Does Chipotle use chicken breasts or thighs?
Find out how to make juicier chicken from the culinary pros at Chipotle.
Even with our best-laidmeal prep plans, were sometimes left lunchless on the busiest of workdays.
Credit: Andy Lyons
When this situation arises, well gladly take a grab-and-go option over skipping a meal any day.
One of our most frequent fast-casual stops is Chipotle.
But does Chipotle use chicken breasts or thighs?
How do they get their meals so juicy?
(And, of course, so we can share these tested and perfected recipes with you!)
Sometimes, Chipotle is kind enough to reveal the tricks of the trade on social media.
Clearly, were far from the only ones who give a cluck about Chipotles recipes and techniques.
Sarah Brekke, MSis aBetter Homes & GardensTest Kitchen culinary specialist.
The dark meat has a higher fat content and can retain more moisture during the cooking process.
Chicken thighs are also typically thinner, with a more consistent thickness edge-to-edgethis allows for more even cooking.
says Brekke, agreeing wholeheartedly with this Chipotle-backed tip.
“By the time the thicker side is safely cooked, the thinner end is overcooked and leathery.
This happens far less often when working with thighs.”
More surface area means more flavor from seasonings or marinadesandmore browning, says Brekke.
This natural chemical reaction results in browning, rich flavor development, and delicious aromas.
Chipotles chicken recipe features boneless, skinless chicken thighs, so were guessing theyre implying seared-side down.
That means placing the darker side, the one that was 70% seared, face-down on thecutting board.
In terms of cutting into bite-sized pieces to recreate Chipotles chicken, this is the move.
The Bottom Line
Two out of three isnt badand theres nothing officially wrong with the last tip.
Or you’re free to get going on recreatingChipotle chickenin your own kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
Chipotle’s primary cooking oil is rice bran oil.
It has a high smoke point and a mild taste which makes it highly versatile.
Chipotle mostly uses dark meat in its burritos and tacos.
This key in of meat is higher in fat, but packed with more juices and flavor.
