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 mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 321 kcal
- 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 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
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
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
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.
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.
Serving: 303gCalories: 321kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 31gFat: 13.8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 572mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5g
Keyword Qdoba Drunken Yardbird Recipe