Creamy Chipotle Chicken Thigh Skillet

Creamy chipotle chicken thigh brings bold flavor and cozy comfort to your dinner table. The smoky heat from chipotle peppers blends into a smooth cream sauce that hugs every bite of tender chicken. This simple skillet meal feels special, yet it uses pantry staples you already trust. Because the sauce simmers gently around the chicken, each piece turns juicy and rich without much effort. When you want a warm and satisfying meal that still feels easy, this creamy chipotle chicken thigh delivers every time.

What Makes This Recipe Stand Out

• Deep smoky flavor from chipotle adobo chicken sauce
• One skillet method keeps cleanup simple
• Family friendly heat that you can adjust
• Perfect base for tacos, bowls, or sandwiches

Ingredient Breakdown

These simple ingredients create layers of flavor. Each one plays an important role in building a smooth and bold sauce. Together they turn everyday chicken into creamy chipotle chicken your family will request again.

• Bone in, skin on chicken thighs
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Onion, finely chopped
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Smoked paprika
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

How to Make It

Prep

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic so they cook evenly in the sauce.
3. Chop the chipotle peppers and measure a spoonful of adobo sauce for rich smoky flavor.

Cook

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and place the chicken thighs skin side down. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the skin turns golden and crisp.
2. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, then remove it from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir well so the spices bloom in the heat.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through.
6. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes until thick and creamy.

Finish and Serve

1. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the creamy chipotle chicken thigh to brighten the sauce.
2. Spoon extra sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
3. Serve hot over rice, in tortillas, or inside toasted buns for a chipotle chicken sandwich.

Time Saving Options

Busy evenings call for smart shortcuts. With a few simple swaps, you can still enjoy creamy chipotle chicken thigh without extra work.

• Use boneless chicken thighs to reduce cooking time by about 5 minutes.
• Blend the sauce ingredients ahead and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Serve over quick rice or warm tortillas for an easy chipotle chicken bowl recipe.
• Pair with a simple side like this easy Santa Fe chicken recipe for a flavorful dinner spread.

Variations You Can Try

This creamy chipotle chicken adapts well to your family’s taste. Because the sauce is flexible, you can easily create new meals from the same base.

• Shred the chicken and use it for a chicken thigh taco recipe with lettuce and avocado.
• Add a spoonful of honey for sweet heat and turn it into honey chipotle chicken tacos.
• Stir in corn and black beans for a hearty Mexican chicken thigh recipe twist.
• Use leftovers in wraps inspired by popular chipotle order ideas at home.

Creamy Chipotle Chicken Thigh Skillet

Creamy chipotle chicken thigh is rich, smoky, and full of bold flavor. Juicy chicken simmers in a smooth cream sauce with just the right touch of heat. This easy one skillet dinner feels special, tastes amazing, and makes any night cozy and satisfying.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Chipotle Cream Sauce

• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped
• 1 tbsp adobo sauce from the can
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large Skillet

Method

 

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken thighs skin side down and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook 5 to 6 minutes more. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook the chopped onion for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and smoked paprika. Cook briefly to bloom the spices.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through.
6. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Finish with fresh lime juice and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the number of chipotle peppers used. Boneless thighs can be substituted and will cook slightly faster. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

FAQs

How spicy is creamy chipotle chicken thigh?

Creamy chipotle chicken thigh has a gentle smoky heat that most families enjoy. Because the cream balances the spice, the sauce tastes rich rather than fiery. If you prefer less heat, use one pepper instead of two and add extra cream. On the other hand, if you love bold flavor, stir in more adobo sauce. The beauty of this dish is that you control the spice level. That makes it easy to serve both adults and kids at the same table.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless thighs work very well in creamy chipotle chicken thigh. They cook faster and stay tender in the sauce. However, bone in thighs often bring deeper flavor because they simmer longer. If you choose boneless, reduce the simmer time to 12 to 15 minutes and check for doneness. Either way, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. As a result, you will get juicy chicken wrapped in creamy chipotle sauce every time.

What can I serve with this dish?

You can serve creamy chipotle chicken thigh over white rice, cilantro lime rice, or mashed potatoes. It also fits beautifully inside tortillas for tacos or in bowls with fresh toppings. For a full meal, pair it with a bright side such as this quick chicken and vegetable risoni recipe to balance the smoky sauce. Because the flavors are bold, simple sides work best. Keep the focus on the creamy chipotle chicken and let the sauce shine.

Final Thoughts

Creamy chipotle chicken thigh turns simple ingredients into a rich and satisfying dinner. The smoky chipotle adobo chicken sauce brings warmth, while the cream creates a smooth finish. Because the method stays easy and clear, you can make this recipe on busy nights without stress. Whether you serve it as tacos, bowls, or a hearty skillet meal, this creamy chipotle chicken will quickly become a trusted favorite in your kitchen.