Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well too, but keep a close eye on it as it cooks more quickly and can dry out. Consider marinating it in a tablespoon of olive oil with the spices for 30 minutes before cooking to help it stay juicy.

What's a good substitute if I don't have chipotle powder?

Regular chili powder works great as a substitute, though you'll lose some of the smokiness. For a closer match, use a combination of chili powder and a pinch of smoked paprika. You could also finely chop a canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.

Can I make these tacos in advance for a party?

For the best texture, I recommend preparing all components separately ahead of time, then assembling and crisping the tacos just before serving. You can keep the cooked chicken warm in a slow cooker on low setting, and let guests build their own tacos.

How do I make these tacos milder for kids?

Reduce or eliminate the chipotle powder in the chicken seasoning and skip the jalapeño in the salsa. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for adults who want extra heat. The cheese-crusted exterior is usually a big hit with kids regardless of what's inside!

Chipotle Chicken Tacos Recipe

Name: Chipotle Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cubed into small pieces; 1/2 tsp chipotle powder*; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; salt to taste; 3 tbs olive oil; 1 small red onion, fine chop; 1 small jalapeño, fine chop; 2 tbs cilantro, chopped; 1 lime, juiced; salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt); 1 lime, juiced; 1 tsp sugar; 8 small flour tortillas (or corn); 1 cup shredded cheese

Description

Delicious and flavorful Chipotle Chicken Tacos featuring a spicy, juicy chicken filling, fresh salsa, and creamy lime crema, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken:

1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cubed into small pieces
1/2 tsp chipotle powder*
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
salt to taste
3 tbs olive oil

Salsa:

1 small red onion, fine chop
1 small jalapeño, fine chop
2 tbs cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
salt and pepper to taste

Lime Crema:

1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
1 lime, juiced
1 tsp sugar

Assembly:

8 small flour tortillas (or corn)
1 cup shredded cheese

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Toss the cubed chicken with all of the spices listed in the chicken section. Make sure the pieces are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Cook the chicken: Add the olive oil to a large, hot skillet, then cook the chicken while separating the pieces. Cook until the chicken is browned, juicy, and fully cooked through. If the chicken begins to look dry, add more oil as needed.
Assemble the tacos: Remove the chicken from the skillet, then add some tortillas into the still-oily pan. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese and cooked chicken on one side of the tortillas, then fold them over. Cook until the tortillas are crispy and browned on both sides. Be careful not to overfill the tacos, as this will make them difficult to fold.
Prepare the salsa: In a small bowl, mix the chopped red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the crema: In another small bowl, mix the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Serve: Add the salsa to your cooked tacos, then dip them into the lime crema and enjoy this flavorful dish!

Notes

* You can also use chili powder in place of the chipotle powder. If you like your tacos extra spicy, add more chipotle than the amount listed.
Use corn tortillas to make this dish gluten-free.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 taco
Calories: 250
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 50mg