Qdoba Cholula Chicken recipe is a flavorful dish combining grilled chicken with Cholula hot sauce, inspired by the popular Qdoba menu.
I decided to make this recipe after watching a cooking video where the dish was prepared, sparking my interest. With past experience cooking similar Mexican-inspired meals, I felt confident recreating this recipe at home.
The main specialty lies in the spicy, tangy flavor from the Cholula sauce that perfectly complements the tender grilled chicken. Now, I’m ready to share the step-by-step process of preparing this delicious Qdoba Cholula Chicken recipe for everyone to enjoy.
Why We Love This Recipe?
This qdoba cholula chicken recipe is loved because it delivers a perfect mix of smoky spice and subtle sweetness, making the chicken flavorful and tender. It’s simple to make but feels special, bringing bold tastes that satisfy without fuss.
The combination of Cholula hot sauce and adobo gives it a unique, memorable kick that keeps people coming back for more. It’s a reliable, tasty dish that works well for any meal and is sure to please everyone at the table.
How To Prepare Qdoba Cholula Chicken Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time (optional but recommended): 30 minutes to 2 hours
Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes (without marinating), up to 2.5 hours (with marinating)
Course: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Mexican-American / Tex-Mex
Yield: Serves 4 to 6 people
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Whisk or spoon
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Optional: Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup Cholula Original Hot Sauce
- 2 tsp honey (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp fresh lime juice
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp THM Super Sweet (or your preferred sweetener like Stevia, Erythritol, or brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
- ½ tsp oregano or Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (or mineral salt)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
1. Prepare Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the Cholula hot sauce, honey, olive oil, lime juice, black pepper, sweetener, adobo sauce, garlic powder, oregano, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
2. Marinate Chicken (Optional but Recommended):
Add chicken to the bowl and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter. Place marinated chicken in the skillet (in batches if necessary). Cook for about 6–8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
5. Add Butter for Finish:
In the final minute of cooking, add 2 tbsp of unsalted butter to the skillet. Let it melt and coat the chicken for a rich, smooth finish.
5. Serve:
Slice or dice the chicken and serve hot in burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, or over rice.
Nutrition Facts Of Qdoba Cholula Chicken Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
Pro Tips And Tricks To Make Your Qdoba Cholula Chicken Recipe Even Better
1. Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor
Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This helps the flavors soak in fully, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.
2. Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness
Thighs are more forgiving than breasts and stay juicier when grilled or pan-seared.
3. Sear Over High Heat
Start with high heat to get a nice char and seal in the juices, then lower the heat to finish cooking.
4. Add a Touch of Butter at the End
Swirl in butter during the final minute of cooking for a rich, silky finish that enhances the sauce.
5. Rest Before Slicing
Let the chicken rest for 5–7 minutes after cooking to keep the juices locked in and prevent it from drying out when sliced.
How To Make More Delicious Of Qdoba Cholula Chicken Recipe?
To make this Qdoba Cholula Chicken recipe more delicious, allow the chicken to marinate overnight so the flavors fully absorb. Use high-quality Cholula hot sauce and fresh ingredients like garlic and lime for a richer taste.
Cook the chicken on a hot grill or cast iron skillet to get a nice sear and smoky flavor. Adding a small amount of butter at the end keeps it juicy and flavorful. Serve with fresh herbs, lime wedges, or a side of seasoned rice for an extra boost.
Amazing Serving Ideas For Your Qdoba Cholula Chicken Recipe
➢ Burrito Bowls
Serve sliced chicken over rice with black beans, corn, salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese for a flavorful burrito bowl.
➢ Tacos
Stuff warm tortillas with the chicken, top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for fresh, spicy tacos.
➢ Quesadillas
Layer chicken and cheese between tortillas, grill until crispy, then slice and serve with sour cream or salsa.
➢ Salad Topper
Add the chicken over a fresh salad with romaine, avocado, tomatoes, and a lime vinaigrette for a healthy, filling meal.
➢ Loaded Nachos
Spread tortilla chips on a tray, top with chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and bake. Finish with sour cream and green onions.
How Do You Preserve Qdoba Cholula Chicken Recipe?
To preserve Qdoba Cholula Chicken recipe, let it cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keeping the chicken in its juices or adding a splash of broth while reheating helps maintain moisture and flavor.
Conclusion
Making this Qdoba Cholula Chicken recipe was simple and the results were truly delicious. I really enjoyed how easy it was to prepare and the flavorful outcome made it a success.
I hope this recipe inspires you to give it a try soon. Once you make it, I’m sure you’ll love the taste as much as I did. Don’t forget to let me know how delicious it turned out after you’ve cooked it!
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