Introduction
Tacos are a beloved dish around the world, celebrated for their versatility and bold flavors. This recipe features succulent chicken thighs seasoned with a delightful blend of spices, topped with fresh pico de gallo, creamy chipotle lime crema, and slices of avocado. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these tacos are sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chicken:
– 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Pico de Gallo:
– 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
– ½ red onion, finely diced
– ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
– 8 to 12 (4-inch) flour or corn tortillas
– 4 ounces queso fresco cheese, crumbled
– 1 avocado, sliced
– Extra limes for garnish
For the Chipotle Lime Crema:
– 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
– ¾ cup half and half
– 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from a can of chipotles in adobo)
– Juice of half a lime
– Zest of half a lime
– ⅛ teaspoon salt
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 to 6
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
– In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.
– Cover the skillet and transfer it to the oven. Roast for 20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Spice Mix:
– In a small bowl, combine ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder, and onion powder. Set aside.
3. Make the Pico de Gallo:
– In a bowl, combine quartered grape tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
– Add the juice of one lime and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.
4. Prepare the Chipotle Lime Crema:
– In another bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, half and half, adobo sauce, lime juice, lime zest, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
5. Shred and Season the Chicken:
– Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl, leaving any juices in the skillet.
– Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, shred the chicken on low speed.
– Add the prepared spice mix to the shredded chicken and mix until well combined.
– Return the spiced shredded chicken to the skillet with the reserved juices and toss to combine, ensuring the chicken remains moist.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
– Place a portion of the spiced shredded chicken onto each tortilla.
– Top with the prepared pico de gallo and crumbled queso fresco.
– Drizzle with the chipotle lime crema.
– Add sliced avocado on top or serve on the side.
– Serve with extra lime wedges for garnish. Enjoy your delicious tacos!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt and pepper.
– In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken thighs.
– Brown the chicken on both sides for about 2 minutes per side until golden.
– After browning, cover the skillet with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
– Roast the chicken for 20 minutes until fully cooked.
Prepare the Spice Mix
– In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder, and onion powder.
– Set the spice mix aside for later use.
Make the Pico de Gallo
– In a medium mixing bowl, combine the quartered grape tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro.
– Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and season it with salt and pepper to taste.
– Stir the ingredients well to ensure they are evenly mixed and set aside.
Prepare the Chipotle Lime Crema
– In another bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and half and half until smooth.
– Add the adobo sauce, lime juice, lime zest, and salt to the mixture, whisking well to combine all ingredients fully.
– Set the chipotle lime crema aside.
Shred and Season the Chicken
– Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the oven and transfer it to a large mixing bowl, reserving any juices left in the skillet.
– Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, shred the chicken on low speed.
– Incorporate the prepared spice mix into the shredded chicken and mix until well combined.
– Add the spiced shredded chicken back into the skillet with the reserved juices and toss to ensure the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
Assemble the Tacos
– Take a tortilla and place a generous portion of the spiced shredded chicken onto it.
– Top the chicken with a spoonful of the pico de gallo and sprinkle the crumbled queso fresco on top.
– Drizzle the chipotle lime crema over the assembled taco.
– Optionally, add sliced avocado on top or serve on the side.
– Garnish with extra lime wedges for serving.
Notes
Seasoning Adjustment
– Feel free to adjust the amount of spices in the spice mix according to your taste preference. If you like it spicier, consider adding more chipotle chili powder.
Serving Suggestions
– These tacos pair well with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage Guidelines
– Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
– The pico de gallo and chipotle lime crema can also be stored separately in the refrigerator for freshness.
Cook Techniques
Marinating Chicken
Marinate the chicken with salt, pepper, and a blend of spices to enhance flavor and tenderness. Allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat for better taste.
Browning Chicken
Brown the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat to create a flavorful crust and add depth of flavor. This step caramelizes the surface sugars.
Roasting
Roast the chicken in an oven at 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and retain moisture. Covering the skillet helps keep the chicken juicy.
Mixing Spices
Combine spices in a bowl before adding them to the chicken. This ensures an even distribution of flavors, allowing every bite to be well-seasoned.
Preparing Pico de Gallo
Chop fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onion, and cilantro, then mix with lime juice, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant, zesty topping.
Making Chipotle Lime Crema
Whisk together Greek yogurt, half and half, adobo sauce, lime juice, and zest for a creamy sauce with a hint of spice, complementing the tacos.
Shredding Chicken
Use a stand mixer or hand mixer on low speed to shred the cooked chicken easily. This technique helps achieve consistent texture.
Combining Ingredients
Toss shredded chicken with reserved juices and spice mix to maintain moisture and flavor in the final dish, ensuring a delicious outcome.
Assembling Tacos
Layer spiced chicken, pico de gallo, queso fresco, and crema on tortillas. This builds flavor and texture, enhancing the taco experience.
Garnishing
Serve tacos with sliced avocado and extra lime wedges for an added freshness and visual appeal, enhancing the overall dish presentation.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be aware they may dry out more quickly than thighs.
What other toppings can I add to the tacos?
You can add toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, lettuce, or sliced radishes for additional flavor and texture.
Can I make the pico de gallo in advance?
Yes, pico de gallo can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld.
Is chipotle lime crema spicy?
The crema has a mild spice due to the adobo sauce, but you can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Can I use whole wheat tortillas instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat tortillas are a great alternative and add additional fiber to your meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I freeze the prepared chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the spiced shredded chicken. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container; it will last up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
You can use sour cream or regular plain yogurt as a substitute for Greek yogurt in the crema.
Conclusion
This delicious chicken taco recipe blends the rich flavors of spiced chicken with fresh pico de gallo and creamy chipotle lime crema. The combination of textures and tastes makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed at a casual family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, these tacos are sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s cravings.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Burrito Bowl
Use the spiced shredded chicken as the base for a burrito bowl. Add rice, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and fresh salsa for a hearty meal.
Grilled Chicken Tacos
For a smoky flavor, replace the oven method with grilling. Marinate the chicken in the spice mix and grill for a delicious char before assembling the tacos.
Chicken Quesadillas
Transform the spiced chicken into quesadilla filling. Layer the chicken, cheese, and pico de gallo between tortillas and grill until golden and crispy.
Avocado Chicken Salad
Mix the shredded chicken with diced avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and red onion for a fresh and healthy chicken salad.
Chicken Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with the spiced shredded chicken, cheese, pico de gallo, and drizzle with chipotle lime crema for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Tostadas with Spiced Chicken
Spread the shredded chicken on crispy tostadas and top with pico de gallo, queso fresco, and avocado slices for a crunchy twist on tacos.
