Are you ready to add a burst of flavor to your dinner table? Look no further than this tantalizing Qdoba Cholula Hot and Sweet Chicken recipe.
Packed with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
What so Special About Cholula Hot and Sweet Chicken?
Cholula Hot and Sweet Chicken tantalizes the taste buds with its perfect blend of fiery heat and delightful sweetness. This recipe combines the iconic flavors of Cholula Original Hot Sauce with hints of honey and lime juice, creating a harmonious balance of spicy and sweet.
As the chicken marinates, it absorbs these bold flavors, resulting in a dish that is bursting with complexity and depth. Each bite is a flavorful journey, making this dish a standout choice for those seeking a unique and memorable dining experience.
Ingredients for Qdoba Cholula Hot and Sweet Chicken recipe
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken
- ½ cup Cholula Original Hot Sauce
- 2 teaspoons honey (use ½ teaspoon more Super Sweet)
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons THM Super Sweet (or equivalent sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon mineral salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Equipment & Tools Required
- Large skillet
- Zippy bag
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (includes marinating time)
How to Make Qdoba Cholula Hot and Sweet Chicken
Step-01: Cut the chicken into 1-inch chunks and place them inside a zippy bag or another airtight container.
Step-02: In a bowl, mix together all the remaining ingredients except the butter. This includes the Cholula Original Hot Sauce, honey, lime juice, sweetener, garlic powder, and salt.
Step-03: Pour the marinade into the zippy bag or container with the chicken. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step-04: Before cooking, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour all the chicken and marinade into the skillet.
Step-05: Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken begins to blacken slightly on the outside and is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once cooked, serve the Qdoba Cholula Hot and Sweet Chicken as desired.
This flavorful dish pairs perfectly with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad. Get creative with your sides and toppings to customize the meal to your liking.
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Creative Serving Ideas for Cholula Hot and Sweet Chicken
These serving and pairing suggestions will assist you in introducing more variety to this dish. Feel free to unleash your creativity with ideas that match your taste and preferences.
1. Chicken Burrito Bowl: Serve the hot and sweet chicken over a bed of Qdoba White Rice, topped with Qdoba Guacamole, black beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of sour cream.
2. Spicy Chicken Tacos: Fill warm corn or flour tortillas with the hot and sweet chicken, Qdoba Guacamole, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty taco night.
3. Chicken and Rice Bowl: Combine the hot and sweet chicken with Qdoba White Rice, black beans, roasted corn salsa, and a dollop of Qdoba Guacamole for a hearty and satisfying rice bowl.
4. Southwest Chicken Salad: Toss the hot and sweet chicken with mixed greens, corn, black beans, diced avocado, and Qdoba Guacamole for a refreshing and flavorful salad option.
5. Loaded Chicken Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with the hot and sweet chicken, melted cheese, black beans, jalapenos, diced onions, and Qdoba Guacamole for an indulgent and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
6. Chicken Quesadillas: Sandwich the hot and sweet chicken between two flour tortillas with melted cheese, sautéed onions, and peppers. Serve with a side of Qdoba Guacamole and sour cream for dipping.
7. Chicken and Pork Combo Plate: Pair the hot and sweet chicken with Qdoba Pulled Pork for a dynamic duo of flavors. Serve with Qdoba White Rice, black beans, and a side of Qdoba Guacamole for a delicious and satisfying meal.
8. Chicken and Guac Wrap: Wrap the hot and sweet chicken with Qdoba Guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese in a large flour tortilla for a quick and easy lunch option.
9. Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers: Stuff bell peppers with a mixture of hot and sweet chicken, Qdoba White Rice, black beans, corn, and diced onions. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
10. Chicken and Guac Breakfast Burrito: Start your day off right with a breakfast burrito filled with scrambled eggs, hot and sweet chicken, Qdoba Guacamole, shredded cheese, and salsa wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
URRecipe Community Tips on Qdoba Cholula Hot and Sweet Chicken recipe
Here are some tips to follow when trying this recipe. If you’re attempting it for the first time, these tips will assist you in creating a perfect dish on your initial try.
1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure it absorbs the rich flavors of the Cholula Hot Sauce, honey, and spices.
2. Choose Your Chicken Wisely: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, tenderloins, or thighs for this recipe. These cuts are tender and absorbent, perfect for soaking up the marinade.
3. Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cholula Hot Sauce in the marinade. Conversely, if you love extra heat, feel free to add more hot sauce to suit your taste.
4. Don’t Forget the Sweetness: The addition of honey and lime juice provides a delightful balance to the spicy flavors. Adjust the amount of honey to your preference for sweetness.
5. Preheat the Skillet: Ensure your skillet is preheated over medium-high heat before adding the chicken. This helps to achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
6. Stir Frequently: While cooking the chicken in the skillet, stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. This also helps to evenly distribute the marinade and flavors.
7. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
8. Add Butter for Richness: The addition of unsalted butter at the end of cooking adds richness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. Don’t skip this step!
9. Serve with Your Favorite Sides: This versatile chicken dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad. Get creative with your accompaniments to customize the meal to your liking.
10. Garnish for Visual Appeal: Sprinkle some chopped cilantro or sliced green onions on top of the finished dish for a pop of color and freshness. This adds a visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and memorable Qdoba Cholula Hot and Sweet Chicken dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
How to Store Leftover Cholula Hot and Sweet Chicken
To store leftover Cholula Hot and Sweet Chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. When reheating, use a microwave or skillet until heated through. Enjoy the flavorful leftovers in salads, wraps, or as a protein-packed topping for nachos.
Common queries on Qdoba Cholula Hot and Sweet Chicken recipe
These commonly asked questions and their short answers will give you an better understanding of this Cholula Hot and Sweet Chicken recipe
1. What is Qdoba hot and sweet chicken?
Qdoba hot and sweet chicken is a flavorful chicken dish inspired by the popular flavors found at Qdoba Mexican Eats. It features tender chunks of chicken marinated in a blend of Cholula Original Hot Sauce, honey, lime juice, and spices for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
2. What hot sauce does Qdoba use?
Qdoba typically uses Cholula Original Hot Sauce in their recipes, known for its smooth heat and versatile flavor profile. This hot sauce adds a distinctively spicy kick to dishes like their hot and sweet chicken.
3. How many calories are in Cholula hot and sweet chicken?
The calorie content of Cholula hot and sweet chicken can vary depending on factors such as serving size and specific ingredients used. As a general guideline, a serving of this dish may contain approximately 200-250 calories per 4-ounce portion of chicken.
4. How many calories are in a Qdoba Cholula chicken bowl?
The calorie count of a Qdoba Cholula chicken bowl can vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes chosen. A typical serving may contain around 500-700 calories, including the chicken, rice, beans, vegetables, and toppings.
5. Is Cholula hot and sweet chicken spicy?
Yes, Cholula hot and sweet chicken has a spicy kick due to the addition of Cholula Original Hot Sauce. However, the sweetness from honey and lime juice helps to balance out the heat, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
6. Can I adjust the spiciness of the chicken?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the chicken by varying the amount of Cholula Original Hot Sauce used in the marinade. Decrease the amount for a milder flavor or increase it for a spicier kick.
7. How long should I marinate the chicken?
It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop and penetrate the meat.
8. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
While boneless, skinless chicken is recommended for ease of preparation, you can certainly use bone-in chicken if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
9. What are some serving suggestions for Cholula hot and sweet chicken?
Cholula hot and sweet chicken pairs well with a variety of sides such as rice, tortillas, salad, or grilled vegetables. You can also use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
10. Is Cholula hot and sweet chicken gluten-free?
Yes, the main ingredients of Cholula hot and sweet chicken, including the chicken, Cholula Original Hot Sauce, honey, lime juice, and spices, are typically gluten-free. However, it’s always important to check labels for any potential gluten-containing ingredients, especially if you have gluten sensitivities or allergies.
This Qdoba-inspired recipe is a fantastic way to spice up your dinner routine and impress your family and friends with bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests, this hot and sweet chicken dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
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