Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Turn up your taco Tuesday with these Chipotle Chicken Tacos. My Chipotle Chicken Taco recipe is about to elevate your taco game, bringing a burst of flavors that will have your taste buds hitting a two step. Say goodbye to bland and hello to a fiesta in your mouth. I’ve crafted this recipe to make your Tuesday nights unforgettable, and I guarantee you’ll be craving these Chipotle Chicken Tacos every day of the week.
If you love my taco recipes, try The Best Carnitas Tacos Around and The Best Chicken Tinga next!
Moreover, my Chipotle Chicken Tacos are a combo of smoky, spicy, and savory notes, making them a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their taco experience. The chipotle marinade infuses the chicken with a rich, deep flavor that perfectly complements the fresh and zesty toppings. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between heat and flavor, ensuring a mouthwatering experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Honestly though, there’s nothing wrong with a few extra tacos.
So, if you need a taco recipe that can get the party jumping, this is the recipe for you!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
My Chipotle Chicken Tacos recipe stands out for several reasons, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking a delicious and memorable taco experience:
- Flavorful Chipotle Marinade:
- The secret lies in the chipotle marinade, a carefully crafted blend of chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic, adobo sauce, olive oil, onion powder, garlic pepper, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. This marinade infuses the chicken with a smoky, spicy, and savory flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
- Perfectly Grilled Chicken:
- The use of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs ensures a juicy and succulent texture. Grilling the marinated chicken adds a delightful smokiness and char, contributing to the overall depth of flavor.
- Versatile Protein Options:
- While chicken is the star in this recipe, the versatility of the chipotle marinade allows for experimentation with other proteins such as shrimp, beef, or tofu. This adaptability makes the recipe suitable for various dietary preferences and ensures everyone can enjoy a fantastic meal.
In summary, these Chipotle Chicken Tacos recipe is full of flavors, textures, and versatility that transforms a simple taco into a TACO with a capital “T”. With its well-balanced elements and easy preparation, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your weekly meal prep.
Ingredients
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo:
- Contribution: Provides a smoky and spicy flavor to the marinade, creating a rich and distinctive taste.
- Garlic:
- Contribution: Adds a pungent and aromatic element to the marinade, enhancing overall flavor.
- Bayou City Seasoning:
- A blend of spices that elevates the dish with its characteristic warmth and depth.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken:
- Contribution: Serves as the protein base, offering a juicy and tender texture that absorbs the flavors of the chipotle marinade during grilling.
- Corn or Flour Tortillas:
- Contribution: Provides a soft and pliable vessel for the tacos, allowing the flavors of the chipotle-marinated chicken and toppings to shine.
- Shredded Cheese:
- Contribution: Adds a melty and cheesy texture, balancing the richness of the chicken
- Finely Chopped Pico de Gallo:
- Contribution: Provides a sharp and slightly pungent flavor, adding complexity and a hint of bite to the tacos.
How To make Chipotle Chicken Tacos
- Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and combine with all the chipotle peppers, garlic, olive oil, and seasonings. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the marinated chicken thighs with sliced onions for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Warm the tortillas and assemble your tacos with the grilled chicken and your favorite toppings.
Tips for perfect chipotle chicken tacos
- Firstly, Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the toppings to enhance the overall taste.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – aim for a juicy and tender texture.
- If time is not object try to make tortillas from scratch
- Customize your tacos with additional toppings like guacamole, cheese, or sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there alternative proteins that work well with this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While chicken thighs shine in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other proteins such as shrimp, beef, or tofu. The versatile chipotle marinade adapts well to different proteins, offering a variety of options to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken for later use?
A: Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the chipotle marinade for future use. Ensure the chicken is well-sealed in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it should be good for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before grilling for optimal results.
Q: What are the best toppings for these Chipotle Chicken Tacos?
A: The suggested toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, fresh cilantro leaves, and lime wedges. However, feel free to get creative! Guacamole, cheese, sour cream, or your favorite salsa can add extra layers of flavor and texture to personalize your taco experience.
Q: How can I prevent the chicken from becoming too spicy?
A: Adjusting the spice level is easy! Control the heat by reducing the number of chipotle peppers used in the marinade or scraping out the seeds if you want a milder flavor. Taste the marinade before applying it to the chicken to ensure it suits your desired spice level.
Also, Make sure to tag me on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook when you make this recipe! I want to see your creation and give you a shoutout!
For added flavor, try my Bayou City Seasonings. Hand crafted for a full experience and taste of what’s cooking in my kitchen, you have to try my seasonings! Guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast
- 1 7oz can chipotle peppers in adobo finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Bayou City Garlic Pepper
- 1 tbsp Bayou City All Purpose Seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp grapeseed oil
- 1 med onion thinly slices
- shredded cheese mexican blend
- pico de Gallo
- 8 tortillas corn or flour
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken thighs, chopped chipotle peppers, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic pepper, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat grapeseed oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and crispy on the edges, about 6-8 minutes per side. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked with no pink in the center.
- In the same skillet, add thinly sliced onions. Cook over medium heat until they are soft and caramelized, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the cooked chicken and onion mixture skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, warm the tortillas until they are pliable and have soaked up all the flavor from the skillet. Place a portion of the crispy chipotle chicken on each tortilla.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken while it's still hot. Allow the cheese to melt slightly.
- Add a generous amount of caramelized onions on top of the melted cheese. Finish by spooning pico de Gallo over the tacos.
- Fold over the tortillas and cook on each side until crispy and the sticks to the cheese to almost look like a quesadilla.
- Serve the Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos immediately. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or your favorite hot sauce.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the spice level. For a milder taste, use fewer peppers or remove the seeds.
- Experiment with different cheese blends to find your favorite combination.
- For an extra crispy texture, you can briefly broil the assembled tacos in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Customize toppings to suit your preferences, such as adding guacamole, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.
