Ah, tacos – those delightful hand-held wonders that somehow manage to make every day feel like a fiesta. And shredded chicken tacos? They’re the real MVP of weeknight dinners, a lifesaver when the clock’s ticking faster than usual. I remember one Tuesday last month when I was caught in a Netflix binge, but somehow, these tacos still made it to the table in no time, sparking joy with every bite.
Steps
- In a large bowl or zip-seal bag, combine chicken thighs with minced garlic, olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken with the marinade.
- Preheat a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Once done, remove from heat and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing or chopping into small pieces.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pico de gallo. In a small bowl, mix finely chopped onion, tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For the tortillas, lightly char them over an open flame on the stovetop until they are slightly charred, if desired.
- To assemble the tacos, place approximately 1/4 cup of cooked chicken onto each tortilla. Add a few tablespoons of the prepared pico de gallo on top, followed by a drizzle of cilantro sauce if you like.
- Customize your tacos further with additional toppings such as sliced avocado, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, corn, or shredded cheese to suit your tastes.
- For the cilantro sauce, mix together mayo or sour cream with Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside for serving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, or chicken breasts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, or onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped tomato
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1 finely chopped, deseeded jalapeño
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Sliced avocados or guacamole
- Chopped tomatoes
- Corn
- Shredded cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 896kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 88g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 424mg | Sodium: 1712mg | Potassium: 1560mg | Fiber: N/A | Sugar: N/A | Vitamin A: 3880IU | Vitamin C: 24.8mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 5.6mg
FAQ
- What type of chicken is best for these tacos?
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended as they remain tender and moist. However, chicken breasts can be used as well, just be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.
- What are the essential toppings for these chicken tacos?
- The essential toppings include pico de gallo and creamy cilantro sauce. Traditional street tacos usually have just chopped onion, tomato, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
- Can I customize these tacos with additional toppings?
- Yes, you can personalize your tacos by adding extras like sliced avocados, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, corn, or shredded cheese.
- How do you make the creamy cilantro sauce?
- To make the cilantro sauce, mix 1/4 cup of mayo or sour cream, 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of minced cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- What is the nutritional information for one taco?
- One taco contains approximately 112 calories, 2g of carbohydrates, 11g of protein, and 6g of fat. The nutritional information is an approximation and is automatically calculated.
Tips
- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier and more tender tacos, but if using breasts, be careful not to overcook them to prevent drying out.
- To enhance the flavor of your tacos, try lightly charring the tortillas over a stovetop flame before assembling.
- Customize your tacos by adding your favorite toppings such as avocado, guacamole, shredded cheese, or chopped romaine lettuce for a personalized touch.
- Make sure to let the cooked chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing or chopping to ensure the juices are retained, resulting in more flavorful meat.
Equipment
- Large Pan or Skillet – For cooking the chicken.
- Thermometer – To ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Char Grill Pan or Tortilla Warmer – For charring tortillas if you choose to do so.
- Mixing Bowls – For combining ingredients like the chicken marinade and pico de gallo.
- Chef’s Knife – For finely chopping ingredients such as onion, tomato, and cilantro.
- Cutting Board – For preparing and chopping ingredients.
- Garlic Press – For mincing garlic, if you prefer not to do it by hand.
