Something really heartwarming about a dish that can take you to a happy place with just one bite. That’s what makes Moe’s Adobo Chicken so special. I’ve grown to love this recipe over many family gatherings and weeknight dinners. This is not just any chicken dish; it’s a story on a plate, a symphony of flavors that resonate with memories of love and warmth.
Adobo is the national dish of the Philippines and is known for having the right amount of salty, sour, and sweet flavors. Moe, a great friend and home cook who has turned his heritage into a feast for the senses, has perfected this masterpiece of food. It’s a recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, getting better with each try until it reached Moe’s kitchen and, thankfully, our lives.
Moe’s Southwest Grill has become a popular fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant chain across America. Known for menu items like burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and more, a staple ingredient in many Moe’s dishes is chicken. But have you ever wondered what kind of chicken they use to make their mouthwatering entrees? In this in-depth article, we’ll uncover the details about Moe’s chicken – from sourcing and preparation to nutritional value and customer satisfaction
A Strict Sourcing Protocol for Quality Poultry
When it comes to sourcing their chicken, Moe’s follows a strict protocol to ensure quality. They only use farm-raised chicken that is free of antibiotics and steroids. By working with reputable suppliers that meet ethical standards for animal welfare, Moe’s is able to serve up delicious chicken dishes made from poultry produced in a sustainable, humane manner.
Regular audits are conducted on suppliers to guarantee they adhere to Moe’s high sourcing standards. And the chicken is always fresh – never frozen. This meticulous approach gives Moe’s confidence in serving high-quality chicken to their customers for a tasty, feel-good meal.
The Most Popular Chicken Dishes on Moe’s Menu
Moe’s best chicken dish is the grilled chicken breast. It is a healthy protein choice with little fat that fits into a low-carb or keto eating plan. It is seasoned with signature spices and herbs. The spicy southwest chicken breast marinated in Moe’s special sauce is great for people who like a little more zip. It’s flavorful without being too hot.
Shredded chicken is also offered, providing a versatile option perfect for burritos, tacos, and bowls. And for customers craving crunch, Moe’s has crispy chicken tenders battered and fried to golden brown perfection. No matter your chicken preferences, Moe’s has what you’re looking for.
How Moe’s Chicken Stacks Up Nutritionally
Chicken is often a go-to protein for health-conscious diners. Fresh, high-quality chicken is used as the base for healthy menu items at Moe’s. A typical serving of Moe’s grilled chicken has few calories and fat, as well as lean protein and essential amino acids. Since they add fiber-rich foods like beans, rice, lettuce, and salsa to their chicken dishes, they make them very healthy.
This makes Moe’s chicken an excellent choice for athletes, growing kids, or anyone seeking a flavorful meal that will provide sustainable energy. Dieters can also appreciate the smart protein and fiber combination. Simply put, Moe’s chicken offers nutritional value in a convenient and satisfying package.
Commitment to Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing
In addition to quality and nutrition, Moe’s makes sustainability and ethics central to their chicken sourcing. They strive to reduce environmental impacts by partnering with suppliers that minimize greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and use of natural resources. The humane treatment of chickens, free of hormones and antibiotics, is also paramount.
This responsible approach to sourcing allows Moe’s to provide diners with chicken they can enjoy both for its taste and the assurance that it aligns with their values. The chain has built a reputation for environmental awareness that sets them apart from competitors.
A Brief History of Chicken at Moe’s
Chicken wasn’t always front and center on the Moe’s menu. The chain began serving a limited selection of chicken dishes in 2003 to meet rising customer demand. Since then, grilled chicken recipes have evolved to offer more variety in terms of cuts, seasonings, and preparation methods.
Today, chicken is included in all kinds of menu items from salads to burritos and bowls. With a focus on exploring new flavors, chances are Moe’s chicken offerings will continue to expand. But quality, nutrition, and responsible sourcing will always remain priorities.
Rave Reviews for Tender, Juicy Moe’s Chicken
It’s clear Moe’s efforts to serve up premium chicken have paid off based on glowing customer reviews. Fans can’t seem to get enough of the tender and juicy chicken breasts enhanced with signature spices. Positive feedback also applauds Moe’s commitment to an exceptional dining experience from friendly service to an enjoyable restaurant atmosphere.
Satisfied customers keep coming back thanks to delicious chicken they can feel good about eating. Moe’s has certainly found the recipe for success when it comes to poultry.
The Verdict on Moe’s Chicken: Premium Quality You Can Taste
Moe’s reputation for mouthwatering Tex-Mex dishes is built on their uncompromising standards for fresh, responsibly-raised chicken. Consumers today demand quality, nutrition, and transparency when it comes to food sources. Moe’s delivers on all counts with their chicken.
By taking a selective, rigorous approach to chicken sourcing and preparation, Moe’s pleases their health and ethics-minded customers. Their commitment to premium poultry has made Moe’s a go-to for delicious chicken meals you can enjoy and feel good about. So next time you’re craving Moe’s signature take on Tex-Mex cuisine, you can rest assured their chicken is both appetizing and ethically-sourced.
What to serve with
Adobo is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a range of sides that can complement its rich, tangy, and savory flavors. To turn Moe’s Adobo Chicken into a memorable meal, consider pairing it with the following accompaniments:
- Rice that has been steamed: Steamed white rice goes well with adobo and soaks up the flavorful sauce. Jasmine rice is a great choice because it smells great and has a slightly sticky texture.
- Garlic Fried Rice: If you want something stronger, garlic fried rice, or “sinangag,” is the way to go. It’s crunchy and full of flavor, and it can stand up to the strong flavors of adobo.
- Pickled Vegetables: “Atchara,” which is pickled green papaya, is a bright and sour side dish that goes well with the rich chicken.
- Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette made of calamansi juice (or lime juice instead), olive oil, salt, and pepper goes well with the dish because it is fresh and zesty.
- Sautéing Vegetables: Bok choy, green beans, or eggplant stir-fried in oil can add a nice green color and a bit of bitterness to the meal.
- Coconut Milk Greens: Sautéing greens like spinach or kangkong (water spinach) in coconut milk makes a creamy side dish.
- Achara: This is not the same as the Indian dish Achara. Filipino Achara is shredded unripe papaya, carrots, and bell peppers mixed in a sweet and sour vinegar dressing. It’s a palate-cleansing condiment that’s perfect with the savory adobo.
- Hard-boiled or Fried Egg: Traditionally, a hard-boiled egg is added to the adobo while it’s cooking. You could also serve it with a fried egg on top for extra richness.
- Fresh Mango Slices: After the salty and sour richness of the adobo, the sweet and sour taste of ripe mango slices can be a welcome change.
- Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: For a grain-free or healthier option, try quinoa, which has a nutty flavor and a lot of protein. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice.
- Drinks: To go with the hearty meal, you could serve a light beer or a sparkling soda. If you like wine, a cold glass of Riesling goes well with the strong flavors of the adobo. It has fruity notes and acidity.
- Dessert: To go with Moe’s Adobo Chicken, have a light dessert like halo-halo, a popular Filipino shaved ice treat, or a slice of mango cake at the end of the meal.
Making Moe’s Adobo Chicken is a flavor adventure, but sometimes you can’t find all the ingredients you need or your dietary needs mean you have to make changes. Fear not; there are numerous substitute ingredients you can use to still achieve a delicious result that respects the essence of the original dish.
- For a gluten-free option: Use Tamari sauce. It’s an excellent substitute for soy sauce and gluten-free.
- Coconut aminos could work as an alternative to soy, but keep in mind that they are sweeter and less salty than soy, so you may need to adjust the seasoning.
How to make Moe’s Adobo Chicken
Moe’s Adobo Chicken is a dish served at Moe’s Southwest Grill , a popular fast-casual restaurant chain in the United States known for its Tex-Mex cuisine. Adobo chicken typically refers to chicken seasoned with adobo seasoning, which is a mixture of spices commonly used in Latin American and Spanish cuisines.
- 8 chicken thighs with the skin still on (Moe says this cut takes in flavors the best).
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably a Filipino brand for authenticity)
- 3/4 cup white vinegar or cane vinegar
- 1 whole head of garlic, peeled and broken up
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- Three tablespoons of vegetable oil (coconut oil for a more tropical taste is also good)
- 1 cup of water
- Salt to taste
- Chopped scallions and steamed rice for serving
- Put the chicken in a bowl with the soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and brown sugar. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Add the chicken thighs and make sure that the marinade covers all of them. Cover it and put it in the fridge for at least an hour. For the best results, leave it there overnight.
- Prepare to Cook: When you’re ready to cook, take the chicken out of the fridge and let it warm up. In the meantime, heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
- To brown the chicken, take it out of the marinade (but don’t throw away the marinade; it’s golden!) and put it in the pan skin-side down. Fry the chicken until the skin is golden brown and a little crispy. Then turn it over and brown the other side. This may take about 4-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Simmer with the Magic Sauce: Add a cup of water and the marinade you saved to the pan. Bring the mix to a boil, then lower the heat so it doesn’t boil over. Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up. Cover and let it cook for about 30 minutes.
- Cut down on the sauce: After 30 minutes, open the pan and turn up the heat. Let it cook for another 20 minutes, or until the sauce gets thicker and covers the chicken well. If you want an even richer sauce, take the chicken out of the pan when it’s done and let the sauce cook for a few more minutes, until it meets your needs.
- Taste the sauce and add a pinch of salt if you think it needs it. Serve with Love. Serve the chicken hot with steamed jasmine rice and chopped scallions on top. The rice is the perfect texture for soaking up the tasty adobo sauce.
- That’s why marinating the chicken overnight makes a difference. You give the meat those important adobo flavors, which makes the chicken tender and full of flavor.
- The Right Temperature: When you sear the chicken, don’t crowd the pan. Do it in batches if necessary. Crowding will steam the chicken rather than browning it.
- How Thick the Sauce Is: When it’s done, the sauce should cover the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water. Too thin? Let it bubble away a little longer.
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FAQ
Does Moe’s use white meat chicken?
Yes, Moe’s Southwest Grill primarily uses white meat chicken. While they also offer Adobo chicken (dark meat), their standard chicken option is made with white meat.
What type of chicken does Chipotle use?
Chipotle uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs for all of their chicken menu items. They choose thighs because they are known for being flavorful and relatively fatty, which helps them to retain moisture during cooking.
What oil do moes cook their chicken in?
We use only soybean oil and vegetable stock.
What’s the difference between adobo chicken and sinaloa chicken?
Which of the two chickens should I pick? A: The Sinaloa Chicken is brined in orange juice, roasted garlic, and a few spices. Adobe Chicken is covered in Adobe Sauce, which is made from smoked chipotle peppers and roasted Ancho chilies. The peppers give it a little extra heat.
Does Moe’s have chicken?
It can be ordered any time Moe’s is open, while supplies last. There is no additional charge for this protein when ordering it within one of the entrees, which includes burritos, bowls, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, stacks, and salads. The Chili Crisp Chicken is also available to order as a protein for meal kits and kids’ meals.
Is Moe’s adobo chicken bad?
Recently, Moe’s changed their all white meat delicious chicken to a new recipe. This chicken was coined with the name “Adobo Chicken” which is made from dark meat chicken. Many customers have been voicing their disgust with the new change and are refusing to return. The new meat is greasy, fatty, and tastes horrible.
Does Moe’s Southwest Grill have adobo chicken?
This is Moe’s Southwest Grill’s best adobo chicken! Adobo chicken is one of their most popular dishes, and it’s easy to see why. This dish combines juicy, all-natural chicken in a flavorful adobo sauce with diced jalapeños for just the right amount of kick.
What is Moe’s adobo chicken?
Moe’s Adobo Chicken is made with all-natural chicken that is marinated for hours in an authentic adobo spice blend. This flavorful blend of spices includes garlic, oregano, cumin, and paprika, which give this chicken its unique and delicious flavor. To add a kick of heat to the dish, diced jalapeños are then tossed in Moe’s secret kicked up sauce.
What to eat at Moe’s adobo chicken?
Versatile: Moe’s Adobo Chicken can be enjoyed in various menu items, including burritos, tacos, salads, and bowls, offering diners plenty of options to savor its deliciousness. When it comes to enjoying Moe’s Adobo Chicken, there are plenty of delicious pairing options to consider.
What do you eat with Moe’s adobo chicken & guacamole?
Served in a flour tortilla with adobo chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, all-natural shredded cheese and chipotle ranch dressing. Served in a flour tortilla with adobo chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, all-natural shredded cheese and chipotle ranch dressing. Combo comes with a 22 oz drink and a side of Moe’s Famous Queso or Guacamole.