Street Style Chicken Tacos from Qdoba feature tender, seasoned grilled chicken, fresh pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and a sprinkle of melted cheese, all nestled in warm, soft corn tortillas, delivering a vibrant blend of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Tongs
- Spoon
- Serving platter
- Skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 small corn tortillas
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures tender and juicy meat, essential for authentic Street Style Chicken Tacos from Qdoba. The blend of chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano creates a smoky and tangy flavor profile, while lime juice adds a fresh citrusy zest. Fresh pico de gallo and shredded lettuce provide a crisp contrast that balances the savory chicken and melted cheddar cheese. Corn tortillas should be warmed gently to remain soft and pliable, preventing them from cracking when filled. Your best attempt at Qdoba's Street Style Chicken Tacos copycat recipe will shine with these key ingredients and preparation methods.
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
- Add chicken breasts to the bowl and coat evenly with the marinade.
- Let chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Transfer grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Dice or slice the chicken into small pieces.
- Warm corn tortillas on a skillet or frying pan until soft and pliable.
- Place tortillas on a serving platter.
- Add grilled chicken to each tortilla.
- Top with pico de gallo.
- Add shredded lettuce.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Street Style Chicken Tacos from Qdoba deliver a flavorful experience with tender grilled chicken and fresh toppings wrapped in soft corn tortillas. If you don't have access to a grill, a skillet or frying pan can be used to cook the chicken evenly while achieving a nice sear. Corn tortillas can be swapped for flour tortillas if you prefer a softer, more pliable wrap. To adjust the seasoning, feel free to experiment with different chili powders or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. Your pico de gallo can be replaced with store-bought salsa or a quick fresh tomato salsa for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Tips
Make sure your grill or grill pan is properly preheated to medium-high heat before cooking the chicken to achieve a good sear and prevent sticking. Resting the chicken for 5 minutes after grilling allows juices to redistribute, keeping it tender and moist. Warm the corn tortillas on a skillet until soft to avoid cracking when filled. When assembling your tacos, evenly distribute the grilled chicken and toppings to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Nutritions
Street Style Chicken Tacos from Qdoba provide a balanced source of protein through the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which support muscle health and satiety. The inclusion of fresh pico de gallo adds vitamins A and C, enhancing your immune system while contributing antioxidants. Corn tortillas are a gluten-free carbohydrate option, supplying fiber that aids digestion. Cheese delivers calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone strength while complementing the overall nutrient profile of your meal.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its tenderness and flavor. Keep pico de gallo and shredded lettuce in separate sealed containers to prevent sogginess. Wrap corn tortillas in foil and store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator; warm them before serving to regain softness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thigh meat for a juicier and more flavorful taco filling. For a smoky twist, try adding a few drops of chipotle in adobo sauce to the marinade. If you prefer a creamy texture, consider topping your tacos with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole. Corn tortillas can be swapped with flour tortillas or even crispy taco shells based on your texture preference.
Allergies
Street Style Chicken Tacos from Qdoba contain common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese and potential sensitivities to spices like chili powder and cumin. The corn tortillas are generally gluten-free but may pose concerns for those with corn allergies. Your allergy risk can be minimized by confirming ingredient specifics and avoiding components that trigger your sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Qdoba's Street Style Chicken Tacos menu features tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection, complemented by fresh toppings like cilantro, lime, and house-made salsa, delivering bold and authentic flavors. You will appreciate the balanced blend of smoky, tangy, and savory elements that make each bite memorable. Making a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients to your taste while replicating the crave-worthy experience at home, saving money without sacrificing quality. This taco recipe is worth trying for its vibrant taste profile and satisfying texture that has earned loyal fans nationwide.