Let’s dive into a mid-week culinary masterpiece that will have you rethinking your taco nights forever: **Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos**. These glorious hand-held delights are all about flavor-packed simplicity, bringing together the perfect blend of spices and juicy ground chicken with the irresistible crunch of a crispy tortilla shell. Get ready to make your taste buds dance!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These tacos come together in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of taco seasoning and tomato paste gives the ground chicken an irresistible burst of flavor.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer flour or corn tortillas, this recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos is as easy as it gets, with a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays its part, from the savory ground chicken to the enticing aroma of melted cheese.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Enhances the richness and helps achieve a crispy tortilla shell.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The star of the show, providing lean protein that’s seasoned to perfection.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: Packs a punch of flavor that makes each bite unforgettable.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds depth and umami, creating a savory base for the tacos.
- ⅓ cup water or chicken stock: Keeps the chicken moist and juicy.
- 8-10 small or medium tortillas: Your choice of flour or corn, acting as the crispy vessel for the delicious filling.
- ¾ cup Shredded Colby Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creaminess and flavor.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with these Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos. Adjust the recipe based on your dietary needs, available ingredients, or simply to satisfy your cravings.
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground chicken for black beans or tofu crumbles for a delicious vegetarian twist.
How to Make Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 450°F and heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle in the olive oil, then add the ground chicken and taco seasoning. Break up the meat as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Stir in the tomato paste and your choice of water or chicken stock, allowing the mixture to become saucy.
Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and layout your tortillas. To avoid breaking, warm corn tortillas first. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil. Place a couple of tablespoons of the chicken mixture on one side, sprinkle with cheese, and fold the tortilla over. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and placed on the sheet pan.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
If desired, place a second sheet pan on top to flatten the tacos, promoting even crispiness. Bake for 5 minutes, remove the top sheet, and continue baking for 5-10 more minutes until they’re golden brown. Let them cool slightly before topping with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos
- Heat Management: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken for quick searing, locking in juices and flavor.
- Optimal Crispiness: Oil both sides of the tortillas lightly to achieve that perfect crispy finish.
- Even Distribution: Spread the filling evenly across the tortilla to avoid overly stuffed tacos that break during cooking.
- Topping Timing: Add your fresh toppings only after baking to ensure they remain vibrant and fresh.
How to Serve Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos
Garnishes
These tacos shine with fresh garnishes. Choose from a dollop of sour cream, a slice of creamy avocado, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. Each garnish adds its own hint of flavor and texture, complementing the savory filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider pairing these tacos with a zesty Mexican corn salad or some refried beans. Not only do these sides enhance the main dish, but they also add more variety and vibrancy to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve these tacos on a large platter with a variety of toppings in small bowls. Encourage your guests to customize their tacos, creating a fun and interactive dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows for quick reheating and taco assembly for a fast meal option later in the week.
Freezing
The chicken filling freezes well for about two months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken filling, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If you’ve prepared the tacos ahead of time, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain that perfect crispy shell.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack to add more zing to your tacos.
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What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne to taste. It’s easy and tastes fresh!
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How do I keep the tortillas from cracking?
Warm corn tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet before filling them, which makes them pliable and less likely to crack when folded.
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Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, simply use corn tortillas and ensure your taco seasoning is labeled gluten-free to enjoy a gluten-free version of these tacos.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s taco Tuesday or a weekend gathering, these Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos are sure to be a hit. They’re quick, flavorful, and such fun to customize. So, go ahead, make these delightful tacos, and watch as they disappear from the table in no time!
Print
Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This crispy taco-seasoned ground chicken taco recipe offers a deliciously crunchy exterior with savory, seasoned chicken filling topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend fiesta, these tacos are customizable with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. The method combines stovetop cooking for the filling and oven baking to achieve perfectly crispy shells, making them simple yet satisfying.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/3 cup water or chicken stock
Tortillas and Cheese
- 8-10 small or medium tortillas – flour or corn
- 3/4 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
Instructions
- Preheat oven and skillet: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a skillet over medium/high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken filling.
- Cook the chicken filling: Add olive oil to the skillet. Once hot, add ground chicken and taco seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking apart the meat as it cooks for even browning and seasoning distribution.
- Add sauce and simmer: Mix in tomato paste and water or chicken stock. Cook until the mixture is saucy but not watery, about 2-3 minutes. Turn off heat and set aside.
- Prepare tortillas: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Warm the tortillas if using corn, to prevent breaking. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil to help crispiness.
- Fill tortillas: Place 2 tablespoons of meat onto one side of each tortilla. For larger tortillas, add a little more, avoiding overfilling. Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese on top of the meat.
- Fold and arrange: Fold the tortilla over the filling to create a taco shape. Repeat for remaining tortillas and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Press and bake: Place a second baking sheet on top of the folded tacos to keep them pressed flat (optional). Bake for 5 minutes, then remove the top sheet and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden and crispy and cheese has melted.
- Cool and serve: Let the tacos cool for a few minutes. Serve with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for added flavor.
Notes
- You can prepare the filling ahead of time and reheat before assembling the tacos.
- Use corn or flour tortillas based on preference; warming corn tortillas ensures they are pliable for folding.
- For extra crispiness, bake the tacos directly on the oven rack instead of a baking sheet.
- Feel free to customize toppings to suit your taste, including shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, or chopped onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (about 150 grams)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
