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Easy Qdoba Drunken Yardbird Recipe

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.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 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

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.

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 303gCalories: 321kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 31gFat: 13.8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 572mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5g
Keyword Qdoba Drunken Yardbird Recipe
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