Easy and Delicious Chicken Tacos Recipe

Looking for a scrumptious chicken taco recipe to jazz up your dinner menu? Look no further! Making chicken for tacos is a super easy and delicious way to satisfy your taste buds. With the right ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can whip up some tasty tacos that will definitely impress everyone.

Chicken tacos are one of the most popular Mexican dishes that are loved by many people across the globe. The key to making a perfect chicken taco lies in choosing good quality meat and using the right seasoning. In this article, we will be sharing a quick and easy recipe to make mouth-watering chicken tacos that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. So, let’s get started!

10 Delicious Ways to Make Chicken Tacos

When it comes to making delicious and flavorful chicken tacos, the possibilities are endless. Here are 10 different ways to prepare chicken for your tacos that will make your taste buds sing.

1. Grilled Chicken Tacos

One of the easiest and most flavorful ways to prepare chicken for tacos is to grill it. Simply marinate your chicken in a blend of spices and herbs, and toss it on the grill until cooked through. Once your chicken is cooked, chop it up and serve with your favorite taco fixings.

2. Slow-Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos

For busy weeknights, consider using your slow cooker to make delicious pulled chicken tacos. Simply place chicken breasts in your slow cooker with your favorite spices and let it cook on low for several hours. Once your chicken is tender and falling apart, shred it with a fork and serve with warm tortillas and all the fixings.

3. Baked Chicken Tacos

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to fried tacos, consider baking your chicken instead. Simply season your chicken with a blend of spices and bake in the oven until cooked through. Once your chicken is done, stuff it into crispy corn tortillas and serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole, and toppings.

4. Grilled Pineapple Chicken Tacos

For a sweet and savory twist on traditional chicken tacos, try grilling your chicken with pineapple. Season your chicken with a blend of spices and grill it alongside sliced pineapple until both are cooked through. Serve your grilled chicken and pineapple in warm tortillas with all your favorite toppings.

5. Chicken Fajita Tacos

For a Tex-Mex inspired twist on chicken tacos, try making fajita tacos. Simply marinate your chicken in a blend of spices and cook it alongside bell peppers and onions. Once your chicken and veggies are cooked through, serve them in warm tortillas with sour cream, cheese, and avocado.

6. Chipotle Chicken Tacos

If you’re a fan of smoky, spicy flavors, consider making chipotle chicken tacos. Simply season your chicken with smoky chipotle chili powder, grill it, and serve it with homemade chipotle mayo and all your favorite toppings for a fiery kick.

7. Lime Chicken Tacos

For a bright and zesty flavor, try making lime chicken tacos. Simply marinate your chicken in lime juice, garlic, and a blend of spices, grill it, and serve it with zesty lime crema, chopped cilantro, and sliced avocado.

8. Tinga Chicken Tacos

For a traditional Mexican spin on chicken tacos, try making tinga chicken tacos. Tinga is a smoky and spicy tomato sauce typically made with shredded chicken. Simply mix shredded chicken with the tinga sauce and serve in warm tortillas with diced onion, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro.

9. BBQ Chicken Tacos

For a summertime favorite, consider making BBQ chicken tacos. Simply grill your chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce, chop it up, and serve it with slaw, sliced jalapeños, and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.

10. Buffalo Chicken Tacos

If you’re a fan of spicy buffalo chicken, try making buffalo chicken tacos. Simply coat your chicken in buffalo sauce and grill it until crispy. Serve it with creamy blue cheese dressing and all your favorite toppings for a twist on traditional chicken tacos.

In conclusion, chicken tacos remain a classic and delicious meal for any occasion. Experiment with the above 10 ways to make chicken tacos, and find your favorite recipe that works for you. Taco ‘bout tasty!

Choosing the Right Chicken for Tacos

When you’re looking to make chicken for tacos, the first thing to consider is what type of chicken you want to use. There are a few different options, each with their own pros and cons.

1. Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a great option for tacos because they’re flavorful and tender. They’re also more forgiving than chicken breast if you accidentally overcook them. To prepare them, you can either grill them or cook them in a skillet. If you want to go the skillet route, try seasoning them with cumin, chili powder, and a little salt and pepper.

2. Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts are a leaner option than chicken thighs, which can be a plus if you’re watching your calorie intake. They’re also a blank canvas when it comes to flavor, so you can season them however you like. To cook them, you can grill them or bake them in the oven. Be careful not to overcook them, though, or they’ll be dry and tough.

3. Shredded Chicken

If you’re short on time, using shredded chicken can be a lifesaver. You can either shred a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store or cook some chicken breasts or thighs in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. This is a great option if you want to make a big batch of chicken in advance and use it throughout the week.

4. Ground Chicken

Ground chicken is another option that’s quick and easy to cook. It’s also versatile, so you can use it in a variety of dishes beyond just tacos. To prepare it for tacos, you can cook it in a skillet with some diced onion and garlic, and then season it with chili powder, cumin, and salt.

5. Chicken Tenders

If you’re in a hurry and want to make tacos that are ready in minutes, chicken tenders are a good choice. You can either grill them or cook them in a skillet, and then cut them into small pieces for your tacos. They’re also a good option if you have picky eaters who prefer their chicken plain.

6. Chicken Thighs with Bone-In

While bone-in chicken thighs are not the first choice for tacos, they can come in handy if you want to use the bones to make chicken broth. You can season the chicken as you normally would, and then cook it on the bone. Once it’s done, remove the meat from the bones and shred it for your tacos.

7. Chicken Legs

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use chicken legs for your tacos. They’re not as tender as chicken thighs or breasts, but they’re flavorful in their own right. To cook them, you can either grill them or cook them in a skillet. Just be sure to remove the skin before serving.

8. Spatchcocked Chicken

Spatchcocking a chicken means removing the backbone so that it lies flat and cooks more evenly. It’s a great way to cook a whole chicken for tacos if you want to have leftovers for other meals. To spatchcock a chicken, use a sharp pair of kitchen shears to cut along each side of the backbone, and then flip it over and press down on the breastbone to flatten it out.

9. Chicken Wings

While chicken wings aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of tacos, they can be a fun and unexpected addition. To prepare them, you can either grill them or bake them in the oven. Once they’re cooked, toss them in your favorite hot sauce and serve them alongside your tacos.

10. Chicken Gizzards

If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can use chicken gizzards for your tacos. They’re not for everyone, but they’re a tasty and inexpensive option if you’re on a budget. To cook them, you’ll need to simmer them in water or broth until they’re tender, and then season them with chili powder and cumin.

Preparation of chicken

Marinating the chicken

The first step in preparing chicken tacos is marinating the chicken. This helps in adding flavor to the chicken and making it more tender. You can choose from a variety of marinades such as fajita, adobo, lime, or chipotle. To begin, mix all the marinade ingredients together and place the chicken in a large ziplock bag. Add the marinade to the bag, seal, and shake well to ensure the chicken is completely coated. Then, place the bag of chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for the best results.

Grilling the chicken

Once the chicken is properly marinated, it is time to grill it. Ensure that the grill is hot before adding the chicken. Place the chicken on the grill and close the cover. Allow the chicken to cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through. It is essential to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 °F before removing from the grill.

Shredding the chicken

After removing the chicken from the grill, shred it into small pieces. This will make it easier to mix with other ingredients such as sauce and veggies. If you are short on time, then you can use a rotisserie chicken. Simply remove the chicken meat from the bone, and shred for using in the tacos.

Seasoning the chicken

While some marinades provide all the flavor you need, you may want to spice up your chicken a bit more. Add a sprinkle of chili powder, cumin, and salt to create an extra burst of flavor. However, be cautious not to over-season, as this may overwhelm all the other ingredients in the taco.

Cooking alternative to grilling

If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also bake, broil, or sauté the chicken. Baking ensures the chicken is cooked through, while broiling produces perfectly charred meat. Sautéing chicken is out of the ordinary but adds an excellent flavor, and it is quicker to prepare than grilling.

That’s a Wrap!

And that’s how you make chicken for tacos in an easy and scrumptious way. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or trying to satisfy your taco cravings, this recipe is a winner. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this article. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings to your tacos for added flavor. Come back soon for more delicious recipes and tips!