Qdoba Adobo Chicken Recipe
The Qdoba Adobo Chicken Recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make dish with tender chicken marinated in a smoky, slightly spicy adobo sauce. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls, this recipe captures the essence of bold, savory flavors, bringing a restaurant-style experience to your home kitchen.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- Fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
- Lime wedges optional, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
- Start by preparing the marinade that will infuse the chicken with all those incredible flavors. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, adobo sauce, lime juice, honey, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the adobo marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, or up to 50 minute for deeper flavor. If you’re in a rush, even a short marination time will make a difference.
Cook the Chicken
- Once the chicken is done marinating, it’s time to cook it. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil to the pan and allow it to warm up.
- Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 8–10 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Rest and Slice
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips or cubes, depending on how you plan to use it.
Serve
- Now that your chicken is ready, you can use it to make your favorite Qdoba-style dishes. I love adding it to tacos, burrito bowls, or even serving it over a bed of cilantro-lime rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Notes
If you’re looking for a bit of extra spice, feel free to add a chopped chipotle pepper or two to the marinade.
If you’re more into a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of adobo sauce or chili powder. This recipe is versatile, and you can adjust the heat level to your liking.
Additionally, while I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this dish, you can substitute chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful option.
The cooking time may vary slightly with thighs, so make sure to check the internal temperature before serving.