Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe

Moe's Adobo Chicken Recipe

Hey, Welcome to the Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe. Moe’s Adobo Chicken is a juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned grilled chicken that’s bursting with smoky, savory, and slightly tangy flavors.

If you’ve ever had this at Moe’s Southwest Grill, you already know how flavorful and addictive it is.

I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this delightful recipe right in your kitchen.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Category: Main Course

History and Origin

Adobo chicken has deep roots in Mexican and Spanish cuisine, known for its flavorful marinades and slow cooking.

Moe’s adapted this traditional dish, grilling marinated chicken with signature spices, creating a bold, Southwest-inspired flavor that perfectly fits American tastes and Tex-Mex dining culture.

What does Moe’s Adobo Chicken taste like?

Moe’s Adobo Chicken tastes smoky, juicy, and rich with spices. The marinade blends garlic, chili, cumin, and citrus for tang and heat.

Grilling locks in flavor, giving a charred, savory punch that pairs perfectly with burritos, tacos, bowls, or salads.

By the way, you can also try the Sacchetti Pasta Recipe.

Moe’s Adobo Chicken Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe:

IngredientQuantity
Boneless chicken thighs2 lbs
Olive oil3 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced4
Ground cumin2 tsp
Smoked paprika2 tsp
Chili powder2 tsp
Dried oregano1 tsp
Fresh lime juice3 tbsp
White vinegar2 tbsp
Salt1 ½ tsp
Black pepper1 tsp

Equipment Needed

Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Grill pan or outdoor grill
  • Tongs
  • Knife and cutting board

How to Make Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, lime juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Add chicken thighs to the marinade. Mix well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, for the best flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the grill

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat until hot. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the chicken

Place marinated chicken on the grill. Cook each side for 6–7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is charred.

Step 5: Rest and serve

Transfer the chicken to a plate. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or salads.

Recipe Card

Moe's Adobo Chicken Recipe

Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe

Welcome to the Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe. Moe’s Adobo Chicken is a juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned grilled chicken that’s bursting with smoky, savory, and slightly tangy flavors.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 270

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Grill pan or outdoor grill
  • Tongs
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the marinade
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, lime juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
    Moe's Adobo Chicken Recipe
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
  1. Add chicken thighs to the marinade. Mix well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, for the best flavor.
    Moe's Adobo Chicken Recipe
Step 3: Preheat the grill
  1. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat until hot. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
    Moe's Adobo Chicken Recipe
Step 4: Grill the chicken
  1. Place marinated chicken on the grill. Cook each side for 6–7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is charred.
    Moe's Adobo Chicken Recipe
Step 5: Rest and serve
  1. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or salads.
    Moe's Adobo Chicken Recipe

Notes

Serve Moe’s Adobo Chicken in warm tortillas for tacos, with cilantro rice in a burrito bowl, or on top of fresh salads.

Nutritional Information

Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Adobo Chicken Moe’s Recipe.

NutrientAmount (per serving)
Calories270
Protein27g
Carbohydrates3g
Fat16g
Fiber1g
Sodium540mg

Serving Suggestions

Serve Moe’s Adobo Chicken in warm tortillas for tacos, with cilantro rice in a burrito bowl, or on top of fresh salads.

It also pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, black beans, or tangy salsas for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

Remaining Adobo Chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat on a skillet or grill for the best texture. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months.

Tips For The Perfect Moe’s Adobo Chicken

To make the perfect Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe, always use boneless chicken thighs for juiciness. Marinate the chicken for at least one hour to let the flavors soak in deeply.

Don’t skip lime juice or vinegar; they balance the spices beautifully. Lastly, grill over medium-high heat for that irresistible smoky char.

Variations You Can Try

You can easily customize this Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe to your taste. Try using chicken breasts for a leaner option, or swap lime juice with orange juice for a sweeter flavor.

For a spicier version, add chipotle peppers or crushed red chilies. You can even use the marinade for shrimp or tofu for a fun twist.

How To Serve Moe’s Adobo Chicken Like A Pro

If you want to serve it just like Moe’s, slice the grilled chicken thinly and serve it over cilantro-lime rice with black beans, pico de gallo, and sour cream.

Add a drizzle of queso or chipotle mayo for extra flavor. It’s also delicious in tacos, burritos, or loaded nachos.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. You’ll love how quickly it comes together using pantry staples.

The smoky aroma, zesty marinade, and tender bites will make you crave it again and again. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or summer cookouts.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can dry out fast. Always preheat your grill to get nice sear marks.

Don’t overcrowd the grill; it lowers the temperature and prevents proper browning. Finally, rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked in.

Conclusion

Moe’s Adobo Chicken recipe is the perfect way to bring restaurant-style flavors into your home kitchen. It’s smoky, juicy, and incredibly versatile for many dishes.

With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!

Happy Cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What cut of chicken is best for Moe’s Adobo Chicken?

Boneless chicken thighs are best as they stay juicy, tender, and flavorful when grilled.

Can I bake Moe’s Adobo Chicken instead of grilling?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until fully cooked and slightly crispy.

How long should I marinate Moe’s Adobo Chicken?

At least 1 hour, but overnight marination gives the best flavor.

Can I make Moe’s Adobo Chicken spicy?

Yes, add cayenne pepper or extra chili powder for more heat.

What can I serve with Moe’s Adobo Chicken?

It pairs well with rice, beans, tacos, burritos, or fresh salads.

You will also like the Moe’s Seasoned Rice Recipe.

Hi, I'm Neeru, the soul behind HowdyRecipes.com! With over 10 years of experience in cooking and food blogging, I've spent the last decade exploring flavours, testing recipes, and sharing the joy of homemade food with fellow food lovers around the world. Thanks for attention♥

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