Easy Chicken Tacos

Do you have a default meal for those nights when you're short on time and knee deep in hunger?

Something that doesn't take too long to make, requires zero brain power, and is better (and cheaper) than takeout food.  Is that even possible?!

My default option for a meal like this is constantly evolving  -- I'll usually make it once or twice per week for a couple months on end and then it will morph into a new default.

I'll start posting some of these simple meals because I think they're just as valuable as the more elaborate recipes on the site.  They're not meant to be pretty or complex -- just some quick, efficient meals that also happen to immensely satisfying.

These Easy Chicken Tacos are my current default and I've been leaning on them for the past month or so.  They're quick, filling, and far superior to any takeout Mexican in my area.

But don't worry about reproducing them teaspoon perfect.   I'll list measurements in the recipe box below but I certainly don't measure anything when making them -- broad strokes will get you there as long as you are making the homemade Salsa.

Yes, as usual, it's the Salsa that's the key to this on-the-fly meal.

And in this case, it's a freshly made Tomatillo-Chipotle Salsa.  This is a wicked Salsa to have in your repertoire so consider giving it a go if you're new to it.

Start by getting those tomatillos in the oven.  (New to tomatillos?  Here's more info.)

Sure, you can pan roast these or stick them under the broiler, but the oven is the most hands-off method and that works perfectly for this meal.

You'll also need two chipotles in adobo for the Salsa.

If you've been following along you may recognize these from the homemade chipotles post a few weeks ago.

Yes, they are absolutely delish, but you certainly don't need homemade chipotles for this meal.  Canned chipotles will work just as well.  (More info on canned chipotles.)

I usually cut off the stems and scrape out the seeds, but don't worry about getting rid of every last seed.

Add these to a blender along with 2 peeled garlic cloves where they will wait patiently for the tomatillos to finish roasting.

Roughly chop 1/2 onion.

We'll use the majority of this for the chicken and save a couple tablespoons for the Guacamole.

Add most of the onion to a saute pan along with a glug of oil over medium heat.

My seasoning for the chicken is always evolving too, but lately I've been using something like this:

That's the seasoning for a single chicken breast.  So in the above pic I've got:

1/2 teaspoon hot chili powder
1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
freshly cracked black pepper

I use pure chili powder that doesn't contain any salt, so keep that in mind if you're using regular chili powder as you may not need to add as much salt.  (More info on pure chili powders here.)

But more importantly, don't sweat the chicken seasoning too much.  Feel free to use some of my ideas but it isn't crucial to these tacos.  Why?  You'll know when you taste the Salsa!

I usually add the seasoning to a bowl along with a glug of oil and the bite-sized chicken pieces, combining well.

Once the onion starts to sizzle we'll add the chicken and form a single layer with it.

I don't bother cooking the onion much before adding the chicken.  Once the onion is sizzling it usually means the pan is hot enough and the onion will finish cooking as the chicken cooks.

Let the first side of the chicken cook nearly all the way through, 5-8 minutes.  Once most of the pink is gone we'll flip it and cook the second side for a couple minutes to finish it.

Once the chicken goes in the pan I usually add the tortillas and cheese to a dry skillet over medium heat.

Crisping up the tortillas is one of the keys to these tacos, so no skimping!  They are infinitely better when the tortillas are warm and crispy.

So how do you know when the tortillas are ready?  Take a peek underneath -- when they have golden brown spots forming they are usually in the prime crispy zone.

As the chicken cooks and the tortillas crisp up you'll have time to whip up the Guacamole.

Finely chop the leftover bit of onion and smoosh it with the back of a fork.

This will mimic a molcajete and release some additional flavor that will infuse into the Guac.

Scrape the onion into a bowl along with:

a single avocado
1/4 teaspoon salt
the juice of 1/2 lime

Combine well and take a taste for seasoning, adding more salt or lime juice if necessary.  (More details on this Easy Guacamole.)

Okay you're close!

The last step is to take the roasted tomatillos out of the oven and blend them with the chipotles and garlic.

And now take a taste!

 

This is a delightful 3-ingredient Salsa that is absolutely loaded with flavor.   If it doesn't combine readily in the blender simply add a splash of water.

(Note:  I go back and forth on adding a sliver of onion to this Salsa.  Lately I don't but feel free to experiment with that.)

And I usually wait until the absolute last moment to combine this Salsa in the blender.  Why?  I like it best when it's served warm on these tacos.  If you leave the tomatillos in the oven until the last second it will make the Salsa nice and warm.  Perfect!

The Guac will be cold, and adding cold Salsa on top of that is no bueno.  But adding warm Salsa to the cold Guac gives these tacos a delightful texture.  If using leftover homemade Salsa I will usually warm it up in a saucepan before serving it.

Okay, load up your crispy tortillas with chicken, Guac, and plenty of the warm Salsa.

And serve immediately.

When the tortillas are warm and crispy, and the cheese is melted, and the chicken is seasoned, and the Salsa is warm and goopy -- well, you get the idea.  They taste good.

And they can be made in 20-25 minutes once you get familiar with the elements.  Perfect for those nights when some home cooking is in the cards, but without too much cooking.

As mentioned, you can riff on these tacos based on what you have in your kitchen, but here are some key tips to consider for your next batch:

• Crisping up the tortillas in a dry skillet (and melting the cheese) is a gamechanger!
• Serving the Salsa warm is an instant upgrade that's worth taking advantage of.
• The simple Guac can be made in a matter of minutes and tastes surprisingly complete.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt is a good starting point to season a single chicken breast.
• A single chicken breast will make 5-7 tacos.
• Salsa Verde and Salsa Roja are also good options for a quick homemade Salsa.

Okay, I hope these Easy Chicken Tacos have given you a few new ideas for a quick, no-thinking-involved meal.  See you in a couple months for the next entry in this series.  By then I'll probably have settled on a new default for an old reliable meal.....and you will too!

Buen Provecho.

 

Want to see our latest recipe?  It's these Bacon Serrano Gorditas.