Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to enjoy taco night, this ground chicken taco recipe is perfect for you! With a blend of spices and loads of flavor, these baked tacos are sure to be a hit at any gathering or a fun weeknight dinner. Paired with a variety of toppings, you can customize each taco to suit your taste. Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and instructions needed to prepare this satisfying dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for the pan
1 pound ground chicken
½ white onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup taco sauce
8 corn tortillas, warmed
1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Optional Toppings
Hot sauce
Shredded lettuce
Lime wedges
Guacamole
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Enjoy making these tasty tacos, and feel free to experiment with different toppings and spices to create your ideal flavor profile!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Brush a baking sheet with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Mixture
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, diced onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the chicken into small pieces, until it is browned and fully cooked.
Step 3: Add Spices
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, and kosher salt. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.
Step 4: Mix in the Taco Sauce
Stir in the taco sauce until the mixture is well combined. Once mixed, remove the skillet from heat.
Step 5: Prepare the Tacos
Arrange the warmed corn tortillas on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly distribute the shredded Mexican cheese blend among each tortilla. Spoon the chicken mixture on top of the cheese, then fold the tortillas over. Gently press them to secure the filling. Brush the top side of each folded tortilla with oil.
Step 6: Bake the Tacos
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tacos are golden and crispy.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from the oven and serve with your choice of toppings such as hot sauce, shredded lettuce, lime wedges, and guacamole.
Notes
Optional Toppings
Consider providing hot sauce, shredded lettuce, lime wedges, and guacamole for additional flavor and presentation.
Warming Tortillas
To warm the corn tortillas, you may lightly heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side or wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Storage Suggestions
Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Cook Techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, the ground chicken, onion, red bell pepper, and garlic are sautéed together, allowing the flavors to meld while browning the chicken.
Seasoning
Seasoning involves adding spices and herbs to enhance the flavors of a dish. In this recipe, chili powder, ground cumin, and kosher salt are added to the sautéed chicken mixture, creating a depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Baking
Baking is a dry heat cooking method that involves cooking food in an oven. The folded tortillas filled with the chicken mixture and cheese are baked until golden and crispy, giving the tacos a satisfying texture.
Layering
Layering is the arrangement of different components in a dish to create balance and visual appeal. Here, the tortillas are layered with cheese and the chicken mixture, which ensures that each bite is flavorful.
Pressing
Pressing is a technique used to create a compact structure in food. Gently pressing the folded tortillas helps to keep the filling inside and ensures they bake evenly.
Garnishing
Garnishing involves adding decorative or flavorful elements to a dish before serving. Toppings such as hot sauce, shredded lettuce, lime wedges, and guacamole enhance the presentation and add freshness to the tacos.
FAQ
Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef or turkey for ground chicken. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked.
How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?
Warming the tortillas and baking them with a brush of oil helps maintain their crispiness. Make sure to bake until golden and crispy.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken mixture and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Assemble and bake the tacos just before serving for the best texture.
What can I use if I don’t have taco sauce?
If you don’t have taco sauce, you can use salsa or a combination of tomato sauce with spices like chili powder and cumin to create a similar flavor.
Are there any gluten-free options for the tortillas?
Yes, you can use gluten-free corn tortillas to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I freeze the cooked tacos?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked tacos. Make sure to let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
This delicious ground chicken taco recipe showcases a perfect blend of spices and textures, offering a satisfying meal that can be customized with your favorite toppings. The crispy corn tortillas and melted cheese create a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with fresh accompaniments like lettuce, lime, and guacamole.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Black Bean Tacos
Swap the ground chicken for canned black beans and incorporate diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Vegetable Quesadillas
Use the same filling but add zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a vegetarian option.
Chicken Enchiladas
Roll the chicken mixture in tortillas, cover with enchilada sauce, and top with cheese before baking.
BBQ Chicken Tacos
Mix in your favorite BBQ sauce with the ground chicken for a smoky flavor twist.
Breakfast Tacos
Incorporate scrambled eggs and avocado, garnished with salsa for a hearty breakfast version.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
Add fresh cilantro and lime juice to the chicken mixture for a refreshing flavor profile.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the chicken mixture to fill halved bell peppers and bake until tender for a healthy alternative.
Chicken Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with the chicken mixture, cheese, and toppings, then bake until cheesy and bubbly.
