I usually stuff it in burritos, tacos and bowl meals, but it’s also great in salads, on sandwiches, or even as an add-in to pastas and soups. Sadly, there is no Qdoba near me. In college, I practically lived off of their giant burritos. There was a location right across the street from my dorm, and I made many late night trips there. Now, rather than driving an hour and a half to the nearest Qdoba, I decided to replicate it myself. My recipe comes very, very close to the taste of the original. Plus, the recipe also scales well, which makes it great for meal prep. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
Ingredient Notes
Chicken – I always use boneless, skinless thighs for this recipe. You can use breast if you like, but cook them to 165 degrees instead of 180 degrees, which is my recommended doneness for thighs. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – These give that characteristic smokiness. If you’re not familiar with them, you can find them in small cans in the Latin section of most supermarkets. Garlic – Minced. Lime juice – For a little tang, and to help tenderize the chicken as it marinates. Spices – Chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper.
Qdoba Chicken Recipe
The first, and most important step, is to marinate the chicken. Combine it with the other ingredients in a bowl (covered in cling wrap) or a large zip top bag. I like to start my marination in the morning, then cook the chicken in the evening. In a pinch, you can marinate it for 30 minutes or so, but it won’t be quite as tasty. From there, it’s just a matter of searing the chicken. My preferred skillet here is cast iron. Heat up a little oil in the pan over medium high heat, then cook the chicken, flipping it from time to time, until it’s done. It takes me about 12-15 minutes, depending on how big the thighs are. Once it’s done, allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes on a cutting board. I usually dice it all up so even the leftovers are ready to go. Now for the fun part, deciding how to serve it! It’s, of course, perfect for burritos. That’s what Qdoba is most famous for. And let’s not forget the tacos and burrito bowls, this chicken is equally great there. But as I mentioned, you can also use this chicken in a variety of other ways. Want a great leftover idea? Toss it with fettuccine alfredo. Yes, it’s amazing! Let me know how you like my Qdoba chicken by leaving a star rating and a comment below the recipe card. And if you discover any new great uses for, please pass them on, because I’m addicted to this stuff.
Qdoba Chicken, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
