Saucy Chicken Soft Tacos Recipe

Whipping up these chicken tacos felt like a vibrant dance in the kitchen—each ingredient coming together to create a zesty, comforting masterpiece. The combination of smoky spices with tangy salsa and fresh toppings truly makes every bite an exploration of flavors, reminding me why tacos are a timeless favorite.

I love how these Saucy Chicken Soft Tacos mix juicy, seasoned chicken with fresh toppings for a perfect weeknight meal. The tender chicken cubes imbued with the flavors of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika make this dish so delicious and satisfying.

And don’t even get me started on the fresh salsa and cilantro—definitely makes this taco that much better. You have to love the refreshing pop of flavor from the shredded lettuce, the vibrancy of the tomatoes, and the really fantastic punch of acidity from the lime juice.

That’s some wholesome taco right there.

Saucy Chicken Soft Tacos Recipe Ingredients

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Chicken Breasts: Rich in protein, low in fat; perfect lean meat.

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Olive Oil: Healthy fat, enhances flavor, heart-friendly.

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Onion: Adds natural sweetness; rich in antioxidants.

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Garlic: Boosts immunity, adds aromatic depth.

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Cumin: Warm, earthy spice; aids digestion.

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Chili Powder: Spicy kick; metabolism booster.

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Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth; vibrant color.

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Salsa: Tomatoes, peppers, onions; fresh and tangy.

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Tortillas: Soft, pliable, perfect for wrapping.

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Lettuce: Crunchy, hydrating, low-calorie veggie.

Saucy Chicken Soft Tacos Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup salsa
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

How to Make this Saucy Chicken Soft Tacos Recipe

1. In a big frying pan, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium-high until it shimmers. Add the chicken, cut into bite-size pieces, and cook until nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.

2. Remove from heat and give the carrot a minute or two to cool. Turn the carrot so the cut side is down, then slice it in half lengthwise. Place each half cut side up and slice it into thin half-moons. Add the sliced carrot to the pot. Return the pot to medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

3. Combine the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute until the perfume of garlic makes its way to your nose.

4. Add the chicken broth and lower the heat to medium-low. Allow the broth to reduce slightly for about 5 minutes.

5. Combine the salsa with the chicken, allowing it to simmer for a good 3-4 minutes more. You want to make sure the chicken is very well-coated with this sauce.

6. As the chicken blend simmers, heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are malleable.

7. To put together the tacos, put some of the chicken mixture onto every tortilla.

8. Shred the lettuce, and pile it onto the chicken. Dice the tomatoes, and add them to the top of the chicken next. Shred the cheddar cheese, and place it next to the other toppings. Your plate should resemble this.

9. Put a dollop of sour cream on top; then, sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

10. Provide lime wedges alongside the tacos so that they can be squeezed over the tacos right before eating. Enjoy!

Saucy Chicken Soft Tacos Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large frying pan
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cup
7. Small mixing bowl
8. Pot
9. Dry skillet or microwave
10. Grater (for shredding cheese)
11. Tongs or spatula (for handling tortillas)
12. Serving plate or platter

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?A: Yes, chicken can be replaced with any of the following: turkey, beef, or a plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh.
• Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?You can make the chicken taco filling in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before you put the tacos together, just heat the filling back up.
• Q: Are corn tortillas a good substitute for flour tortillas?A: Definitely. Corn tortillas can be used in place of flour tortillas in almost any recipe for a gluten-free option. And if you happen to prefer their flavor and texture, then by all means use them instead of flour tortillas.
• Q: How do I adjust the spiciness of the tacos?A: Adjust the spiciness by altering the amount of chili powder. Use a mild or spicy salsa to regulate the heat.
• Q: Can I freeze the chicken filling?A: Yes, you can freeze the chicken filling for up to 3 months. You can thaw it in the refrigerator before serving. You can also reheat it.
• Q: Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?A: Yes, leave out the cheese and sour cream, or use dairy-free alternatives for both.

Saucy Chicken Soft Tacos Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For cooking with olive oil, switch to oils derived from vegetables or from canola.
Chicken breasts, skinless and boneless: Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs or turkey breast as a substitute.
Cumin, ground: Replace with ground coriander or a combination of ground coriander and ground turmeric.
Corn tortillas or whole wheat tortillas can substitute for flour tortillas.
Cheddar cheese: Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese or a Mexican cheese blend.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate the Chicken Before cooking, marinate the chicken cubes with a little olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder for at least 30 minutes. This will enhance the flavor and ensure the chicken is tender and juicy.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients Opt for fresh, ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce for a refreshing crunch in your tacos. If possible, make the salsa fresh at home for added flavor.

3. Warm Tortillas Properly For the best texture, warm your tortillas directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side until they are lightly charred in spots. This adds a nice smoky flavor.

4. Cheese Melting Tip After adding the chicken mixture to the tortilla, sprinkle the cheese immediately so that the residual heat allows it to melt slightly, enhancing the taste and texture.

5. Balancing Flavors Adjust the seasoning of the chicken mixture towards the end by tasting it and adding a little more salt, cumin, or chili powder as necessary to balance the flavors before serving.