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Air Fryer Copycat Qdoba Chicken

Name: Air Fryer Copycat Qdoba Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 lime; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; Dash of cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)

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Air Fryer Copycat Qdoba Chicken — If you’re looking for an easy way to make a Qdoba-inspired dinner at home without ordering takeout, look no further than this air fryer copycat chicken!

This delicious dish is full of flavor, ready in under 20 minutes, and loaded with fresh ingredients. Enjoy the juicy marinated chicken, zesty queso blanco, crispy peppers, and onions nestled inside warm flour tortillas. Best of all–you don’t even have to leave your house or slave away over a hot stove – throw it all in the air fryer for a quick yet flavorful meal that tastes like restaurant quality!

What Is Qdoba Chicken

Qdoba chicken refers to the seasoned and grilled chicken used in the menu offerings of Qdoba Mexican Eats, a popular fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in Mexican-inspired cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including burritos, tacos, bowls, and salads, where customers can customize their meals with a selection of proteins, toppings, and sauces.

Qdoba chicken is a key ingredient in many of their menu items and is known for its tender, juicy, and flavorful characteristics. The chicken is typically marinated with a blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings that infuse it with a delicious taste profile. After marinating, the chicken is grilled to perfection, creating a slightly smoky and charred flavor that enhances the overall dining experience.

Customers can choose to have the Qdoba chicken added to their burritos, tacos, bowls, or salads, alongside other ingredients such as rice, beans, salsa, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream, allowing them to tailor their meals to their preferences.

Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Copycat Qdoba Chicken

Have you been searching for a way to create your favorite Qdoba dish at home? Look no further! With this simple guide, you can create delicious copycat Qdoba chicken in the air fryer. All it takes is a few simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes of prep time.

Once prepped, let the air fryer do all the work while you relax and prepare for an amazing meal filled with Mexican-inspired flavors like garlic, chili powder, and cumin to make your taste buds crave more. Keep reading to discover exactly what ingredients are needed and how to make an unforgettable Copycat Qdoba Chicken!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Choose high-quality chicken breast for the best results. Chicken breast is lean and versatile, making it ideal for grilling in the air fryer.
Olive Oil: The olive oil will act as a marinade base and help the spices adhere to the chicken while keeping it moist during cooking.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a tangy and citrusy flavor to the chicken, enhancing its overall taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, minced or crushed, infuse the chicken with aromatic and savory notes.
Ground Cumin: Cumin brings warm and earthy flavors to the marinade, characteristic of Qdoba’s chicken.
Chili Powder: Adds a mild kick and subtle smokiness to the chicken.
Paprika: Paprika provides a vibrant red color and a sweet, slightly peppery taste to the marinade.
Dried Oregano: Oregano adds herbal and slightly floral undertones, complementing the overall flavor profile.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the chicken’s taste.
Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who enjoy a bit of heat, cayenne pepper can be added to the marinade to provide a spicy kick.
Cooking Spray or Olive Oil (for air fryer): To prevent sticking, use a light coating of cooking spray or brush the air fryer basket with olive oil before placing the chicken.

How To Make Copycat Qdoba Chicken In Air Fryer

Bored with bland dinners? Want to try something new that tastes amazingly delicious and healthier than takeout? Try out this copycat Qdoba chicken made in an air fryer! It’s incredibly easy and flavorful, so you can get a taste akin to your favorite restaurant without all the fat and calories. This dish combines juicy chicken with the zingy flavors in traditional Mexican-style food – tomatoes, peppers, onions, and more – for a drool-worthy meal that won’t ruin your diet! So don’t wait any longer – get cooking!

Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, coat each piece evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken. Marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight for even better results.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Preheating ensures the air fryer reaches the desired cooking temperature, resulting in evenly cooked chicken.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket.
Air Fry the Chicken:
- Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Place the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is not large enough to fit both chicken breasts comfortably.
Air Fry the Chicken:
- Air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), cooked through, and nicely charred.
Rest and Serve:
- Once done, remove the air-fried chicken from the basket and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains tender and juicy.

Now you have your delicious Copycat Qdoba Chicken, which can be enjoyed in various dishes like burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, or simply as a flavorful protein option. Feel free to customize your meals with your favorite toppings and sauces for a personalized Qdoba-inspired dining experience in the comfort of your home!

Pro Tips

Pro Tips for Making Copycat Qdoba Chicken in Air Fryer:

Pound the Chicken: Before marinating, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks uniformly and prevents any part from drying out during air frying.
Marinate Longer: For more intense flavors, marinate the chicken for an extended period. Marinate the chicken for 4 to 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator if possible. This allows the spices and seasonings to penetrate the chicken fully.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to match your taste preferences. Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier chicken. For a milder version, reduce the amount of spice.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Resting Time Matters: Let the air-fried chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful dish.
Reheat Carefully: If you have leftovers, reheat the chicken in the air fryer for a short period at a lower temperature to prevent overcooking. About 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) should be sufficient to warm the chicken without drying it out.
Serve with Qdoba-Style Fixings: Enhance the Qdoba experience by serving the chicken with your favorite Qdoba-style fixings, such as rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, cheese, and sour cream. Create your burritos, bowls, or salads for a complete and delicious meal.
Experiment with Cooking Times: Cooking times may vary depending on the chicken breasts’ thickness and the air fryer’s brand. Start with the recommended time and adjust for your specific air fryer model.
Double the Recipe: If you have a larger air fryer or need to serve a crowd, double the recipe to make more servings. Just ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain even cooking.
Grill for a Charred Flavor: For an even closer match to Qdoba’s grilled chicken, consider finishing the air-fried chicken on an outdoor grill for a few minutes. The grill marks will add a lovely charred flavor to the chicken.

By following these pro tips, you can replicate the delicious and flavorful Qdoba chicken in your air fryer, creating a delightful meal everyone will enjoy!

FAQs:

Can I use frozen chicken to make Copycat Qdoba Chicken in the air fryer?

It is recommended to use fresh, thawed chicken for the best results. Frozen chicken may not marinate as well and could result in uneven cooking.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are traditionally used for Qdoba chicken, you can use bone-in chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken may take longer.

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of meat, such as boneless chicken thighs or pork, for a variation. The marinade and cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the type of meat used.

Can I store any leftover chicken?

Yes, you can store any leftover Qdoba chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the air fryer or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken for later use?

You can freeze the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before air frying.

What are some serving suggestions for Copycat Qdoba Chicken?

Serve the air-fried Qdoba chicken in burritos, tacos, bowls, salads, or alongside rice and vegetables for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the marinade?

Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper to adjust the level of spiciness to your liking.

Can I marinate the chicken in a different sauce or seasoning?

Feel free to experiment with different marinades or seasoning blends to customize the chicken according to your taste preferences.

Can I use the same marinade for vegetables or other proteins?

The marinade can work well with proteins like tofu or vegetables, offering a tasty option for vegetarians or those wanting to vary their meals.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double or triple the recipe to make more servings. Just ensure you have enough space in the air fryer basket to cook the chicken in a single layer for even cooking.

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