Spicy Chicken Tacos

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Spicy Chicken Tacos

I can still remember the first time I made Spicy Chicken Tacos. It was a quiet Friday night, and I was craving something quick but packed with flavor. I had some leftover shredded chicken in the fridge and a few basic ingredients that I thought would work well together. The idea of Spicy Chicken Tacos immediately popped into my mind, and I knew it was going to be a winner. I quickly gathered everything on my kitchen counter and got to work.

Creating the Flavorful Filling

The key to these Spicy Chicken Tacos is in the combination of juicy shredded chicken, sweet corn, and fresh pico de gallo. I mixed the ingredients together in a bowl, letting the flavors meld as the chicken absorbed the tangy freshness of the pico de gallo. When I took that first taste, I knew I was onto something special. The balance of sweetness from the corn and the slight kick from the salsa made the filling perfect for tacos. It was a simple combination, but sometimes, the simplest things can be the most satisfying.

Assembling the Tacos

Warming the taco shells was the next step, and I could already feel my excitement building. I love how the aroma of the toasted shells fills the kitchen, signaling that taco time is near. As I spooned the chicken mixture into each shell, I thought about how versatile this recipe could be. You can use soft or hard shells, add cheese, and top it all off with crisp coleslaw, spicy radishes, and a creamy chipotle ranch dressing. The layers of texture and flavor come together beautifully, making every bite of these Spicy Chicken Tacos a delicious experience.

Spicy Chicken Tacos_ raw

A Family Favorite

These Spicy Chicken Tacos have since become a family favorite. They’re quick to make, perfect for a busy weeknight, yet special enough to serve at a weekend gathering. I love seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces when they take that first bite—it’s a sure sign that these tacos are a hit. The best part? They’re so easy to customize, whether you want to add more heat with extra jalapeños or make them kid-friendly by leaving them out. For me, these tacos are more than just a meal; they’re a reminder that sometimes, the simplest dishes can bring the most joy.

Chef’s Notes- Spicy Chicken Tacos

  • Quick Shredded Chicken Hack: If you’re in a hurry, use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Simply remove the skin and shred the meat for a fast and flavorful option.
  • Balancing the Heat: If you’re serving a crowd with varying spice tolerances, serve the jalapenos on the side. This way, everyone can customize their level of heat.
  • Make Ahead: The chicken mixture can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat before assembling the tacos.
  • Crisping Taco Shells: For extra crunchy taco shells, warm them in the oven for 2-3 minutes at 350°F before filling. This also helps to prevent sogginess.
  • Customize with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings. Try adding sliced avocado, pickled onions, or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for added depth of flavor.
  • Serving Tip: Serve the tacos with lime wedges and fresh cilantro. The acidity from the lime and the freshness of cilantro will elevate the flavors.
  • Chipotle Ranch Dressing Shortcut: If you can’t find chipotle ranch dressing, mix 1 tablespoon of chipotle sauce into 1/2 cup of regular ranch dressing for a quick substitute.
Spicy Chicken Tacos
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Spicy Chicken Tacos

0.0 from 0 votes
Course: Main CourseCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

tacos
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

350

kcal
Total time

20

minutes

Get ready to spice up your taco night with these Easy Spicy Chicken Tacos! Packed with juicy shredded chicken, sweet corn, and a zesty chipotle ranch dressing, these tacos are a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, these tacos are sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

  • Shredded Chicken Mixture

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast

  • 2 cups thawed frozen sweet corn

  • 1/4 cup fresh pico de gallo salsa

  • Taco Assembly

  • 8 soft or hard taco shells, warmed

  • 1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup pre-packaged coleslaw mix

  • 6 radishes, thinly sliced into rounds

  • 1/2 cup creamy chipotle ranch dressing

  • 3 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and thinly sliced

  • Alternative Ingredients:

  • Shredded Chicken: Use shredded turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.

  • Frozen Corn: Substitute with canned corn or fresh corn kernels.

  • Pico de Gallo: Use salsa verde or diced tomatoes.

  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Replace with cheddar or pepper jack cheese.

  • Coleslaw Mix: Use shredded lettuce or cabbage.

  • Chipotle Ranch Dressing: Substitute with regular ranch dressing mixed with a bit of chipotle sauce.

Directions

  • Prepare Chicken Mixture – In a microwave-safe dish, combine the shredded chicken, thawed corn, and pico de gallo. Cover the dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is heated through.Spicy Chicken Tacos_ post 1
  • Warm Taco Shells – While the chicken mixture is heating up, warm the taco shells in the oven or microwave according to package instructions.Spicy Chicken Tacos_ post 2
  • Assemble Tacos – Spoon the heated chicken mixture evenly into each warmed taco shell.Spicy Chicken Tacos_ post 3
  • Add Toppings – Top each taco with shredded cheddar cheese, coleslaw mix, thinly sliced radishes, and jalapeno slices.Spicy Chicken Tacos_ post 4
  • Finish with Dressing – Drizzle the creamy chipotle ranch dressing over the top of each taco.Spicy Chicken Tacos_ post 5
  • Serve Immediately – Serve the tacos immediately while they are warm and enjoy!Spicy Chicken Tacos_ post 6

Equipment

  • chef’s knife
  • cutting board
  • microwave-safe dish
  • Mixing bowls

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 350kcal
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Potassium: 400mg
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Vitamin A: 500IU
  • Vitamin C: 10mg
  • Calcium: 150mg
  • Iron: 2mg

FAQs- Spicy Chicken Tacos

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded turkey, beef, or even tofu work well as substitutes. For a seafood twist, try using shrimp.

How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Substitute the shredded chicken with tofu, jackfruit, or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegan cheese and a dairy-free ranch dressing to make it fully vegan.

Can I make the tacos ahead of time?

The chicken mixture can be prepared in advance, but it’s best to assemble the tacos right before serving to prevent the shells from becoming soggy.

What can I serve with these tacos?

These tacos pair well with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh avocado salad. You could also serve chips and guacamole or a refreshing mango salsa.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the chicken mixture, toppings, and taco shells separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken mixture before assembling fresh tacos.

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