The Queso Smothered Burrito from Qdoba features a generous filling of seasoned rice, savory beans, tender grilled chicken, and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and topped with creamy, melted queso cheese, creating a rich and satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
Equipments
- Rice cooker
- Saucepan
- Grill or grill pan
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or spatula
- Flour tortilla warmer or steamer
- Ladle (for queso)
- Serving plate or platter
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups water
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 large (burrito size) flour tortillas
- 2 cups queso cheese sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Lime wedges (optional)
When preparing the Queso Smothered Burrito, use long grain white rice for the best texture in the seasoned rice filling. Fresh chicken breast should be marinated with taco seasoning and cooked evenly on a grill or grill pan to retain juiciness and flavor. Black beans must be well-rinsed and seasoned with salt to enhance their natural taste in the burrito. Use warm flour tortillas, either heated in a tortilla warmer or steamed, to prevent tearing when wrapping the filling. Your queso cheese sauce is key to achieving the creamy richness that makes the Queso Smothered Burrito from Qdoba copycat menu so irresistible.
Instructions
- Queso Smothered Burrito (Qdoba Copycat) Instructions:
- Rinse rice under cold water.
- Add rice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to rice cooker; cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Rinse and drain black beans; warm in saucepan over medium heat with 1/2 teaspoon salt, stirring occasionally.
- Cut chicken breasts into strips or cubes.
- Toss chicken with taco seasoning and vegetable oil in a mixing bowl.
- Grill chicken on grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side); rest, then slice as needed.
- Dice tomatoes, red onion, and chop cilantro.
- Shred romaine lettuce.
- Warm flour tortillas in a tortilla warmer or steamer until soft and pliable.
- Lay tortillas flat and layer rice, black beans, grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro down the center.
- Sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Roll tortillas tightly into burritos, tucking in sides.
- Place burritos seam side down on a serving plate.
- Heat queso cheese sauce in a saucepan until warm and smooth.
- Ladle hot queso sauce generously over burritos.
- Garnish with more cilantro and a squeeze of lime, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Queso Smothered Burrito from Qdoba copycat menu combines seasoned rice, black beans, grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy queso for an authentic Tex-Mex experience at home. You can substitute brown rice or quinoa for long grain white rice to add more fiber and nutrients without sacrificing flavor. If fresh chicken breasts are unavailable, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well and speeds up preparation. For a dairy-free option, try using a vegan queso sauce or a cashew-based cheese alternative. Warming the flour tortillas in a steamer or tortilla warmer preserves their softness and prevents tearing during assembly.
Tips
Rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold water before cooking removes excess starch, preventing clumping and ensuring fluffy grains every time. Make sure to let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Warming the flour tortillas in a steamer or tortilla warmer softens them, making rolling easier and preventing tears that can cause fillings to spill out. When ladling queso cheese sauce over your burritos, heat it slowly to avoid separation and achieve a smooth, creamy texture that enhances your dish's flavor.
Nutritions
This Queso Smothered Burrito provides a balanced combination of macronutrients, with protein from grilled chicken and black beans supporting muscle repair and growth. The seasoned long grain white rice offers a source of carbohydrates for sustained energy, while fresh vegetables like romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro contribute vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber for digestive health. The creamy queso cheese sauce and shredded Monterey Jack add calcium and fats, enhancing both flavor and satiety. When enjoying your burrito, keep portion size in mind to maintain a nutritious meal tailored to your dietary needs.
Storage
Store leftover Queso Smothered Burritos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. To reheat, cover the burrito loosely with foil and warm in an oven at 350degF (175degC) for about 15 minutes, or microwave until heated through, ensuring the queso cheese sauce is evenly warmed. Avoid freezing as the texture of the tortilla and cheese sauce may be compromised upon thawing.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled chicken with seasoned ground beef or cooked shrimp for a different protein twist. Cook the rice with chicken broth instead of water to enhance its flavor, and add diced green chilies or jalapenos to the beans for extra heat. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with sauteed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Warm the queso cheese sauce with a splash of milk or cream to achieve a smoother, creamier texture perfect for smothering your burrito.
Allergies
The Queso Smothered Burrito may pose allergy risks due to its key ingredients like dairy from queso cheese sauce and shredded Monterey Jack cheese, as well as gluten present in the flour tortillas. You should be cautious if you have lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity, and also consider potential allergies to chicken, beans, or specific spices like cumin and chili powder. Cross-reactivity or contamination risks may also arise from the use of fresh vegetables and seasoning blends.
Why this recipe?
Queso Smothered Burrito from Qdoba restaurant is beloved for its rich, creamy queso sauce that perfectly complements the tender, flavorful ingredients wrapped inside a warm tortilla. The blend of melted cheese with seasoned meat, beans, and fresh toppings creates a satisfying, indulgent taste experience. Making the copycat version at home allows you to customize flavors and enjoy the fresh, bold ingredients without restaurant prices. Your attempt to recreate this dish brings restaurant-quality comfort food directly to your kitchen, enhancing your meal variety and culinary skills.