• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Recipes
    • By Course
      • Appetizer
      • Baked Goods
      • Breakfast
      • Dessert
      • Dips & Sauces
      • Drinks
      • Main Course
      • Sides
      • Snack
    • By Cuisine
      • American
      • Asian
      • Indian
      • Indonesian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
    • By Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
    • Reviews
  • Shop
DWELL by michelle

DWELL by michelle

  • About
  • Save Money
  • Contact

Qdoba Grilled Chicken ( Copycat Recipe )

January 14, 2021

Qdoba Grilled Chicken ( Copycat Recipe )

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??

Table of Contents hide
1 Ingredients to Make Qdoba Grilled Chicken ( Copycat Recipe )
1.1 Chicken Marinade
1.2 To Serve
2 How to Make Qdoba Grilled Chicken ( Copycat Recipe )
3 Looking for More Easy Mexican Recipe Pairings?
4 Qdoba Grilled Chicken ( Copycat Recipe )
4.1 Ingredients
4.1.1 Chicken Marinade
4.1.2 To Serve
4.2 Instructions
4.3 Notes

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 )

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. Transfer the chicken to a large plate or cutting board and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes.
  4. 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)

Subscribe to DWELL and get new recipes delivered straight to your inbox! In addition, follow along on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram to get all the latest updates!

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 adobo chipotle chicken burrito bowl rice bowl tacos mexican gluten-free dairy-free

Qdoba Grilled Chicken ( Copycat Recipe )

DWELL by Michelle
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.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 12 mins
Marinating Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 17 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 319 kcal

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

Keyword chicken thighs, chipotle chicken recipe, dairy-free, dinner ideas, easy meals, Gluten-Free, healthy chicken recipe, mexican chicken, qdoba chicken recipe, restaurant copycat recipes

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a small portion of the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting DWELL by Michelle! Please read my disclosure policy.

in By Course, By Cuisine, Gluten-Free, Main Course, Mexican, Recipes # chicken thighs, chipotle chicken recipe, dairy-free, dinner ideas, easy meals, gluten-free, healthy chicken recipe, mexican chicken, qdoba chicken recipe, restaurant copycat recipes

Reader Interactions

you may also like
Homemade Peanut Butter Crackers (Ritz Copycat Recipe)
The BEST Copycat Chick Fil A Cookie Recipe
Savory Dutch Baby (Gluten-Free, Keto, Low Carb, Vegetarian)
How to Make Butter Naan (Authentic Indian Flat bread)

Comments

  1. Jeremy says

    January 19, 2021 at 11:25 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  2. Courtney says

    January 15, 2021 at 10:54 am

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hi there!

Welcome to DWELL: my little corner of the internet filled with simple recipes, travel tips, and lifestyle inspiration. Here, you'll find lots of ideas for easy + delicious recipes from all over the world.

Cheers,

Join our Mailing List!

lifestyle tips and good food, right in your inbox!

Follow Along


Featured

Homemade Peanut Butter Crackers (Ritz Copycat Recipe)

Affiliate Disclaimer

DWELL by michelle receives commissions on purchases made through our affiliate links to retailers.

Footer

Looking for Something?

Pages

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

  • Homemade Peanut Butter Crackers (Ritz Copycat Recipe)
  • CAUSEBOX Winter 2021 Review + $10 Coupon!
  • The BEST Copycat Chick Fil A Cookie Recipe
  • Savory Dutch Baby (Gluten-Free, Keto, Low Carb, Vegetarian)

On Instagram

complimentary from C.O. Bigelow Today, I woke up complimentary from C.O. Bigelow

Today, I woke up exhausted. And not just the “oh I could use 5 more minutes” kind of tired. But “whoa, I feel like I got hit by a truck” kind. So instead of pushing harder, I chose to rest.

How? I’ve been saving my PTO’s for months (seriously, I’ve worked so hard and was extra intentional about setting aside time), so I have the option to take the day off for days like this.

I’m thankful I have gracious supervisors who believe in the importance of getting things done, but also in a healthy work-life balance.

And here’s what I’ve learned: rest could happen anywhere, anytime (yes, including the middle of the work week!) But creating pockets of time to rest is so vital - this is God’s gift to us!

Could I have found an excuse to not rest in the billion things on my to do list? YES. But.. I chose to do so. The world will keep spinning, and today, I will have a slow morning. A time to refresh, a time to be reinvigorated.

Don’t be overwhelmed, it’s ok to stop. Really, I mean that. It’s healthy to our bodies, mind and spirit.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28

So now that I’m awake, you can find me in under a mountain of blankets just slowly reading, sipping on some Chamba Broth, taking a long bath with @cobigelow #HerbalComfortSoak, baking something exciting with REAL vanilla beans later today, and most of all - being more present in the moment.

How are you slowing down today? And how do you find REST?

#DWELLbyMichelle #cobigelow
A good friend of mine from Kerala recently sent me A good friend of mine from Kerala recently sent me her recipe of their famous (and authentic) Kerala style beef curry. So naturally, I made the dish that very night.⁣
⁣
All I could say is “OH. MY. GOODNESS. This is SO good.” 🔥⁣
⁣
This easy Kerala style beef curry recipe takes less than an hour to make. And the result? Incredibly tender cuts of beef marinated in the most flavorful spices. Pair it with a bowl of fluffy, warm Basmati rice, and get ready because this beef curry recipe is about to BLOW YOUR MIND. 🤯⁣
⁣
FULL RECIPE: https://dwellbymichelle.com/kerala-beef-curry/ (link in bio! @dwellbymichelle)
SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING So my Winter @causebox FINAL SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING

So my Winter @causebox FINALLY arrived on Friday - and I am SOOO in love with everything in my box! ☀️

If you've been around for a while, you might remember that I bought myself a Causebox subscription for my birthday last year, and I've only continued to love this company and the ethical sustainability that they stand behind! It's like the products are just a bonus 😉

Anywaaaays, you can check out my 27-second Reel for the full unboxing (+ explanation for how each brand is sustainable/ethical), but here's a quick "Sparksnotes" list if ya just want a quick lowdown! 👇🏼👇🏼

In my box this quarter, I received:
1️⃣ Cozy Cloud Wrap from @threadandsupply ($115)
2️⃣ Truffle Therapy Face Toner from @skinandco ($30)
3️⃣ Reusable Silicone Baking Sheets from @activatedeco ($24)
4️⃣ Yearly Planner from @idlewildco ($32)
5️⃣ Heathered Slouchy Socks from @maggiesorganics ($25)
6️⃣ Thick Gold Hoops from @sanctuary_project ($38)

ANNNDD…(bonus!) 
7️⃣ the most beautiful box and postcard designed by @sacree_frangine!

I've literally been living in my Cozy Cloud Wrap (just ask Evan!) and have gotten to use all these products, but what's really cool about @causebox is how each brand they feature gives back to the community through various sustainable and ethical missions -- and if ya know me, you know I'm all about that!

Anyways, pardon me now while I go bake some cookies using my new silicone sheets (in my Cozy Cloud Wrap, of course) 🍪☁️ 

>> Want a box? Take $10 off (link in bio! @dwellbymichelle)

>> FULL REVIEW: https://dwellbymichelle.com/causebox-winter-2021-review/ (link also in bio!)
Start with a thin, pancake-like batter and a hot s Start with a thin, pancake-like batter and a hot skillet. Pour the batter into the skillet all at once and slide it into a hot oven. Within a few minutes, the batter will start to puff around the edges, rising higher and higher until this “pancake” looks more like a poofy pillow. Once those edges turn golden and you can’t resist the sweet aroma of baked goods any longer, it’s ready.⁣
⁣
Out of the oven, the Dutch baby will quickly collapse back into the pan — the steam holding it up quickly evaporates in the cooler air of your kitchen. But no bother — what’s left behind is a pancake with the soft, tender texture of a hot crepe.⁣
⁣
➡ Learn how to make a GF Dutch Baby: https://dwellbymichelle.com/savory-dutch-baby/ (link in bio! @dwellbymichelle)⁣
⁣
#DutchBaby #DWELLbyMichelle⁣
⁣
.
Breakfast Smoothie Bowl, or art? 🎨⁣ ⁣ This Breakfast Smoothie Bowl, or art? 🎨⁣
⁣
This recipe takes literally just 5 minutes to make, so it's basically like rolling out of bed and waking up to a colorful smoothie bowl right?⁣
⁣
(+ you can now say goodbye to expensive Mermaid smoothie bowls!)⁣
⁣
Each recipe makes TWO servings of refreshing, nutritious, and delicious smoothie that makes for a healthy breakfast, snack, or even dessert!⁣
⁣
➡ FULL RECIPE: https://dwellbymichelle.com/tropical-mermaid-blue-spirulina-smoothie-bowl/ (link in bio @dwellbymichelle)
Can you say OH MY?⁣ ⁣ This easy and authentic Can you say OH MY?⁣
⁣
This easy and authentic butter naan recipe yields super soft and delicious Homemade Naan (aka Indian Flatbread). ⁣
⁣
Finally, you can make restaurant-quality naan in the comfort of your own home! This recipe is vegetarian and can be adapted to be dairy-free and vegan (just see my recipe notes!). ⁣
⁣
Each Butter Naan recipe yields 6 servings - try not to eat it all and share some, would you? 😉⁣
⁣
FULL RECIPE: https://dwellbymichelle.com/how-to-make-butter-naan/ (link in bio! @dwellbymichelle)⁣
⁣
#DWELLbyMichelle #ButterNaan⁣
⁣
.
2021 © DWELL by Michelle
theme by soleilflare