Qdoba Copycat Chicken Recipe
Before we dive into the wonderful world of Qdoba Copycat Chicken, let's think about what you might want to enjoy alongside this flavorful dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
Cuisine African, South Asian
Servings 4
Calories 452 kcal
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- 2 teaspoons smoky chili powder
- 2 chipotle peppers packed in adobo sauce chopped finely
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the adobo sauce, smoked paprika, minced garlic, cilantro, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, smoky chili powder, chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, kosher salt, oregano, black pepper, and cumin. This marinade is where the magic happens. The flavors will blend together beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they're well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a zip-top bag. Let it marinate in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes. For deeper flavors, aim for several hours or even overnight—trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your grill or pan over medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, take the chicken out of the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken thighs onto the grill or in the pan.
Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A good sear will create that beautiful golden-brown crust.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Finally, slice the chicken into strips and serve it up! You can add it to tacos, salads, or simply enjoy it on its own with your favorite sides. The options are endless!
- Choose Quality Chicken: The quality of your chicken thighs impacts flavor. Aim for organic or free-range if you can.
- Adjust Spice Level: For a milder chicken, reduce the chipotle peppers. Want it hotter? Add more!
- Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor. It’s a great prep option for busy weeknights.
- Leftover Magic: This chicken is excellent as leftovers. Add it to wraps, salads, or grain bowls for a quick meal.
- Grilling Alternatives: If grilling isn’t an option, baking or pan-searing works wonderfully too. Just be cautious of cooking time.
Serving: 262gCalories: 452kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 22gFat: 17.8gSaturated Fat: 4.3gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 1641mgFiber: 4gSugar: 13g
Keyword Qdoba Copycat Chicken Recipe