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Diced adobo grilled chicken thighs in a bowl with lime wedges

Qdoba Copycat Adobo Grilled Chicken

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together the adobo sauce, vegetable oil, minced garlic, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large non-reactive container.
  • Submerge the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage of all surfaces.
  • Seal and refrigerate for 4 hours to facilitate flavor absorption and acid-driven tenderization.
  • Preheat a cast-iron griddle or grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F/204°C).
  • Place chicken on the cooking surface and sear for 7 to 9 minutes per side until a caramelized crust is achieved.
  • Verify an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a calibrated digital probe thermometer.
  • Rest the chicken for 10 minutes on a room-temperature surface to stabilize internal juices.
  • Dice the rested chicken into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for service.