Mexican > Chicken

Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8-10 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving

Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Tongs

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken strips to the skillet and season with chipotle peppers, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. Warm tortillas in a separate skillet or in the microwave.
5. Assemble tacos by placing chicken on top of tortillas, followed by lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and cilantro.
6. Serve with lime wedges on the side.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4-5 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 28g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken can be substituted with beef or shrimp.
- Corn tortillas can be substituted with flour tortillas.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with Monterey Jack or queso fresco.

Variations:
- Add sliced avocado or guacamole to the tacos.
- Use a different type of hot sauce or peppers for a different level of spiciness.
- Top tacos with sour cream or salsa.

Tips and tricks:
- To make the tacos extra crispy, lightly fry the tortillas in oil before assembling.
- Make sure to mince the chipotle peppers finely to evenly distribute the heat throughout the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- Reheat tortillas in the microwave or in a dry skillet until warm.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve tacos on a platter with lime wedges and a side of salsa.
- Arrange tacos on individual plates and garnish with extra cilantro.

Garnishes:
- Lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
- Salsa

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice and beans.
- Pair with a cold beer or margarita.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Grilled corn on the cob

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chicken is sticking to the skillet, add more oil or reduce the heat.
- If the tortillas are too stiff, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to soften.

Food safety advice:
- Always wash hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Food history:
- Tacos originated in Mexico and have been a popular street food for centuries.
- Chipotle peppers are a staple in Mexican cuisine and add a smoky, spicy flavor to dishes.

Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, smoky, savory

Serving suggestions:
- Serve tacos family-style on a platter or individually on plates.

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Region: Mexican

Taste: Spicy, Smoky, Tangy, Savory, Zesty