Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos are a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for any meal. These tacos feature juicy chicken seasoned with smoky chipotle spices and fried to a crisp, golden brown. The crispy chicken is typically nestled in warm tortillas and topped with fresh ingredients such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a tangy sauce like cilantro lime ranch.
Why you’ll love this Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos:
You’ll love Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos for several reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: The tacos are seasoned with a smoky chipotle chili spice mix, giving them a delicious and bold flavor that is both spicy and savory.
- Perfect Crunch: The crispy texture of the fried chicken paired with the crunch of the taco shell creates a satisfying bite.
- Easy to Prepare: These tacos are straightforward to make, making them an ideal choice for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner.
- High in Protein: Packed with protein-rich chicken, these tacos are not only tasty but also nutritious.
- Versatile Toppings: You can customize the tacos with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro lime ranch, adding freshness and variety to each bite.
Ingredients:
To make Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken:
- 1 lb ground chicken or boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Chipotle Seasoning:
- 2 chipotles in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- Vegetables:
- 1 14-oz can corn kernels, drained
- 1 15-oz can navy beans, drained and rinsed
- Lettuce and tomatoes for topping
- Taco Shells:
- Hard or soft taco shells
- Cheese:
- Shredded cheese of your choice
- Olive Oil:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional Toppings:
- Cilantro lime ranch dressing
- Fresh cilantro
Necessary equipment:
To make this recipe of Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Skillet or Frying Pan: For cooking the chicken.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the tacos if you prefer a baked version.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and preparing toppings.
- Tongs: To handle the chicken while cooking.
- Grater: For shredding cheese.
- Can Opener: To open canned ingredients like corn and beans.
- Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Serving Plates: For assembling and serving the tacos
Instructions of making this delicious recipe:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 pound of ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Season the Chicken:
- Add 2 chopped chipotles in adobo sauce to the skillet with the chicken.
- Stir in a 14-ounce can of drained corn kernels and a 15-ounce can of drained and rinsed navy beans.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place hard taco shells on a baking sheet.
- Spoon the chipotle chicken mixture into the taco shells.
- Top each taco with shredded cheese.
- Bake the Tacos:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tacos are crispy.
- Add the Toppings:
- Remove the tacos from the oven.
- Top with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy chipotle chicken tacos immediately and enjoy!
Serving suggestions:
- Garnishes:
- Lime wedges: Add a fresh squeeze of lime juice over the tacos for a zesty kick.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of either adds a creamy contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Fresh cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.
- Side Dishes:
- Mexican Rice: Serve with a side of flavorful Mexican rice to complement the tacos.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans make a hearty and traditional side dish.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with tomatoes, avocado, and red onion pairs well with the tacos.
- Additional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce: Adds a crunchy texture.
- Diced tomatoes: Brings a fresh and juicy element.
- Avocado slices or guacamole: Provides a rich and creamy texture.
- Drinks:
- Margaritas or agua fresca: These beverages complement the flavors of the tacos and enhance the dining experience.
- Presentation:
- Arrange the tacos on a platter with all the garnishes and sides around them. This not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also allows everyone to customize their tacos to their liking.
Weeknight Cheesy Baked Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Ranch:
These tacos are perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. They combine crispy, spicy chicken with a creamy cilantro lime ranch dressing, all wrapped in cheesy baked tortillas.
Ingredients:
- Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb. chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Tacos:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cilantro Lime Ranch:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, chipotle peppers, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the chicken broth and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese.
- Assemble Tacos:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place tortillas on a baking sheet. Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the tortillas.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken filling.
- Fold each tortilla in half to create a taco shape.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Make Cilantro Lime Ranch:
- In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and salt until well combined.
- Serve:
- Serve the baked tacos with a drizzle of cilantro lime ranch dressing and your favorite taco toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado.
These cheesy baked chipotle chicken tacos are sure to be a hit for a weeknight dinner, combining a satisfying crunch with rich, flavorful filling.