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A close-up shot of a wooden cutting board on a white marble cooktop, where the juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken is being sliced into thin strips. Each piece is tender, revealing a well-cooked, flavorful interior, ready to be served in tacos, bowls, or burritos.

Qdoba Chicken Recipe

This homemade Qdoba-style chicken is smoky, juicy, and packed with bold flavors. Perfect for burritos, tacos, or bowls, it's an easy, protein-rich meal that brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 485 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Ziplock bag or container (for marination)
  • Skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board & knife

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

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix olive oil, adobo sauce, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
    A close-up shot of a glass bowl on a white marble cooktop, filled with olive oil, adobo sauce, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. A whisk is partially submerged, blending the rich, smoky marinade into a smooth and flavorful mixture.
  • Coat the chicken evenly in the marinade and let it rest for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
    A close-up shot of a glass bowl on a white marble cooktop, where boneless, skinless chicken breasts are being coated in a deep red, smoky marinade. A pair of tongs lifts a piece, glistening with the bold blend of spices and seasonings, ensuring even coverage.
  • Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with oil.
    A close-up shot of a black skillet on a white marble cooktop, preheated and lightly greased with oil. The marinated chicken sizzles as it cooks, forming a golden, slightly charred crust on the surface while the aroma of smoky spices fills the air.
  • Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • Slice or shred and serve in burritos, bowls, salads, or tacos.
    A close-up shot of a wooden cutting board on a white marble cooktop, where the juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken is being sliced into thin strips. Each piece is tender, revealing a well-cooked, flavorful interior, ready to be served in tacos, bowls, or burritos.