This copycat recipe of the famous Qdoba grilled chicken is the real deal! Perfectly seasoned, juicy, and moist – these grilled chicken thighs are ready to serve with your weeknight dinner in less than 15 minutes of grill time! This Qdoba Grilled Chicken copycat is fantastic on burritos, rice bowls, tacos, salads and more. Gluten-free and dairy-free.
Not too long ago, I published my Copycat Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup recipe, and you all have been SO kind with your feedback!! So today, I’m excited to bring back another restaurant copycat recipe – the famous Qdoba grilled chicken recipe! We’ve been eating LOTS of chicken in this house lately, and it was all worth it: this recipe ROCKS!! Though of course, we may be biased 🙂
We’ve topped literally everything you can imagine with these Qdoba grilled chicken. We’ve sliced them, diced them, put in on burrito bowls, stuffed them in our homemade tortillas to make tacos and quesadillas, sandwiched them between two slices of bread, everything you can think of – we’ve probably done it! Because guys, it’s really THAT good!
So enough chit-chat. You all ready for the recipe??
Ingredients to Make Qdoba Grilled Chicken ( Copycat Recipe )
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
Chicken Marinade
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, sub lime juice
- ¾ tsp oregano
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve
- cilantro, chopped
- lime, sliced
How to Make Qdoba Grilled Chicken ( Copycat Recipe )
- Into a large resealable bag, add 2 tbsp olive oil and the chicken thighs. Mix them together, then add all the ingredients except the remaining olive oil. Mix to combine. Make sure that the chicken is well covered in the spice mixture, then seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Transfer the marinated chicken unto the grill, then cook on both sides until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reads 165 F. (Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs, but mine took about 6-7 minutes per side).
- Transfer the chicken to a large plate or cutting board and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Slice (or chop!) the chicken, then garnish with chopped cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice. ENJOY!
Looking for More Easy Mexican Recipe Pairings?
- Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas (DF, V)
- Fresh Mexican Tomato Salad (GF, DF, V)
- Easy Breakfast Tacos (GF, DF, V Options)
- The Best Ever Dips: Creamy Avocado & Hummus (GF, DF, V)
- Game Day Favorite Herbed Garlic Dip (GF, DF, VG)
- Extra Cheesy Hot Nacho Dip (GF, V)
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If you make this Qdoba Grilled Chicken Copycat Recipe, please drop a comment below! I’d LOVE to know what you think! Or take a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging @dwellbymichelle!
Qdoba Grilled Chicken ( Copycat Recipe )
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Chicken Marinade
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar , sub lime juice
- ¾ tsp oregano
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- salt and pepper , to taste
To Serve
- cilantro , chopped
- lime , sliced
Instructions
- Into a large resealable bag, add 2 tbsp olive oil and the chicken thighs. Mix them together, then add all the ingredients except the remaining olive oil. Mix to combine. Make sure that the chicken is well covered in the spice mixture, then seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Transfer the marinated chicken unto the grill, then cook on both sides until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reads 165 F. (Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs, but mine took about 6-7 minutes per side).
- Transfer the chicken to a large plate or cutting board and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Slice (or chop!) the chicken, then garnish with chopped cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice. ENJOY!
Notes
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DANG! where has this recipe been all of life? Followed your recipe to a T, and it came out tasting just like the Qdoba version!
I didn’t know I needed this recipe in my life until my husband made it for me! we are both Qdoba fans, but tbh dont have the budget to go buy a burrito everyday. This tasted just like the chicken we get there. seriously amazing! I was skeptical about the apple cider vinegar at first, but it gives it such a good tang, like the real Qdoba stuff!