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
The grilled chicken breast is one of Moe’s top chicken dishes. Seasoned with signature spices and herbs, it’s a healthy protein choice with minimal fat that fits into a low-carb or keto eating plan. For those who like a little more zip, the spicy southwest chicken breast marinated in Moe’s special sauce packs a flavorful punch without going overboard on heat.
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. Moe’s utilizes fresh, high-quality chicken as the base for nutritious menu items. A typical serving of Moe’s grilled chicken provides lean protein, essential amino acids, and relatively low calorie and fat content. With the addition of fiber-rich ingredients like beans, rice, lettuce, and salsa, their chicken dishes offer a well-rounded nutritional profile.
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:
- Steamed Rice: The quintessential companion for adobo, steamed white rice is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. Jasmine rice is an excellent choice for its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture.
- Garlic Fried Rice: For a more indulgent option, garlic fried rice, known as “sinangag,” ups the ante. It offers a crispy texture and savory punch that stands up to the bold flavors of adobo.
- Pickled Vegetables: A bright and tangy side of “atchara,” which is pickled green papaya, provides a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
- Fresh Salad: A simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette made of calamansi juice (or lime juice as a substitute), olive oil, salt, and pepper offers a fresh and zesty counterpoint to the dish.
- Sauteed Vegetables: Stir-fried bok choy, green beans, or eggplant can add a welcome green element and slight bitterness to balance the meal.
- Coconut Milk Greens: For a creamy side, greens like spinach or kangkong (water spinach) sautéed in coconut milk offer a lush complement.
- Achara: Not to be confused with the Indian dish, Filipino Achara is a mix of shredded unripe papaya, carrots, and bell peppers in a sweet and tangy vinegar dressing. It’s a palate-cleansing condiment that’s perfect with the savory adobo.
- Hard-boiled or Fried Egg: Adding a hard-boiled egg to the adobo while it’s simmering is a traditional touch, or you could serve it with a fried egg on top for an extra layer of richness.
- Fresh Slices of Mango: The sweetness and acidity of ripe mango slices can be a refreshing palette cleanser after the salty and tangy richness of the adobo.
- Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: For a healthier or grain-free option, try quinoa for its nutty flavor and high protein content or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Drinks: To wash down the hearty meal, consider serving a light beer or a sparkling soda. For wine enthusiasts, a chilled glass of Riesling, with its fruity notes and acidity, stands up well to the bold flavors of the adobo.
- Dessert: Finish the meal with a light dessert like halo-halo, a popular Filipino shaved ice dessert, or a slice of mango cake to complement Moe’s Adobo Chicken’s flavors.
Creating Moe’s Adobo Chicken is an adventure in flavor, but sometimes, not all ingredients are readily available, or dietary preferences require adjustments. 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.
- For a soy-free option: Coconut aminos could work, keeping in mind they are sweeter and less salty, so you might want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
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 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (Moe insists this cut absorbs the flavors 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 smashed (yes, the whole head!)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (you can also use coconut oil for a more tropical flavor)
- 1 cup of water
- Salt to taste
- Chopped scallions and steamed rice for serving
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Add the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but for best results, marinate overnight.
- Prepare to Cook: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the fridge, allowing it to come to room temperature—meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Brown the Chicken: Take the chicken out of the marinade (but don’t throw the marinade away – it’s golden!), and place the pieces skin-side down in the skillet. Sear the chicken until the skin is golden brown and slightly crispy, then flip to brown the other side. This may take about 4-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Simmer with the Magic Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet along with a cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up. Cover and let it cook for about 30 minutes.
- Reduce the Sauce: After 30 minutes, uncover the pan and increase the heat. Continue cooking for another 20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken nicely. If you desire an even richer sauce, remove the chicken once it’s done, and let the sauce simmer a few minutes more to the desired consistency.
- Serve with Love: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding a pinch of salt if necessary. Serve the chicken hot, garnished with chopped scallions alongside steamed jasmine rice — the perfect canvas for soaking up that delicious adobo sauce.
- The Power of Patience: Marinating the chicken overnight makes a difference. You imbue the meat with those essential adobo flavors, resulting in the chicken that’s tender and infused with taste.
- The Correct Heat: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Do it in batches if necessary. Crowding will steam the chicken rather than browning it.
- The Sauce Consistency: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready. 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?
Q: Two chickens, which one do I choose? A: Sinaloa Chicken is marinated in orange juice and roasted garlic with just a few spices. Adobe Chicken is smothered in Adobe Sauce crafted from roasted Ancho chilies and smoked chipotle peppers, the peppers give it a little more kick!
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?
Moe’s Southwest Grill Ultimate Adobo Chicken! Adobo Chicken is one of the most popular offerings at Moe’s Southwest Grill, 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.