Spicy Chicken Tacos

These Spicy Chicken Tacos have a perfect balance of bold flavors with the right amount of heat. The spicy chicken, which is marinated and grilled to perfection or sauteed, is served with fresh toppings such as cilantro, lime and avocado and wrapped in a soft, warm tortilla. These tacos are perfect for Taco Tuesdays or a quick dinner on a weeknight.

Ingredients:

Spicy chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs – 1 lb (cut into small strips or pieces).
• Olive oil 2 tablespoons
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder
• Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon
• Half a teaspoon of cumin
• Half a teaspoon of garlic powder
• Half a teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (adjust according to taste)
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• To taste: salt and pepper

Tacos for the Tacos

• Eight small corn or flour tortillas
• One cup of shredded lettuce, cabbage or other greens
• Half a cup of diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Serve lime wedges

Spicy Sauce Optional:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce or sriracha (adjust according to taste).
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• Salt is a taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken:

• Combine the olive oil with the lime juice, chili pepper, cumin powder, garlic powder and onion powder. Add cayenne, crushed red pepper flakes (if you are using them), salt and pepper. Stir together.
• Add the chicken pieces and coat with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate it in the fridge for 30 minutes or more for flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill on medium heat. Grill the chicken marinated for 6-8 mins per side or until it is fully cooked.
• Stovetop Method: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until it is fully cooked and browning on the outside.

3. Prepare the Spicy Sauce Optional:

• Mix the sour cream, mayonnaise (or hot sauce), sriracha, lime juice and salt in a small bowl until smooth. If you want it hotter, add more sriracha.

4. Warm up the tortillas:

• Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet on medium heat, 30 seconds per side. Or wrap them with a moist paper towel and place them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

5. Assemble Tacos

• Add a few handfuls of lettuce or cabbage to each tortilla. Then, top with the spicy chicken. Add diced tomato, red onion slices, avocado slices and fresh cilantro to the tortillas.
• Pour the hot sauce over the top and add a wedge of lime for added flavor.

6. Serve:

• Serve tacos with additional lime wedges on the side and spicy sauce if you like it hotter.

Tip and variations:

• Adjusting the Spice Level: To adjust the level of heat, you can add or reduce the amount of cayenne and red pepper crushed flakes to the marinade. Skip the red pepper flakes and cayenne for a milder version.
• Add your favorite toppings like cheese, salsa or pickled jalapenos to make these tacos your own.
• Grilled Vegetables – Add some grilled onions and peppers to the tacos to add extra flavor and texture.
• You can marinate the chicken overnight to enhance its flavor. To save time, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it for up to three days in the refrigerator.
• Gluten-Free: Corn tortillas are a great alternative to flour tortillas.

Nutritional Information per Taco (based on 8 tacos).

Note: The nutritional values listed are approximations and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: ~250 per Taco
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg

Why you’ll love these spicy chicken tacos:

These Spicy Chicken Tacos combine bold flavors with a hint of heat. These spicy chicken tacos are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings. They are perfect for any event. These tacos are great for a group or a quick meal. The optional spicy sauce gives the dish a creamy kick.