Enjoy the bold flavors of Air Fryer Copycat Qdoba Chicken right at home! This easy recipe features juicy, marinated chicken cooked to perfection in the air fryer, delivering that signature Qdoba taste without the hassle.
Perfect for tacos, burritos, or salads, this versatile chicken is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it an ideal option for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Discover how to recreate this popular dish with simple ingredients and a fraction of the time!
My son was very excited, now he could make his copycat Qdoba chicken bowl at home. Serve over a bed of Mexican Rice, Jasmine Rice, and serve with some fresh Air Fryer Fajita Vegetables. All make for a great way to make this famous chicken at home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: This Air Fryer Copycat Qdoba Chicken comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Flavorful and Juicy: The marinade infuses the chicken with bold flavors, delivering that delicious Qdoba taste you love right at home.
- Versatile Dish: Use this chicken in tacos, burritos, salads, or bowls—it’s a versatile option that works for any meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the spices and toppings to suit your taste, making each meal unique and tailored to your preferences.
Ingredients Needed
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Choose high-quality chicken breast for the best results. You can also use chicken tenderloins.
- Olive Oil: The olive oil will act as a marinade base.
- Lime Juice: Adds a tangy and citrusy flavor to the chicken, enhancing its overall taste.
- Garlic: Minced or crushed, infuse the chicken with aromatic and savory notes.
- Ground 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: Provides a vibrant red color and a sweet, slightly peppery taste to the marinade.
- Dried Oregano: Adds herbal and slightly floral undertones, complementing the overall flavor profile.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who enjoy a bit of heat.
How To Make Air Fryer Copycat Qdoba Chicken
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. 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.
Air Fryer Copycat Qdoba Chicken Recipe Tips
- Pound the Chicken: Before marinating, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Marinate Longer: For more intense flavors, marinate the chicken for an extended period.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to match your taste preferences.
- 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.
Air Fryer Copycat Qdoba Chicken Recipe Faqs
What type of chicken should I use? You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Thighs will result in a juicier dish, while breasts are leaner.
Do I need to marinate the chicken? Marinating the chicken enhances its flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can season it right before cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can marinate the chicken a few hours or even overnight in advance. Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What can I serve with this chicken? This chicken is versatile and can be served in tacos, burritos, salads, or rice bowls. Pair it with your favorite toppings like salsa, cheese, avocado, or sour cream.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken? Absolutely! You can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
Is this recipe spicy? The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of chili powder and cumin used in the marinade. Feel free to add more or less according to your preference.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
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Air Fryer Copycat Qdoba Chicken
Description
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to 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. For even better results, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Preheating ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired cooking temperature, resulting in evenly cooked chicken.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a thin layer of olive oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket.
- 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 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), and it is cooked through and nicely charred.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray, or Olive oil
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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