Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Chipotle Sauce [Video]
Chipotle Chicken Tacos are made with tender chipotle chicken, a creamy chipotle sauce, and crunchy red cabbage slaw. All your favorite Mexican flavors packed in a mini tortilla!
I have many recipes inspired by Mexican cuisine! Think Mexican Black Bean Salad, Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad, and Tres Leches Cake! All these are quite tasty that we have them in our regular menu rotation at home!
Mexican Chicken Tacos
Chipotle Chicken Tacos are also a regular in our household. They are hearty and festive, and they are easy to prepare.
They can be quite messy to eat though, but it cannot stop us from devouring this Mexican staple! Just like the billion other Americans who love this dish, we are also fans!
No surprise there since tacos are an age-old favorite dating back to as early as 1000 BC. In the US, the term was only coined in the early 1900s. That’s how long we have been enjoying this dish!
So, I make them at home instead of going outside to buy one. It is much cheaper this way after all. And being able to customize the taste and to incorporate only the freshest ingredients are just some of the benefits.
What goes into Chipotle Chicken Tacos?
- meat: chicken breasts
- marinade: red onion, garlic, adobo sauce, chipotle chili powder, olive oil, cumin, dried oregano, paprika, ground black pepper, distilled vinegar, water, lime juice
- red cabbage slaw: red cabbage, green apple, red onion, cilantro, red wine vinegar, orange juice, lime juice and zest, salt
- creamy chipotle sauce: mayonnaise, Mexican crema, lime juice, chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, garlic
- others: tortillas, avocado slices, parsley
What cut of chicken is best to use?
You can use breasts or thighs; it does not matter. If you want something with fewer calories, go with the boneless skinless breasts.
If you don’t mind, you can go with the thighs as these are tastier and these tend to dry out much slower.
How do I marinate chicken for Chipotle Chicken Tacos?
Follow these simple steps to marinate the meat:
- Pound on the pieces to thin them out to about half an inch.
- Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Put the meat and marinade in a resealable plastic bag.
- Remove the air and tightly seal the bag.
- Put the bag in the fridge to marinate.
How long should I marinate chicken?
This recipe calls for at least 6 hours to overnight. Hence, you can prepare this in advance and cook it the next day.
How to make Chipotle Chicken Tacos?
- Prep the meat: Marinate the breasts as per instructions in the above section.
- Grill: Once you have marinated the meat, cook each piece in the grill for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Then, chop them into smaller pieces and cook some more in an oiled pan. Stir and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes more.
- Prep the slaw: Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Make the sauce: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and adjust the taste accordingly. You may want to make it spicier by adding more adobo sauce.
- Assemble: In the tortilla, add the meat, slaw, sauce, avocado, and parsley.
Which tortillas are the best to use for tacos?
You can choose between flour or corn tortilla. Either would be great for this recipe. Usually, the consideration lies in the flavor.
If you use corn tortilla for this, the tortilla itself will impart crunch and flavor. On the other hand, using flour tortilla will let the filling’s flavors shine more and it is more pliable.
What to serve with Chipotle Chicken Tacos?
This recipe is great for lunch or a weeknight dinner. It already has carbs, fiber, and protein! But if you want a heartier meal, serve this along with these other Mexican dishes:
- Southwest Salad
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Instant Pot Refried Beans
- Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef
- Pico de Gallo
Recipe Tips:
- Warm the tortillas first on a pan. If they are too dry, drizzle a bit of oil.
- Keep the tortillas warm through the night by putting them in a slow cooker or oven at a low temperature.
- You can add cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack. You can also add bits of bacon!
Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Chipotle Chicken Tacos are made with tender chipotle chicken, a creamy chipotle sauce, and crunchy red cabbage slaw. All your favorite Mexican flavors packed in a mini tortilla!
Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 6 hrs
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
Red Cabbage Slaw:
Creamy Chipotle Sauce:
Instructions
Make Chipotle Chicken:
Red Cabbage Slaw:
Creamy Chipotle Sauce:
Assemble:
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