Vegan Chipotle “Chicken” Copycat (Made With Mushrooms)

An icon representing a clock 30 min | easy | gluten-free, lactose-free, Mediterranean diet, paleo-friendly, vegan
Chipotle-adobo marinated portobello mushrooms, grilled until glossy and charred, piled on a blue oval platter and sprinkled with chopped herbs on a light wooden table.

Recipe by Eunice Profile picture of Eunice Published Aug 7, 2025

Prep Time Cook Time Total Time
15 min 15 min 30 min
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Introduction

This vegan chipotle “chicken” copycat uses portobello mushrooms marinated in chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and zesty lime juice, creating a smoky, satisfying bite.

I first made a batch for a Cinco de Mayo potluck where everyone brought a plant-based dish, and the spicy flavors got people talking and even had a few meat-lovers coming back for seconds.

It’s the perfect addition to your vegan barbecue, Friendsgiving, or Super Bowl spread—flavor-packed, easy to share, and sure to impress a crowd.

Ingredients  (4 servings)

Ingredients:

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Sliced grilled portobello mushrooms coated in a dark chipotle adobo glaze with charred edges, piled on a blue oval platter and sprinkled with chopped fresh herbs on a white wood table.

How to Make Vegan Chipotle “Chicken” Copycat (Made With Mushrooms)

  1. Prepare the Marinade

    In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

    Blend until smooth and emulsified.

  2. Marinate the Mushrooms

    Place whole, cleaned portobello mushrooms into a large bowl or zip-top bag.

    Pour the marinade over the mushrooms, ensuring they're evenly coated from cap to gill.

    Marinate for at least 30 minutes—up to overnight for the deepest flavor.

  3. Cook the Mushrooms

    Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

    Grill mushrooms (whole) for 5–7 minutes per side, pressing occasionally to encourage browning and deeper grill marks.

    Mushrooms should be tender, juicy, and slightly charred.

  4. Serve Whole or Slice

    Serve the grilled mushrooms whole for a dramatic presentation (perfect for plating), or slice into strips for use in tacos, bowls, or sandwiches.

    Either way, spoon any reserved marinade or cooking juices over top before serving for extra flavor.

Close-up of chipotle-marinated portobello mushroom slices, grilled until glossy and slightly charred, piled on a blue platter and sprinkled with chopped herbs; a blurred bowl of rice sits in the background.

Substitutions

Replace Portobello Mushrooms with King Oyster Mushrooms
King oyster mushrooms provide a similarly meaty, chewy texture when grilled and absorb the marinade beautifully. They yield a slightly sweeter, earthy flavor and are excellent for slicing.
Swap Olive Oil with Avocado Oil
Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild, buttery flavor, ideal for grilling. It imparts a creamier texture and resists burning at high heat.

Tips

Marinate Overnight for Deeper Flavor
Allow mushrooms to marinate overnight in the refrigerator. This intensifies the chipotle flavor and ensures the marinade penetrates the mushrooms thoroughly.
Press Mushrooms While Grilling
Use a grill press or the back of a heavy spatula to gently press mushrooms against the grill. This enhances grill marks, improves caramelization, and helps expel excess moisture for a meatier bite.
Rest After Cooking
Let mushrooms sit for 3–5 minutes after removing from the heat. Resting helps redistribute juices and prevents sogginess when slicing.
Serve with a Zesty Topping
Top finished mushrooms with a quick cilantro-lime salsa or pickled red onions to brighten the smoky flavors and add color contrast.

Nutrition Facts *

Energy 154 kcal
Protein 8 g
Total Fat 4 g
Carbohydrates 21 g
Dietary Fiber 5 g

* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.

FAQ

Why are my mushrooms soggy after grilling?
Excess moisture is likely the culprit—be sure to pat mushrooms dry before marinating, and grill over sufficiently high heat. Pressing the mushrooms while cooking helps drive off water and promotes a denser, 'meatier' texture.
Can I bake instead of grill?
Yes—place marinated mushrooms on a lined baking sheet and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes for a charred effect.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store cooked, cooled mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or in the oven to maintain texture.
Are the mushrooms spicy?
The chipotle peppers and adobo sauce bring moderate heat, but spiciness can be adjusted: use fewer chipotles for milder flavor or add extra for those who love heat.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these chipotle mushrooms with warm tortillas, shredded cabbage, and avocado crema for outstanding vegan tacos.

For an elevated twist, layer slices on sourdough with roasted peppers and vegan cheese, or serve over cilantro-lime rice bowls for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Reviews

  • Jill Ramirez, Overland Park, KS: Made my birthday dinner, turned out great! — 5 ★

    Eunice: Happy birthday, Jill, and I’m glad the chipotle mushroom “chicken” turned out great! 🎉

Made this recipe? How did it go?

Please leave your feedback below. We’d love to hear from you!

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