Homemade Qdoba Chicken Recipe: Budget-Friendly and Delicious

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Looking for a Qdoba chicken recipe? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Today we will show you how to make Qdoba chicken at home! Not only is this a budget-friendly version, but it’s also incredibly delicious.

I know you love to visit your local Qdoba Mexican Grill to get their flavorful chicken in everything from their Burrito Bowls to their Naked Chicken Chalupas. But have you ever stopped to think about how much money you could save by making your own Qdoba chicken at home?

If you’re like me, the answer is probably not very often! I love going out to eat as much as the next person, but I also know it can be very expensive. That’s why I’m always looking for ways to save money without sacrificing taste or quality.

Making your own Qdoba chicken at home is a great way to do just that! Not only will it save you money, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Plus, you can customize it however you like!

What is Qdoba Mexican Grill?

Qdoba Mexican Grill is a chain of fast-casual restaurants in the United States and Canada. The company was founded in Denver, Colorado, in 1995. As of 2019, Qdoba had over 700 locations worldwide. The menu at Qdoba Mexican Grill features a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes, including burritos, tacos, salads, quesadillas, and nachos.

What do you use Qdoba Chicken for?

One of the most popular items on the Qdoba Mexican Grill menu is their chicken. Qdoba chicken is known for being both flavorful and tender. The chicken is often used in various dishes, including their burrito bowls, tacos, and salads.

The Best Copycat Qdoba Chicken Recipe

 How does this help you? We all have those crazy nights where we frantically try to figure out what we will make for dinner! With this in your fridge, you can have a meal on the table in literal minutes!

Try making a quesadilla! Place a tortilla on a plate, sprinkle cheese over it, add some of this, and top with another tortilla. Microwave it for 30 seconds, just long enough for the cheese to melt, and you are done!

Burritos are a snap if you have cilantro lime rice in the fridge too! Just open a can of black beans – and the next thing you know? Burritos! Take a tortilla, add rice, chicken, black beans, pico de gallo, or corn salsa, and shredded cheese and wrap it all up. Yum!

Even burrito rice bowls would be quick work with this already cooked and seasoned – just sitting in your fridge. With your favorite toppings, dinner is just minutes away from the table. (Note to self: it has been a while since we made chicken burrito bowls…)

All recipes become easy when the main ingredient prep work is done for you, and this delicious recipe makes lots of chicken for your future meal plans.

Qdoba Copycat Chicken Recipe Ingredients:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – I know these aren’t as flavorful as thigh meat, but it makes for a better end product with the marination
• Roasted garlic paste – you could use 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
• Olive oil – better for you and better flavor
• Chipotle sauce – you can find this in the Hispanic section of your grocery store
• Chili powder – I like ancho chili powder
• Cumin – I like to use smoked cumin
• Italian seasoning – this is just a blend of common herbs like basil, thyme, oregano, etc.
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish – skip this if you have that gene that makes it taste like soap to you

How to Make our Qdoba Chicken Recipe:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together garlic paste, olive oil, chipotle sauce, chili powder, cumin, Italian seasoning, and salt & pepper until well combined.

Dip chicken in the mixture to coat both sides, then place in a Ziplock bag or airtight container.

Repeat with remaining chicken breasts. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place marinated chicken on a baking sheet.

Cook for 30 minutes, and let rest for about 5 minutes.

Place your chicken on a cutting board and cut it into the size pieces you prefer.

Variations you can try with this recipe:

• Add some lime juice or lemon juice to the marinade for a little extra zing
• Add some chopped red onion or peppers to the marinade for a little extra flavor
• If you like things spicy, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade
• Add fajita veggies and pop into a warm tortilla with a little sour cream

Qdoba Chicken Recipe FAQs

Q: Can you make this in the air fryer basket?

A: Yes! Just cook at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

Q: Can I use a different type of chicken?

A: You can use any type of chicken you like, but we recommend using thin-cut, skinless chicken breasts for the best results.

Q: What should I serve with this recipe?

A: This goes great with rice, beans, salsa, and guacamole. You can also use it in tacos, burritos, or salads.

Q: How long will this recipe last in the fridge?

A: This recipe will last in the fridge for up to four days.

There you have it! Our delicious and easy-to-make Qdoba chicken recipe. This is a great way to save money without sacrificing taste or quality. Give it a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Don’t forget to check out our other budget-friendly recipes while you’re here. Until next time, happy cooking!

Print off our recipe here

Check out our other Qdoba Copycat Recipes

• Our Amazing Copycat Qdoba Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
• Qdoba Cilantro Lime Rice Copycat Recipe