Published on February 26, 2025 (Last modified on February 26, 2025) by Joe Williams in Lunch And Dinner

Qdoba Drunken Yardbird Recipe – Culinary Chase

When enjoying Qdoba’s Drunken Yardbird, the right pairings can elevate the experience. Consider serving it with Mexican Street Corn, where the sweet, creamy, and spicy flavors contrast beautifully with the bold chicken.

A Black Bean Salad, packed with black beans, corn, and diced veggies, offers a refreshing balance to the dish’s richness. For a citrusy complement, Cilantro Lime Rice adds a bright, zesty touch that enhances every bite.

Kick things off with Tortilla Chips and Salsa, a crunchy starter that awakens the palate in anticipation of the meal. To round it all out, a classic Margarita, with its blend of tequila and lime, adds a festive note, making every bite of the Yardbird even more enjoyable.

Get ready for a fiesta of flavors, excitement, and a bit of a kick! I want to share my absolute favorite dish from Qdoba—Drunken Yardbird. It’s not just chicken; it’s an experience packed with spices, zest, and all the Mexican vibes.

In this post, we’ll delve into what makes this dish special, how to recreate it at home, and tips for making it shine at your next gathering. Whether you’re planning a summertime barbecue or just want a quick, delicious dinner, the Drunken Yardbird has got you covered.

What is Qdoba Drunken Yardbird?

Drunken Yardbird is Qdoba’s signature chicken dish, marinated in lime and tequila, then grilled to perfection. It’s a celebration of vibrant flavors, balancing smokiness, acidity, and a hint of spice.

Qdoba’s take on this dish ensures that each component—from the juicy chicken to the playful toppings like avocado and Cotija cheese—harmonizes beautifully. You might be wondering about the origins of “drunken” in its name.

The tequila marinade gives the chicken an added depth while tenderizing the meat. When you bite into it, you’ll find layers of flavor with every mouthful.

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

The flavor profile of Drunken Yardbird is complex yet approachable. Here’s what you can expect:

Citrusy: The primary flavor comes from fresh lime juice and zest. It brightens each bite, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
Smoky: Tequila and the grilling process impart a smoky essence that transforms the dish.
Spicy: The jalapeño and the smoky chili blend add just the right amount of heat without overwhelming your taste buds.

Umami: Ingredients like garlic and fire-roasted salsa bring a savory component that is hard to resist.
Creamy: The avocado and Cotija cheese provide a delightful creaminess that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This?

So, why will this dish capture your heart? Let me count a few reasons:

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you won’t be stuck in the kitchen.
Versatile: You can customize it to fit your preferences—add your favorite veggies, increase the spice level, or play with the toppings.
Healthful Option: Packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s a satisfying meal that fits well into a balanced diet.

Crowd Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Memorable Flavors: The unique combination of flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience, making it a dish you’ll crave again.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create the Drunken Yardbird at home:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
3 fresh limes, juiced and zested (divided)

¼ cup smooth silver tequila (optional)
1 teaspoon smoky chili blend
1 teaspoon garlic salt or garlic powder

½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 small jalapeño, finely diced

½ small red onion, finely minced
¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro
½ cup fire-roasted salsa

1 ripe avocado, sliced
8 corn tortillas, lightly charred
2 tablespoons crumbled Cotija cheese

Salt and pepper to taste
Hot sauce, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, tequila, smoky chili blend, garlic salt, cumin, and black pepper. This zesty mixture will transform your chicken into a flavor-packed delight.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a zip-lock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, an hour or two will allow the flavors to seep in even more.

Step 3: Get the Grill Ready

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have one, a grill pan on the stove will work just fine. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Once the grill is hot, place the marinated chicken on it. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Prepare the Toppings

While the chicken is grilling, chop the jalapeño, mince the red onion, and prepare the cilantro. Cut the avocado into slices.

Step 6: Warm the Tortillas

In a separate pan, lightly char the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side. This adds a beautiful texture and warmth to the tortillas.

Step 7: Assemble Your Dish

Once the chicken is grilled, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. Lay the warm tortillas on your plates, add the chicken, and then top with salsa, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, sliced avocado, and Cotija cheese. Don’t forget to sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately, and don’t hesitate to drizzle on some hot sauce for that extra kick.

Tips & Tricks

Here are some useful tips for preparing your Drunken Yardbird:

Marinate Longer: For better flavor, let the chicken marinate longer. Overnight is ideal.

Grill Marks Matter: Don’t move the chicken too often on the grill; let it develop those appealing grill marks.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh limes and herbs make a significant difference in flavor.
Make It a Bowl: Switch it up by serving everything in a bowl over rice or salad greens for a lighter option.

Save Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for salads or wraps the next day.

How Can You Store This Qdoba Drunken Yardbird?

To properly store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer the chicken and toppings into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken in the microwave or on a skillet until warm. Avoid reheating the avocado and salad toppings as they can lose their texture.

Ingredient Alternatives

If you find yourself missing some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some substitute ideas:

Tequila: If you’d rather skip the alcohol but still want a hint of flavor, use apple cider vinegar or extra lime juice instead.
Cotija Cheese: If Cotija cheese is hard to find, consider using feta cheese for a similar texture and a salty taste.

Jalapeños: If you can’t handle the heat, try bell peppers for crunch without the spice. For more flavor, you could use roasted red peppers.

Qdoba Drunken Yardbird Recipe

Joe Williams

Get ready for a fiesta of flavors, excitement, and a bit of a kick! I want to share my absolute favorite dish from Qdoba—Drunken Yardbird.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings Servings

Calories 321 kcal

Equipment

Bowl

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
3 fresh limes juiced and zested (divided)
¼ cup smooth silver tequila optional

1 teaspoon smoky chili blend
1 teaspoon garlic salt or garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 small jalapeño finely diced
½ small red onion finely minced

¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro
½ cup fire-roasted salsa
1 ripe avocado sliced

8 corn tortillas lightly charred
2 tablespoons crumbled Cotija cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Hot sauce to taste