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qdoba chicken recipe

Qdoba Chicken

Prep 15 minutes
Cook 35 minutes
Total 1 hour 10 minutes
With smoky spices and juicy grilled chicken! So tasty, so easy. A meal prep favorite with flavor!
5 stars (1 ratings)
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Ingredients
  

For the perfect qdoba chicken recipe, gather these ingredients:

  • 2 pounds boneless , skinless chicken thighs (breast works too, but thighs remain juicier)
  • 3 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotles
  • 2 chipotle peppers , finely chopped (adjust according to heat preference)
  • 4 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey as a natural substitute)
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice (approximately 2 fresh limes)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Substitution tip: For a milder version, reduce the chipotle peppers and compensate with an extra teaspoon of smoked paprika. Vegetarians can swap chicken for cauliflower florets or firm tofu, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
    Combine adobo sauce, chopped chipotle peppers, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, onion powder, brown sugar, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly until well blended. The marinade should have a vibrant reddish-brown color with visible spice flecks.
    Pro tip: Double the marinade recipe and store half in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It works beautifully with shrimp, pork, or even as a flavor boost for roasted vegetables.
    Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
    Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2-4 hours. For the most intense flavor development, marinate overnight.
    Chef's secret: For even faster flavor penetration, lightly score the chicken pieces before adding to the marinade. This creates more surface area for the flavors to infuse.
    Step 3: Cook to Perfection
    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F) or heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and develops a caramelized exterior.
    Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or chopping, allowing juices to redistribute. This crucial step prevents dry chicken and enhances the overall texture.
    Indoor cooking tip: If using a skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil before adding the chicken. For oven preparation, bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes on a lined baking sheet.
    qdoba chicken recipeingredients

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