Qdoba Chicken Recipe Oct 2024

Are you craving that irresistible Qdoba chicken flavor at home? Wondering how to make a Qdoba chicken recipe that tastes just like the restaurant’s?

Look no further! This copycat Qdoba chicken recipe will satisfy your Mexican food cravings without leaving your kitchen.

We’ll show you how to recreate that perfect blend of spices and juicy chicken that Qdoba is famous for. From marinating techniques to cooking tips, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this easy-to-follow recipe will become your go-to for delicious Mexican-inspired chicken.

Get ready to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests with this mouthwatering Qdoba-style chicken!

Popularity of Qdoba’s Chicken Recipes

While the full Qdoba menu offers great variety, one clear customer favorite is their chicken.

Qdoba’s grilled chicken recipe makes use of quality chicken breast meat that is perfectly spiced and seared.

Some top menu items that feature their popular chicken include:

• Qdoba Chicken Burrito – A giant tortilla stuffed with chicken, rice, pinto beans, cheese, fresh toppings and any of Qdoba’s trademark sauces. It’s a full meal in hand!
• Qdoba Chicken Bowl – Grilled adobo chicken served over cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and fresh salsa in a convenient bowl. It’s a lighter way to enjoy Qdoba flavors.
• Qdoba Chicken Quesadilla – Chicken gets melted between a grilled flour tortilla with shredded cheeses, then cut into triangle wedge portions for dipping in crazy delicious sauces.

No matter which menu item you choose, Qdoba’s chicken always gets rave reviews for its spice rubbed flavor and tender yet juicy texture after grilling.

The chicken is so popular that demand for the recipe is high. Luckily, the ingredients are easy to find and with some simple prep, you can make this famous Qdoba Chicken recipe at home anytime.

Ingredients

Gather this short list of ingredients to make true restaurant-quality Qdoba chicken at home:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1⁄3 cup olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
• 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cumin

That’s it! The secret is in the combination of ancho chili powder, cumin, oregano and other spices in the easy adobo dry rub blend.

Mix it up with some olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper too for fully-flavored juicy chicken. Read on for the ridiculously easy preparation steps.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Making excellent Qdoba style grilled chicken couldn’t be more simple:

• Trim and cut the chicken – Start by trimming any excess fat or tendons off your chicken breasts. Then cut each breast into 1-inch wide strips about 4 inches long. This grill-ready cut matches what you get in your Qdoba burritos and bowls.
• Mix the marinade – In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, ancho chili powder, adobo seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and cumin. Whisk vigorously until uniform.
• Marinate the chicken – Add your cut chicken strips to the bowl. Toss to coat the chicken completely in the spice marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Grill it up – Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat. Quickly grill the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until charred with nice sear marks and fully cooked through.

That’s the full preparation for making copycat Qdoba grilled chicken recipe from the comfort of your own kitchen. The wait for tasty Mexican-inspired chicken is over!

Nutrition Information

Part of what makes this easy Qdoba chicken recipe so appealing is that it delivers big, bold flavor without too many calories or excess fat and sodium like the restaurant version may have.

Here is the nutrition breakdown for a serving (1 filled tortilla) of this homemade copycat meal:

• Calories: 385
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Protein: 29 g

Qdoba Chicken Recipe Video

Tips for Preparing the Chicken

• Use fresh, never frozen chicken breasts for the best texture after grilling.
• Cut uniform strips so the chicken cooks evenly.
• Make extra marinade to keep on hand for quick weeknight chicken meals.
• Get nice grill marks by only flipping once mid-way through cooking.
• Check temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temp.

Storing Qdoba Chicken

Here are some additional tips for storing Qdoba Chicken in the fridge and freezer:

Fridge:

• Make sure the container is clean and dry before storing the chicken.
• If storing the chicken in a Ziploc bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag.
• Place the chicken in the back of the fridge, where it will be the coldest.

Freezer:

• Make sure the container or Ziploc bag is freezer-safe and airtight.
• Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
• Place the chicken in the back of the freezer, where it will be the coldest.

When reheating frozen Qdoba Chicken, it is important to thaw it properly first. To thaw the chicken in the fridge, place it in a bowl or container and place it in the refrigerator overnight.

To thaw the chicken quickly, place it in a resealable bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the chicken is thawed.

Conclusion

Qdoba’s famous grilled chicken recipe features the perfect balance of smoky spice flavor and tender juicy texture. This copycat recipe makes enjoying Qdoba-quality chicken easy any night of the week.

Whip up the quick adobo seasoning marinade then grill for incredible backyard chicken tacos, burritos bowls, salads, and more.

With the step-by-step instructions and helpful tips provided here, you can match the irresistible flavor of Qdoba chicken from your own kitchen.

Qdoba Chicken Recipe – FAQ

What are the ingredients in Qdoba Chicken Marinade?

The ingredients in Qdoba Chicken Marinade typically include adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.

How long should I marinate my chicken for?

You should marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to overnight.

What is the best way to cook Qdoba Chicken?

You can cook Qdoba Chicken on the grill, in a grill pan, or in the oven. If you are cooking it on the grill or in a grill pan, cook it for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. If you are cooking it in the oven, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

What should I serve with Qdoba Chicken?

Qdoba Chicken can be served in a variety of ways, such as in a burrito bowl, taco, or salad. Some popular toppings for burritos bowls and tacos include guacamole, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, black beans, and corn.

Can I make Qdoba Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Qdoba Chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the chicken before serving.

Can I freeze Qdoba Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze Qdoba Chicken for up to 3 months. Simply thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

How can I make my Qdoba Chicken spicier?

To make your Qdoba Chicken spicier, simply add more chili powder or adobo sauce to the marinade. You can also add a diced jalapeño pepper to the marinade for an extra kick.

How can I make my Qdoba Chicken healthier?

To make your Qdoba Chicken healthier, use whole-wheat tortillas or brown rice instead of white rice. You can also add more vegetables to your burrito bowl or salad, such as spinach, kale, or bell peppers.