What is Adobo Chicken at Moe’s Southwest Grill? An In-Depth Look

Adobo chicken from Moe’s Southwest Grill has become a popular menu item, but what exactly is it? This article will take an in-depth look at Moe’s adobo chicken – its origins, ingredients, flavor profile, and how it differs from traditional adobo dishes.

A Tex-Mex Twist on a Traditional Dish

The word “adobo” refers to a marinade or sauce used to flavor and preserve foods. Adobo originated in Spanish cuisine and was adopted in Mexican and Filipino cookery. The traditional Filipino chicken adobo is a braise made with soy sauce, vinegar garlic, bay leaves and peppercorns.

Moe’s Southwest Grill took the term adobo and gave it a Tex-Mex twist. Moe’s adobo chicken features chicken marinated in a blend of spices including garlic, oregano cumin and chili powder. It is then grilled imparting a charred, smoky flavor.

Moe’s adobo chicken has the same name as the Filipino dish, but it is not made the same way. The spice mix, grilling method, and flavor profile give it a very Southwestern feel.

The Origin Story of Moe’s Adobo Seasoning

Three friends, Moe, Ed, and Paul, opened Moe’s Southwest Grill in 2000. As they worked on recipes, they came up with a signature spice blend that was strong, flavorful, and just a bit spicy.

As a nod to the traditional adobo marinades of Latin cuisine, they dubbed this blend “adobo seasoning.” It contained paprika, garlic powder, chili powder and other spices.

This adobo seasoning was used to marinate chicken breasts before grilling. The chicken was then sliced and served in Moe’s burritos, bowls, tacos and other menu items. It quickly became a customer favorite.

The smoky, moderately spicy adobo chicken perfectly complemented the Tex-Mex flavors at Moe’s. Over the years, it has become one of the brand’s most iconic menu items.

The Quintessential Ingredients in Moe’s Adobo Seasoning

While the exact recipe remains a trade secret, Moe’s adobo seasoning appears to contain:

• Chili powder – Provides smoky, spicy flavor
• Garlic powder – Adds a pungent punch
• Onion powder – Extra depth of flavor
• Oregano – A Mediterranean herb note
• Cumin – Warm, earthy aroma
• Paprika – A touch of sweetness
• Black pepper – A bit of heat
• Salt – For seasoning

This blend of spices perfectly complements the char of the grilled chicken, creating the signature Moe’s adobo chicken taste. Customers love picking up notes of smokiness, spice and herbs in each bite.

The Flavor Profile – Smoky, Savory and Slightly Bold

So what does Moe’s adobo chicken actually taste like? Here’s a breakdown of the key flavor notes:

• Smoky – The grill-charring imparts a prominent smoky flavor, like the chicken just came off a backyard BBQ. This smokiness is central to the taste.

• Savory – The blend of spices like garlic, onion and oregano creates a robust, savory depth. This is balanced by the chili powder, which brings a rich, rounded flavor.

• Slightly Spicy – While not very hot, there is a mild kick from the blend of spices that creates a subtle heat. Just enough to add intrigue.

• Herbaceous – Oregano and cumin add an earthy, aromatic quality. This tastes fresher than the more one-dimensional smoky seasonings.

The result is a flavorful adobo chicken that stands out from plain grilled chicken. It has character and just enough spice to keep things interesting. The smokiness also pairs perfectly with the other Tex-Mex flavors at Moe’s.

How Moe’s Adobo Chicken is Made: The Preparation Process

To get that signature flavor, Moe’s doesn’t take shortcuts with its adobo chicken. Each step builds layers of taste.

Moe’s adobo seasoning blend is used to marinate the chicken breasts. This allows the spices to penetrate deep into the meat.

Grilling: Next, the chicken is put on a grill until the outside is charred but the inside is still juicy. The grill imparts that essential smoky flavor.

Slicing – Moe’s adobo chicken is sliced into strips before serving. This creates more surface area to showcase the spices and char.

Assembly – Finally, slices of the adobo chicken are added to bowls, burritos, tacos and other menu items. Now you can taste the full flavor in every bite.

So while the prep has a few more steps than just grilling plain chicken, it delivers an exponentially better flavor that customers love.

Adobo Chicken vs. Regular Chicken at Moe’s

Besides the adobo chicken, Moe’s also serves regular grilled chicken breast. But this has a much milder flavor:

• It lacks the smoky depth and spice of the adobo chicken
• The texture isn’t enhanced by charring and crisping the outside
• Without marinating, the flavor impact is minimal

While still a lean, protein-packed option, the plain grilled chicken can taste bland in comparison. For just a small upcharge, the adobo chicken is worth the upgrade in flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moe’s Adobo Chicken

Here are answers to some common questions about this popular menu item:

Is Moe’s adobo chicken spicy?

It has a mild spice level from the blend of chili powder and other spices. There is a warmth, not high heat.

What protein is used in Moe’s adobo chicken?
Chicken breast meat is used. This stays juicier than thigh or leg meat when grilled.

How many calories in Moe’s adobo chicken?
A serving of adobo chicken ranges from 70 to 110 calories depending on portion size. It’s a lean protein choice.

Is Moe’s adobo chicken gluten free?
Yes, when served without tortillas or other gluten sources like fried chips. Always clarify with staff about gluten allergies.

Can you buy Moe’s adobo seasoning?
Unfortunately, Moe’s doesn’t make its signature spice blend available for purchase currently. But copycat recipes can be found online.

Give Moe’s Adobo Chicken a Try

With its origins in Tex-Mex cuisine, Moe’s put its own spin on traditional adobo. The result is a chicken dish with incredible depth of flavor compared to plain grilled chicken. Smoky, savory and slightly spicy, Moe’s adobo chicken has earned it a cult following. Fans say once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

So next time you visit Moe’s Southwest Grill, don’t miss the chance to sample this signature menu item. Order it in a bowl, burrito or taco and experience the full flavors for yourself.