Air Fryer Chipotle Lime Chicken {Qdoba Copycat}

If you are a fan of that flavourful fast food tex-mex chicken, then this recipe is for you! This air fryer chipotle lime chicken is a Qdoba copycat recipe, that makes for great, tasty meal prep. With smokey chipotles, tangy lime, and sweet honey, this chicken is anything but boring. The best part is that it cooks up in ten minutes in the air fryer!

We can collectively agree that a chicken and rice bowl that comes from a fast-food joint is 100x more satisfying than any chicken and rice we make at home, right? There's something about the perfectly charred chicken and fluffy rice, with the unlimited toppings - chile corn salsa, and roasted tomato salsa, to name a few!.

Now, I don't have a flame-grill in my little student kitchen, but I do have an air fryer. Would you believe me if I said that I get almost the same results in it, just like this el pollo loco chicken recipe? Chicken and rice bowls just got levelled up, at home!

Serve this chicken on top of some homemade spicy rice, pickled onions, and some fresh salsa!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Tip
• Substitutions
• Equipment
• Storage
• Air Fryer Chipotle Lime Chicken {Qdoba Copycat}
• 💬 Comments

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: The cut of chicken you use comes down to your personal preference. I like to use chicken breasts because they are larger in size and yield more meat, and for personal preference.
• Chipotles in adobo: This ingredient is a two-in-one. The peppers add the perfect amount of spice to the chicken, while the adobo sauce is full of flavour.
• Honey: Honey adds the perfect offset to the spicy chipotles and tanginess of the lime.
• Fresh lime: Fresh lime is the best option for this recipe, as you will use both the zest and juice.
• Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and adobo seasoning add perfect savoury notes to this chicken.

A full list of ingredients with measurements is located on the recipe card, below.

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add the chipotle peppers, honey, lime juice and zest, and seasoning. Using a whisk, mash the chipotle peppers down so they are broken up into smaller pieces. They do not have to be completely mashed up.

Add the olive oil to the mixture, and combine well with a whisk.

Add the chicken to the marinade, and let it sit for up to 24 hours. If you are in a rush, try leaving it for at least 30 minutes.

Add the chicken to an air fryer basket, and air fry for 10-12 minutes at 375°F.

Serve with spicy rice, or your favourite tortillas!

Substitutions

• Chicken breasts: You may use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts if you prefer.
• Honey: Brown sugar will work in place of honey.
• Fresh limes: If in a pinch, you may use bottled lime juice.

Equipment

This is what I used to make this recipe - Please be mindful that different equipment and cooking utensils may yield varying results. Most of my favourite equipment can be found on my storefront.

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Air fryer

Storage

This chicken keeps well in an airtight container for 2-3 days, in the fridge.

You may also freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight freezer bag or container, for up to 6 months.

Reheat in the air fryer, wrapped in foil to avoid over-charring the chicken.

Looking for more meal inspiration? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly recipe roundups, straight to your inbox! Follow us on our socials, on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook! If you try one of our recipes, let us know how it was by rating and commenting!