Smoky chicken tacos are going to knock Taco Tuesday out of the park. They are full of flavour, and easy and quick to whip up, making these the best weeknight meal.
Smoky chicken tacos are going to be your new favourite last-minute meal.
We sped up the recipe by using store-bought rotisserie chicken which is also a well-priced alternative to cooking your own chicken.
The flavour is delicious but still mild enough to appeal to your kids. With everyone choosing their own toppings these will appeal to everyone in your family.
If it’s not already, taco Tuesday will definitely become a thing in your home.
Preparing Smoky Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
Rotisserie chicken: A whole chicken that has been cooked on a rotisserie where it is spun directly in front of the heat source. The constant rotation of the rotisserie ensures very evenly baked chicken and most importantly skin. Flavours vary depending on what seasoning is added to the chicken before roasting. I like to use a mild flavour here to limit any conflict with our spice mix.
Olive oil: Olive oil is the fat extracted from olives. The least processed is extra virgin olive oil, which I use in this recipe.
Lime: Lime fruit is a green citrus fruit that is very sour. It has a very refreshing flavour but is often used in small quantities as that sour, sometimes almost bitter, flavour is very strong.
Corn tortillas: Tortillas are made from corn flour that is specially treated with lime called Masa Harina. If you have access to this specific corn flour tortillas are quite easy to make with just three ingredients. Alternatively, buy a package of premade tortillas and save yourself some time.
Spice Mix
Cumin: Cumin is a seed from a plant that is part of the parsley family. Though the plant is native to Asia and the Mediterranean, the spice is used in cuisines all over the world. I would describe the flavour as pungent and earthy. It is definitely a unique taste and as such should be used carefully as it can easily overpower a dish.Â
Chili powder: This powder is made up of various varieties of dried chilies. The chilies are dried then ground and combined into this spice mix. Sometimes other spices are mixed in as well which is why you may find that different brands have slightly different flavours.
Onion powder: Onion powder is made from dehydrated onions which are then ground. White, yellow or red onions can be used to make onion powder. It is a very common spice that is used in many spice mixes.
Garlic Powder: garlic powder is dehydrated garlic ground to a powder. It’s sweeter than raw garlic so it just adds a hint of garlic flavour without the sharpness.
Smoked paprika: Smoked paprika is made from chili peppers that are smoked before they are dried and ground. It has a very deep and bold flavour so be careful not to overdo it if you choose to deviate from the recipe.
Corn starch: Corn starch
is a flour made from corn kernels. It is a white powder, finer than other flours and is most often used as a thickening, as it is in this recipe.
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How to Make Smoky Chicken Tacos
The most labour-intensive part of these tacos is removing the meat off the bones. So let’s start with that. Be sure to take the skin off too, it’s the best part after all.
You will only need half of the rotisserie chicken so you pick which part of the chicken you would like to use.
Once you take the meat off, chop it into small pieces.
Next, heat up the oil in a large pan and add the meat once heated. You just need to warm it up so a few minutes is all you need. Stir occasionally to make sure it is warmed evenly.
Now make the spice mix. Combine all of the spice mix ingredients in a small bowl. Stir to make sure that all the spices are evenly combined.
Add the spice mix, water and lime juice to the chicken and stir until the chicken is well coated. Cook for another 4-5 minutes stirring occasionally.
Now it’s time to put the tacos together. Spread some chipotle mayo on a tortilla, add some chicken, pico de gallo and you’re all set!
Substitutions
Rotisserie chicken: If you prefer to cook your own chicken by all means. Any cut of chicken will be great. You can shred it, dice or slice it. Ground chicken will work well too. You can also replace chicken with turkey, or beef.
Can you make these tacos vegetarian?
YES! I know, I know…chicken is in the name. But it really is all about the spice. Try using chickpeas or tofu instead of the chicken and you will be pleasantly surprised. Â
Serving Smoky Chicken Tacos
You can add any toppings that you like to the tacos. The ones recommended here are just our favourites. The beauty about tacos is that anything goes, which is usually the most appealing part to a toddler by the way.
Here are some other toppings that you might also enjoy:
- jalapenos
- corn
- pickled veggies
- hot sauce
- cheese
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Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. And if you like this recipe be sure to leave us a five-star rating below.Â
Smoky Chicken Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ Rotisserie chicken
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lime
- â…” cup water or stock
- 8 corn tortillas
Spice Mix:
- 2 tbsp cumin
- 4 tsp chili powder
- 1.5 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp corn starch optional
Toppings (optional):
- Pico de gallo
- Cilantro
- Black beans
- Chipotle mayo
Instructions
- Start by taking the meat off half the rotisserie chicken and dice it into small pieces.½ Rotisserie chicken
- Warm up the oil in a large pan and add the diced chicken once heated. Heat through for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally.½ tbsp olive oil
- While the chicken is warming, make the spice mix. Combine all the spice mix ingredients in a small bowl and stir until well combined.2 tbsp cumin, 4 tsp chili powder, 1.5 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp corn starch
- Add the water, spice mix and lime to the chicken. Stir well to make sure the chicken is evenly coated. Cook for another 4-5 minutes stirring occasionally.2/3 cup water or stock, 1 tsp lime
- Add the chicken to the tortillas with chipotle mayo and pico de gallo.8 corn tortillas, Pico de gallo, Cilantro, Black beans, Chipotle mayo
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