Authentic Mexican Chicken Taco Recipe
Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine, vibrant and full of flavor. Among the many variations, the authentic Mexican chicken taco stands out for its tender meat, aromatic spices, and freshness from all the toppings. The best part?
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- serving platter
Ingredients
- To create these mouthwatering tacos here’s what you’ll need (with a couple of fun surprises to enhance the flavors):
- - 700 g 1.2 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
- - 1.5 tbsp high-quality olive oil
- - 2 tbsp tomato purée
- - 1 tsp sugar
- - 1 cup 250ml chicken broth, divided
- HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING:
- - 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- - 1 tbsp olive oil
- - 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
- - 2 tsp each of garlic powder and onion powder
- - 2 tsp dried oregano
- - 3 tsp each of ground cumin and sweet paprika
- - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to your spice level, or omit
- - 1 tsp sea salt
- - 1/2 tsp black pepper
- To serve:
- - Warm taco shells or tortillas
- - Chopped tomatoes and onions
- - Sliced avocado
- - Fresh cilantro
- - Shredded lettuce
- - Grated cheese
- - A dollop of sour cream
- Optional: Fresh jalapeño slices for a spicy kick!
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Seasoning
- In a medium bowl, gather your homemade taco seasoning ingredients. Mix together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, garlic and onion powders, oregano, cumin, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of chicken broth to create a smooth and loose marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Add the chicken thighs into the bowl with the taco seasoning. Turn the pieces to evenly coat them with the marinade. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is glistening, carefully add the marinated chicken. Sear for about 3 minutes on each side until the chicken is nicely browned. Reserve any leftover marinade in the bowl for later!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Once the chicken is seared, transfer it to a shallow dish. Pour the remaining chicken broth into the skillet, followed by the tomato purée and sugar. Scrape any leftover marinade bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all those delicious flavors. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
- While the sauce simmers, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the shallow dish. Don’t worry if some parts appear a bit undercooked; they will finish cooking in the sauce shortly.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Return the shredded chicken to the simmering sauce in the skillet. Toss to coat every piece, and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce should reduce to a thin syrup-like consistency. Give it a taste and adjust salt if necessary.
Step 7: Serve the Tacos
- Transfer the chicken and sauce into a serving bowl. Warm your taco shells or tortillas according to package instructions. Stuff the shells generously with the chicken mixture, and top with fresh diced tomatoes, avocado, onions, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients enhances the flavor. Opt for free-range chicken if possible.
- Marination Time: If you have time, marinate the chicken for longer. Even a couple of hours in the fridge can make a difference.
- Topping Variety: Get creative with toppings! Pickled onions, jalapeños, or fresh corn can add different tastes and textures.
- Make it Spicy: Don’t be shy about adjusting the cayenne or adding some fresh diced jalapeños into the mix for an extra kick.
- Leftovers: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 3-4 days.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 1gProtein: 11gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 55mgPotassium: 190mgSugar: 1g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!