilling! You might also want to try it on turkey breast, pork, or salmon.