Name: Qdoba Copycat Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from a small can of Chipotle peppers); 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon oregano (or Italian seasoning); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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If you’ve ever found yourself craving Qdoba’s flavorful chicken but don’t want to head out to grab it, you’re in luck! This Qdoba Copycat Chicken recipe captures all those delicious smoky and spicy flavors right in your own kitchen. With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, you can recreate this fan-favorite dish that’s perfect for burritos, tacos, or bowls. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Qdoba Copycat Chicken is not only bursting with flavor, but it also boasts the following benefits:

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Use it in burritos, tacos, salads, or even serve it over rice for a hearty meal.
Customizable: Adjust the spice levels to your preference or add your favorite toppings.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store it for easy meals throughout the week.

What’s in the Bowl

To make this flavorful Qdoba Copycat Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons adobo sauce from a small can of Chipotle peppers
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Prep & Cook Tools

To whip up this delectable dish, gather the following tools:

Meat Mallet: For pounding the chicken to an even thickness.
Mixing Bowl: To combine the marinade ingredients.
Skillet: A large skillet for cooking the chicken over medium heat.
Spatula or Tongs: For flipping the chicken while cooking.
Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Cook Qdoba Copycat Chicken Like This

Creating your own Qdoba Copycat Chicken at home is simple. Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken breasts in between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add the pounded chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. For even better flavor, let it sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. After resting, slice the chicken into strips for serving.

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, here are some easy swaps you can make:

Garlic Powder: Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic if you’re sensitive to raw garlic.
Avocado Oil: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor and higher smoke point.
Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice can replace adobo sauce for a fresher taste.
Vegetable Broth: If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap chicken for firm tofu and use vegetable broth in your marinade.

Steer Clear of These

When making this Qdoba Copycat Chicken, be mindful of the following:

Do not use frozen chicken breasts, as they can result in uneven cooking.
Avoid over-marinating the chicken as it can make it mushy.
Steer clear of using too much adobo sauce if you’re sensitive to spice; start with less and adjust to your taste.

Prep Ahead & Store

This Qdoba Copycat Chicken is great for meal prep! Here’s how to handle leftovers:

After cooking, let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

For meal prep, consider slicing the chicken and portioning it out with your favorite sides, such as rice, beans, or sautéed veggies.

Reader Q&A

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

While you can use bone-in chicken, the cooking time will increase significantly, and you’ll need to account for the bones when slicing. Boneless skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe.

Is the chicken spicy?

The spice level of this Qdoba Copycat Chicken can be adjusted based on your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of adobo sauce or chili powder.

What can I serve with the chicken?

This chicken is incredibly versatile! Serve it in burritos, tacos, over a salad, or with rice and beans. Feel free to top it with your favorite condiments, like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Serve & Enjoy

Once your Qdoba Copycat Chicken is cooked to perfection, the fun begins! Serve it in warm tortillas for tacos, or layer it in a bowl with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings. The smoky and spicy flavors will impress your family and friends, making it a hit at any gathering. Enjoy this delicious dish as a fantastic alternative to your favorite restaurant meal, right at home.

This Qdoba Copycat Chicken is a perfect blend of convenience and taste, making it a must-try for any busy home cook. Whether you’re meal prepping or throwing together a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!