Chicken tacos are a delightful combination of juicy, seasoned chicken, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas for a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a taco night with friends.
What Are Chicken Tacos?
Chicken tacos are a Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender, flavorful chicken served in soft or crispy tortillas. The chicken can be grilled, shredded, or sautéed, and it’s typically seasoned with a blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic. They’re often topped with fresh ingredients such as cilantro, lime, avocado, and salsa, making them a versatile meal loved by all ages.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Tacos
To ensure your chicken tacos are a hit, follow these tips:
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinate your chicken in a mix of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices for at least 30 minutes. This ensures juicy, flavorful meat.
- Use Fresh Tortillas: Warm your tortillas before serving to enhance their texture and flavor.
- Balance Your Toppings: Mix creamy (avocado, sour cream) and crunchy (cabbage, radishes) toppings for the perfect bite.
- Don’t Overfill: Overloaded tacos are messy and hard to eat. Keep it simple for an enjoyable experience.
- Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and prepare sauces in advance for a stress-free taco assembly.
Variations of Chicken Tacos
There are countless ways to customize chicken tacos to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some popular variations:
- Grilled Chicken Tacos: Perfect for summer BBQs, grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with charred corn and pico de gallo.
- Shredded Chicken Tacos: Slow-cook chicken breasts with salsa and spices, then shred for a tender, saucy filling.
- Spicy Chicken Tacos: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Healthy Chicken Tacos: Swap regular tortillas for lettuce wraps or whole-grain tortillas and load up on fresh veggies.
- Creamy Chipotle Chicken Tacos: Toss shredded chicken in a creamy chipotle sauce for a rich, smoky flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Tacos
Chicken tacos are best served fresh and hot. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Accompaniments: Serve with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad.
- Toppings Bar: Set up a taco bar with toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, cilantro, guacamole, and lime wedges.
- Pairings: Complement with refreshing drinks like margaritas, horchata, or a cold cerveza.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Tacos
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- Storing: Keep the chicken and toppings separate. Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Warm tortillas separately to maintain their texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Store-Bought Taco Seasoning?
Yes! Store-bought taco seasoning is convenient, but making your own allows you to control the salt and spice levels.
What Type of Chicken Should I Use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts, but both work well.
How Do I Prevent the Chicken From Drying Out?
Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make Chicken Tacos Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and prep the toppings in advance. Assemble the tacos just before serving.
Are Chicken Tacos Gluten-Free?
They can be! Use gluten-free corn tortillas and check your seasoning mix to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Best Chicken Tacos
Chicken tacos are a delightful combination of juicy, seasoned chicken, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas for a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a taco night with friends.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground chicken (all breast meat)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1-3/4 teaspoons salt
- 2 bell peppers (any color), finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 12 hard taco shells
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce (1 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, optional for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F/160°C.
- In large sauté pan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bell peppers, onions, and garlic and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and just starting to brown.
- Add the chicken, ancho chili powder, cumin, cayenne (if using), paprika, oregano, and salt.
- Now increase the heat to high and break the chicken into small clumps by using a wooden spoon. Cook about 5 minutes until the chicken is partially cooked. Stir in the tomato sauce, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking chicken into smaller pieces, until chicken is cooked through.
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Meanwhile, lay the tacos sideways on the baking sheet. Pull the stack apart, overlapping the edges slightly. Bake until crisp for 6-7 minutes. Into the shells spoon the chicken and serve with toppings.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
12Amount Per Serving Calories 667Total Fat 43gSaturated Fat 14gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 25gCholesterol 197mgSodium 1863mgCarbohydrates 26gFiber 4gSugar 4gProtein 47g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Still Hungry Try These Delicious Chicken Recipes:
Conclusion
Chicken tacos are a delicious, versatile dish that’s easy to make and customize. Whether you’re a fan of smoky grilled chicken or creamy chipotle flavors, there’s a taco variation for everyone. With these tips, tricks, and recipes, you’ll be the star of your next taco night. Don’t forget to share your creations and enjoy the endless possibilities that chicken tacos offer!
