We’ve made this recipe so many times, and trust us-it’s spot on. If you’ve ever wondered whether you could actually recreate Qdoba’s Cholula Chicken at home, we’re here to say: yep, you totally can. And it tastes so close to the real thing.
The Qdoba Cholula Chicken recipe is a copycat version of the restaurant’s Qdoba Hot and Sweet Chicken. It’s made using boneless chicken, Cholula hot sauce, smoky spices, and a quick marinade before grilling or pan-searing.
Wanna know how to make it taste just like Qdoba’s? Keep reading-we’re spilling everything: the ingredients, the method, and the secret twist that brings it all together.
What Does Qdoba Cholula Chicken Taste Like?
Qdoba Cholula Chicken has a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor that hits all the right notes. It’s juicy, tender, and packed with layers of seasoning-thanks to a blend of adobo sauce, garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
The heat is subtle, not overpowering, and perfectly balanced by the savory richness of the grilled Qdoba Sweet and Spicy Chicken. The oregano adds a mild herbaceous twist, while the charred edges from cooking give it that irresistible, flame-grilled taste.
Whether you toss it in a burrito or eat it on its own, every bite delivers a zesty, crave-worthy punch that keeps you coming back for more. It’s the kind of flavor that feels both comforting and exciting at the same time.
Ingredients Required for Qdoba Cholula Chicken Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Qdoba Cholula Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken – 1 pound (about 2.5kg) or Qdoba Adobo Chicken
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Oregano – ½ teaspoon
- Purple chili powder – ½ tablespoon
- Cumin (crushed) – ½ teaspoon
- Olive oil – 1-2 tablespoons
- Grounded garlic – 1 to 1½ cloves
- Adobo sauce – 1 tablespoon
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Ziplock bag or foil wrap
- Large non-stick skillet or pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula or tongs
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marination Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Serves: 3-4 people
How to Make Qdoba Cholula Chicken?
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Qdoba Cholula Chicken at home
Step 1: Marinate That Chicken
Grab a big bowl and toss in your boneless chicken, garlic, adobo sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, chili powder, cumin, and olive oil.
Mix it all up so every piece is coated in that spicy goodness. Cover it with foil or pop it in a ziplock bag. Let it sit.
Step 2: Let It Chill
Place the marinated chicken in the fridge. Let it soak in all that goodness for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Got time? Leave it overnight-flavor levels go.
Step 3: Time To Cook
Heat up a pan on medium-high heat. Add a teaspoon of olive oil. Place the marinated chicken in and cook each side for about 5-6 minutes. Keep the heat at medium so it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Step 4: Let It Rest & Slice
Once it’s cooked through, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes (this helps lock in the juices). Then, slice it up into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
And boom-you’re done! Your juicy, smoky Qdoba-style Cholula Chicken is ready to be served. Perfect in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or just straight from the pan.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Qdoba Cholula Chicken
1. Loaded Burrito Bowls
We toss this chicken over a bed of cilantro-lime rice, throw on some black beans, corn, pico, guac, and drizzle with sour cream. It’s like your favorite Qdoba bowl, but better because you made it.
2. Stuff It In Tacos
Soft flour tortillas, a little shredded lettuce, Cholula chicken, and a squeeze of lime? Chef’s kiss. Bonus points if you warm the tortillas until they’re slightly charred.
3. Chicken Quesadillas
Okay, we legit melted cheese over this chicken in a tortilla, folded it up, and grilled it golden brown. Dip it in salsa or sour cream and… you’re done for.
4. Grain Bowls for Meal Prep
We’ve packed this chicken with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and kale. Drizzle on some chipotle ranch or tahini dressing-game changer for lunch all week.
5. On Top of Nachos
Layer tortilla chips, melted cheese, black beans, jalapeños, and chopped Cholula chicken. Bake until bubbly. We may or may not have devoured a whole tray during movie night.
6. Spicy Chicken Sandwiches
Throw it between toasted brioche buns with slaw and chipotle mayo. BOOM-best homemade chicken sandwich ever. So juicy. So spicy. So messy (but worth it).
7. Chicken Fajitas
Sauté some bell peppers and onions, add the chicken, and you’ve got sizzling fajitas in minutes. Wrap it up in warm tortillas and dig in!
8. Topped Over Salads
When we’re feeling a little healthy (kind of), we toss this chicken on top of a big green salad with avocado, corn, and lime vinaigrette. It’s protein-packed and so satisfying.
9. Over Mac and Cheese
We tried this on a whim and OMG-creamy mac + spicy chicken? It’s like comfort food and Tex-Mex had a delicious little baby.
10. Breakfast Tacos
Yep. We went there. Scrambled eggs, cheese, Cholula chicken, and hot sauce in a tortilla. It’s the breakfast you didn’t know you needed until now.
Some Tips on This Qdoba Cholula Chicken Recipe
1. Don’t Skip the Marinating Time
I know, waiting can be hard… but trust me, giving the chicken time to soak in those flavors makes a BIG difference. I try to marinate it for at least 30 minutes. Overnight? Even better!
2. Use Fresh Garlic if You Can
I used pre-ground garlic once and it worked okay, but when I used fresh garlic-wow. It really made the flavor pop. Just one clove goes a long way!
3. Chop the Chicken Evenly
After cooking, I always try to cut the chicken into even little pieces. That way, every bite gets the same yummy taste and cooks evenly if I’m reheating.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
If I pile too much chicken in the pan, it kind of steams instead of grilling. So I cook it in batches when I need to.
5. Medium Heat is the Sweet Spot
Too hot, and my chicken burns. Too low, and it takes forever. Medium heat keeps it juicy and just right.
6. Use a Non-Stick Pan if You Can
One time I used a regular pan and the chicken got stuck-ugh. A non-stick skillet makes everything easier and clean-up faster!
7. Add a Tiny Bit of Extra Oil if It’s Too Dry
If the pan looks dry while cooking, I just drizzle a tiny bit more olive oil. It helps keep the chicken tender and tasty.
8. Let It Rest Before Cutting
Right after cooking, I wait a few minutes before cutting the chicken. It stays way juicier this way. No more dry bites!
9. Try It in Different Dishes
I love tossing the chicken in tacos, rice bowls, or even salads. Once I made a quesadilla with it-so good!
10. Make Extra for Later
Seriously, this chicken is even better the next day. I always cook a little more and save it in the fridge for quick lunches or lazy dinners.
How to Store and Reheat Qdoba Cholula Chicken
Pop the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat or pop it in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. Easy peasy.
Qdoba Cholula Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken – 1 pound (about 2.5kg)
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Oregano – ½ teaspoon
- Purple chili powder – ½ tablespoon
- Cumin crushed – ½ teaspoon
- Olive oil – 1-2 tablespoons
- Grounded garlic – 1 to 1½ cloves
- Adobo sauce – 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Grab a big bowl and toss in your boneless chicken, garlic, adobo sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, chili powder, cumin, and olive oil.Mix it all up so every piece is coated in that spicy goodness. Cover it with foil or pop it in a ziplock bag. Let it sit.
- Place the marinated chicken in the fridge. Let it soak in all that goodness for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Got time? Leave it overnight-flavor levels go.
- Heat up a pan on medium-high heat. Add a teaspoon of olive oil. Place the marinated chicken in and cook each side for about 5-6 minutes. Keep the heat at medium so it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- Once it’s cooked through, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes (this helps lock in the juices). Then, slice it up into small, bite-sized pieces.
- And boom-you’re done! Your juicy, smoky Qdoba-style Cholula Chicken is ready to be served. Perfect in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or just straight from the pan.
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Qdoba Cholula Chicken Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Qdoba Cholula Chicken that people often ask.
1. What is in Qdoba Cholula Chicken?
From what we’ve learned (and tasted way too many times-no regrets), Qdoba’s Cholula Chicken gets its flavor from a mix of smoky adobo sauce, bold spices like chili powder and cumin, plus garlic and a good marinade time. Our copycat version hits all those notes and maybe even a little more!
2. Is Cholula good on chicken?
Oh yes-SO good! Cholula has that perfect tangy heat that wakes up your taste buds without setting your mouth on fire. It brings out the savory, juicy side of chicken beautifully. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
3. How to make honey Cholula chicken?
We’ve tried this twist and it’s. Just follow our original marinade, but add 1 to 1½ tablespoons of honey to balance the spice with some sweetness. It creates this sticky-sweet, spicy glaze that’s chef’s kiss. Cook it the same way-and maybe serve it over rice. You’re welcome!
4. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it?
Totally! We’ve done it both ways. Grilling adds a smoky char that’s really close to what you get at Qdoba. Just preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely. We’ve used both, and chicken thighs actually stay juicier, especially if you’re cooking on high heat. Just make sure to trim the excess fat and cook them fully through.
6. How spicy is this recipe?
It’s got a kick, but it’s not overwhelming. We’d call it a medium spice level. If you’re spice-sensitive, you can dial down the chili powder or skip the adobo sauce. And if you’re brave? Add a few dashes of extra Cholula.
7. Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, and we actually love doing this for meal prep. Just marinate, cook, and chop the chicken, then store it in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days and is great in bowls, salads, or wraps.
8. What can I serve with Qdoba-style chicken?
We’ve served this with:
- Cilantro lime rice
- Black beans
- Fajita veggies
- Tortillas or burrito bowls
- And even over nachos
Basically, if it goes with Tex-Mex, it goes with this chicken.
9. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes! If you want to prep ahead, just toss everything into a freezer bag and freeze it raw. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as usual. The flavors actually deepen while frozen. Win-win.
10. What if I don’t have adobo sauce?
We’ve been there. If you’re out of adobo, you can sub in a mix of chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, and a splash of vinegar. It won’t be exactly the same, but it still gives that smoky, spicy vibe that makes this recipe sing.
This Qdoba Cholula Chicken copycat recipe is honestly a game changer. It’s super simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
So grab your skillet, spice things up, and bring those Qdoba vibes home.
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Made this tonight and it was a hit! Your recipes never disappoint. I really appreciate how easy you make everything to understand. Looking forward to your next post already