If you are in search of a good chicken tacos recipe here’s one that might fit your preference. The chicken used to make this tacos has to be chicken breast or chicken thighs and the tacos are very delicious. Regardless, whether you like your chicken shredded or barbecued, this is the recipe that you will want to make for Taco Tuesday. Spice the chicken with taco seasoning, cumin and chili powder and then fry in a skillet on a high heat. For more zing, squeeze lime juice on top sprigs of fresh cilantro, and sprinkle a little pico de gallo to enhance the freshness.
It is best when served warm in corn tortillas with toppings of your choice which could be salsa, sour cream or shredded lettuce among others. But you can pair them with Mexican rice and have a great meal!
Here’s why you will love this Easy Chicken Tacos Recipe.
Chicken tacos are simply amazing, tasty and flexible in preparation as well as can be prepared in a very short time. Luckily, chicken for tacos is very easy to prepare, whether you choose to use a crockpot or skillet or even a grill. Besides, you will not be repeating the meal tasted due to different seasoning mixes, toppings or methods of cooking. The best part? Thus, these tasty chicken tacos can be made with frozen chicken, cooked chicken that has been stored in the refrigerator or freshly cooked chicken.
Ingredients for easy Chicken Tacos are as follows;
To make chicken tacos, you’ll need simple ingredients that are easy to find and likely already in your kitchen: To make chicken tacos, you’ll need simple ingredients that are easy to find and likely already in your kitchen:
Chicken:
It is recommended to use chicken breast, chicken thighs or even rotisserie chicken. I personally used chicken thighs for more juicy tacos but you can use chicken breast as well.
Homemade Taco Seasoning:
Comprising of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder and salt.
Taco Shells:
Soft corn tortillas which are common in the formation of street tacos are ideal, but hard shell taco shells are also advisable.
Toppings:
Lettuce, tomatoes, Monterey jack cheese and sour cream, guacamole and salsa are typically used. It is not complete with out a little squeeze of lime to enhance the taste.
Cilantro Lime Rice:
Best served with Mexican rice for a all-in-one meal.
Making chicken tacos is very easy and simple; the following steps should be followed.
1. Clean and wash the chicken properly, season it and then cook it.
There’s really no secret to making great tasting chicken taco meat they all lie in seasoning whether you are using chicken breast or thighs. Season the chicken with homemade taco seasoning or your favorite store bought seasoning. Pam cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through for 6-8 minutes each side. You can also use a crockpot especially if you want to do everything in a slow and very natural way! For the grilled chicken tacos you should grill the chicken for about 10 minutes on each side of the chicken meat.
2. Shred the Chicken
After the chicken is done pull out the chicken from the pan and let it to stay for several minutes. Then using two forks shred the chicken or chop it into smaller pieces. This shredded chicken will make the ideal filling to add for your tacos.
3. Prepare the Taco Toppings
As the chicken is cooking, let it rest, you can, in the meantime, get all the toppings for your tacos ready. For basic tacos you don’t need fancy ingredients, it is recommended to use shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and sour cream. If you want to get closer to ‘street tacos’ don’t add extras such as over the garnishing options include cilantro, chopped onion and a squeeze of lime. Optional to help intensify the flavor, put taco sauce or creamy chicken sauce on your tacos.
4. Assemble the Tacos
You may use the traditional or modern methods that include toasting them in a grill, on a pan, or even the microwaves. After heating the taco shell, put the shredded chicken inside and garnish it with your most preferred works. In case you are preparing baked chicken tacos, you should start arranging the chicken, cheese as well as the other toppings in the taco shell and bake for 10 minutes to ensure the cheese is melted.
Chicken Taco Recipe FAQs
What sort of chicken should be used for tacos? You can use chicken breast, chicken thighs or even made it with the chicken that was already cooked such as rotisserie chickens. The chicken thighs are always rather juicy and tender, while chicken breasts should be used to make it a more elite dish.
Need advice about whether it is possible to cook chicken tacos in a crockpot? Yes! Finally, put chicken, seasoning and a little broth or water into the crockpot. Put in slow cooker for 4-6 hours then take the chicken out, shredding it then use that as your taco meat.
I just realize that I have made the wrong questions, how do I know the chicken is cooked? Besides, the favoured indicator for knowing if chicken is done is by checking if it has been properly cooked and this depends on when the internal temperature is at 165°F. You can use a utensil known as the meat thermometer to confirm this.
What can I prepare as sides for chicken tacos? It is best served with cilantro lime rice, Mexican rice or served with refried beans making it a complete meal. A side of chips and salsa or guacamole also adds to these tacos in the most ideal manner.
Ways of Preparation of Chicken Tacos
Baked Chicken Tacos: For a unique approach to tacos, add the ingredients and put the tacos on a baking tray and bake for cheese meltage and the crisping of the tacos. This is good for those marinating meals especially when intending to prepare a set number of tacos for the week.
Crockpot Chicken Tacos: Place chicken, seasoning and a little broth or salsa into a crock pot. Then, place this chicken on low power and let it cook for 4-6 hours; at this point, shred the chicken to be used in the tacos.
Grilled Chicken Tacos: If you want smoky taste to your chicken then instead of using a skillet to fry them, it is better to grill them. The grilled chicken goes well with the taco type of sauce, and topped up with a little amount of lime juice.
Chicken tacos are usually preferred by a great number of people due to the fact that it is mostly prepared with chicken which is enjoyed by so many people the following are the tips on how to prepare the best Chicken tacos;
Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying chicken in a skillet it is not advisable to put all the chicken at a go since it may not cook evenly.
Use fresh ingredients: Cilantro, lime and salsa can definitely uplift a dish so use fresh ingredients for the best outcome.
Make ahead: The chicken filling is easy to prepare and you can prepare it a day before so that it will be easier to assemble the Quesadilla when required. To eat it, the chicken has to be reheated, tortillas have to be warmed then layer up the tacos.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces: You can pair these tacos with a side of guacamole, salsa or if you like you can make a dressing for dipping too.
Final Thoughts
Chicken tacos are a tasty meal which can be served in various ways to meet certain preference for taste. No matter if you’re prepping these for Taco Tuesday, to feed a large family or if you simply decided to invite friends over and have a nice dinner – this simple recipe with chicken will be loved by everyone. These chicken tacos are made with the perfectly seasoned chicken with fresh toppings and warm tortillas making it super easy and delicious.
Serve with Mexican rice and salsa for your at home taco Tuesday. Well the next time you feel like eating taco, try out this recipe and believe me you won’t regret it.