There may be an abundance of restaurants, food trucks, and chain stores that offer a variety of tacos. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the taste of legendary tacos at home. You can relish in the playfulness of experimenting with fillings and sides, like guacamole. Even more, the joy of savoring the delicate blend of spices awaits you.
This recipe for chicken tacos is great for a weeknight dinner, a party, or just because you want tacos. Street taco chicken recipes allow you to customize your tacos to your taste. Whether you’ve had a lot of tacos before or are just starting to try them, this authentic Mexican chicken taco recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Chicken tacos are a favorite weeknight dinner in many households. With crispy shells, flavorful seasoned chicken and fresh toppings they make for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that is also highly customizable. But you don’t need to visit a Mexican restaurant every taco night – with a few key ingredients and some easy techniques, you can make mouthwatering chicken tacos right at home.
Choosing the Right Chicken Cut
Ground chicken is the most common choice for tacos. It is better to have a mix of white and dark meat, since dark meat has more fat and flavor. Extra-lean chicken breast-only blends can get dry and chalky, so stay away from them. Use chicken thighs or breasts that have been cut into small pieces instead of ground meat for a heartier texture.
Seasonings for Maximum Flavor
The key to giving the chicken big, bold Mexican flavors is a mix of spices. Common seasonings include:
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Dried oregano
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Play around with the proportions to suit your tastes – add more cumin and oregano for earthiness, increase the chili powder for warmth, or kick it up with extra cayenne. A squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro at the end will also brighten up the flavors.
Sauté the Vegetables
Putting onion, garlic, and bell peppers in a pan and cooking them makes the chicken taste great. Before adding the ground chicken, cook the vegetables until they are soft and browned. Their sweetness balances the spices perfectly.
Brown the Chicken
Spread the chicken out evenly in a hot pan or skillet and let it cook without moving it at first for the best texture. So, the chicken pieces can get brown and get a nice crust. Then, use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it’s done cooking.
Simmer in Tomato Sauce
Once the chicken has browned, pouring in tomato sauce helps create a richer, saucier mixture. Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Warm the Taco Shells
While the filling cooks, warm store-bought hard taco shells in the oven so they become perfectly crisp. Place them standing upright in a baking sheet – just a few minutes will do.
Time for Toppings!
Fill those warm taco shells with the chicken mixture, then pile on toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, Mexican cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. Add salsa, hot sauce, or lime wedges on the side.
With flavorful chicken, crispy shells, and fresh toppings, these easy homemade chicken tacos are sure to become a new family favorite. Adjust the spices to your taste, swap in different fillings, and get creative with new toppings to put your own stamp on taco night. ¡Buen provecho!
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Tacos
What type of chicken is best for tacos?
Ground chicken that contains a blend of white and dark meat works well, as dark meat has more moisture and flavor. Diced chicken thigh or breast meat can also be used. Avoid super lean ground chicken breast, which dries out easily.
How do I season the chicken?
A blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and garlic powder adds big Mexican flavors. Cayenne pepper can be added for heat. Finish with fresh lime juice and cilantro.
Should I cook the chicken first or add the spices to raw?
It’s best to season the raw chicken so the spices have time to penetrate and bloom. Then cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
What vegetables work well?
Onion, garlic, and bell peppers provide a sweet, aromatic base when sautéed before adding the chicken.
Can I make chicken tacos without shells?
Yes, you can skip the taco shells and serve the chicken mixture in soft tortillas, lettuce wraps, over rice or salad, or with tortilla chips for scooping.
How do I warm the hard taco shells?
Place taco shells upright on a baking sheet and warm at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until crisp. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
What are good taco toppings?
Popular toppings include shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, cheese, avocado, Greek yogurt or sour cream, salsa, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Can I make tacos with ground beef instead?
Absolutely! The same seasoning blend and method will work. Just swap in ground beef for the ground chicken.
With a few simple tricks and ingredients you likely have on hand, you can reinvent taco night with homemade chicken tacos that are tastier than takeout. Get creative with different add-ins and toppings to make it your own.
What Are Tacos Traditionally Served With?
Tacos are all about customization. But some traditional accompaniments elevate the experience. Here are a few ideas:
- Fresh Toppings: Chopped onion, cilantro, and lime wedges are classic toppings that make tacos taste new and bright. Standard toppings can be different depending on the area or style of Mexican food, though.
- Salsas: From mild pico de gallo to spicy salsa verde, an array of salsas can add a tasty boost to any dish.
- Sides: To go with your tacos, try Mexican rice, black beans, guacamole, or a simple side salad.
What Cheese Goes With Chicken Tacos?
We recommend a mild, crumbly cheese like cotija cheese. This adds a salty and slightly tangy flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Queso fresco (a type of Mexican white cheese) or even a shredded Mexican cheese blend is also suitable.