Go Back
Homemade Qdoba Copycat Chicken recipe photo

Qdoba Copycat Chicken

This Qdoba Copycat Chicken is a flavor-packed dish you can whip up in under 30 minutes!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 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

Equipment

  • Meat mallet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken - Place 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.
  2. 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 combined.
  3. Step 3: Marinate the Chicken - Add the pounded chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Cook the Chicken - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and 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).
  5. Step 5: Rest and Slice - Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into strips for serving.

Notes

  • Let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months; ensure it's well-sealed.
  • Consider adjusting the spice levels by reducing adobo sauce or chili powder to your taste.