Dinner

Chipotle Chicken with Smoky Tomato Sauce Recipe

ByNoah Steele January 17, 2026January 17, 2026

Introduction

This chipotle chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors. Made with tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich chipotle tomato sauce, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish ideal for weeknight dinners. Serve it with rice and soured cream for a comforting meal with a smoky kick.

The image shows a white plate with a blue rim, placed on a white striped cloth on a white marbled surface. On the plate, there is a serving of white rice with a fluffy texture on one side, garnished with fresh green cilantro leaves. Next to the rice, there are two pieces of chicken covered in a thick, chunky red tomato sauce with visible bits of onion. A fork with a blue handle rests on the plate’s edge. The background includes a faint out-of-focus glass of water. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, sliced

2 tbsp sunflower oil
1-2 tbsp chipotle paste

400g can chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp cider vinegar

8 skinless chicken thigh fillets
Small bunch coriander, chopped
Soured cream and rice, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the sunflower oil in a deep, wide frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced garlic, frying until soft and translucent.
Step 2: Stir in the chipotle paste. Use 1 tablespoon for a mild flavor or 2 tablespoons if you prefer it hotter. Cook for 1 minute to release the smoky aroma.
Step 3: Add the chopped tomatoes and cider vinegar to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cook for 10 minutes with the lid half on, stirring occasionally to prevent drying.

Step 4: Add the chicken thigh fillets to the sauce. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Sprinkle the chopped coriander over the chicken. Serve the dish hot with rice and a dollop of soured cream on the side.

Tips & Variations

Chipotle paste adds a smoky heat; start with less and adjust to taste. It works well stirred into soured cream to cool the dish.

The smoky tomato sauce also pairs beautifully with prawns, or try adding eggs to cook in the sauce for a Huevos rancheros twist.

Storage

Store leftover chipotle chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with a blue rim, placed on a white marbled surface covered partly by a beige cloth with two blue stripes. On the plate, there is a serving of plain white rice on the left side, topped with fresh green cilantro leaves. To the right of the rice, there are two pieces of cooked chicken covered in a chunky orange-red tomato sauce with visible bits of onion. A fork with a blue handle rests on the left edge of the plate. In the background, there is a clear glass of water. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is chipotle paste?

Chipotle paste is made from dried, smoked jalapeno peppers blended with tomatoes and onions, offering a smoky and mildly spicy flavor. It’s a convenient way to add depth and heat to dishes.