Ret Soup
Introduction
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with these delicious chicken tacos topped with a creamy avocado lime dressing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines juicy chicken with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing to create a satisfying meal that your whole family will love. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking steps to bring these tacos to life.
Ingredients
450 grams boneless, skinless chicken breast
30 grams taco seasoning
15 ml olive oil
8 small corn tortillas
100 grams shredded lettuce
80 grams cherry tomatoes, quartered
50 grams red onion, thinly sliced
100 grams sour cream
1 large avocado, peeled and pitted
30 ml lime juice
5 grams cilantro leaves
60 grams cotija cheese, crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Slice the chicken breast into thin strips. Season with taco seasoning, making sure the chicken is evenly coated.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked and slightly browned. Remove from heat.
3. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the avocado lime dressing. In a blender, combine the avocado, lime juice, sour cream, and cilantro. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until soft.
5. To assemble the tacos, divide the cooked chicken evenly among the tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a drizzle of the avocado lime dressing.
6. Garnish with crumbled cotija cheese and additional cilantro if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice the chicken breast into thin strips. Season the strips with taco seasoning, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly browned. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat.
Step 3: Make the Avocado Lime Dressing
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the avocado lime dressing. In a blender, combine the avocado, lime juice, sour cream, and cilantro. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
To warm the corn tortillas, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until they become soft.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
To assemble the tacos, divide the cooked chicken evenly among the warmed tortillas. Top each taco with shredded lettuce, quartered cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a drizzle of the avocado lime dressing.
Step 6: Garnish the Tacos
Finish by garnishing each taco with crumbled cotija cheese and additional cilantro leaves if desired.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the tacos immediately and enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
Note 1: Ingredient Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the toppings according to your preferences. You can add ingredients like jalapeños, radishes, or avocado slices for extra flavor.
Note 2: Cooking Method
If you prefer, you can grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet for a smoky flavor.
Note 3: Storage
Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, although fresh assembly is recommended for best taste.
Note 4: Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with grilled vegetables or black beans and use the same dressing.
Storage Instructions
Cooling and Storing
Allow the chicken and toppings to cool completely before storing. Place the cooked chicken, avocado lime dressing, and any leftover toppings in separate airtight containers.
Refrigeration
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
When ready to eat, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The tortillas can be warmed in a dry skillet.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken tacos with a side of refried beans or Mexican rice for a complete meal. Consider pairing with fresh lime wedges and extra cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
Additional Toppings
Enhance your tacos with sliced jalapeños, diced bell peppers, or a sprinkle of hot sauce for those who enjoy some heat.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (based on 4 servings) contains approximately:
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 35g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Dietary Fiber: 6g
– Sugars: 2g
– Fat: 20g
– Saturated Fat: 6g
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken
You can substitute chicken breast with cooked shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp for a quick alternative.
Taco Seasoning
If you don’t have taco seasoning, a mix of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder can be used.
Tortillas
For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas or lettuce wraps in place of corn tortillas.
Sour Cream
Greek yogurt can be swapped for sour cream for a healthier twist.
Cotija Cheese
Feta cheese or queso fresco can be excellent alternatives to cotija cheese.
Cook Techniques
1. Slicing Chicken
Slice the chicken breast into thin strips for even cooking and tender pieces in your tacos.
2. Seasoning
Coat the chicken strips evenly with taco seasoning to ensure each bite is flavorful.
3. Searing
Cook the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil to develop a nice brown crust while keeping the inside juicy.
4. Blending Dressing
Use a blender to combine avocado, lime juice, sour cream, and cilantro for a smooth and creamy dressing. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
5. Warming Tortillas
Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor and make them pliable for filling.
6. Assembling Tacos
Layer cooked chicken, fresh toppings, and dressing on the tortilla, ensuring a balanced distribution for great flavor in every bite.
7. Garnishing
Add crumbled cotija cheese and cilantro as a finishing touch for extra flavor and visual appeal.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with beef, pork, or even shrimp, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I make the avocado lime dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dressing in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Is it possible to make these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free corn tortillas to make the tacos suitable for a gluten-free diet.
What toppings can I add to the tacos?
Feel free to customize your tacos with additional toppings like jalapeños, corn, olives, or your favorite salsa.
How do I make the chicken spicier?
Add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños to the taco seasoning before applying it to the chicken for an added kick.
Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
Absolutely! Grilling the marinated chicken can add a smoky flavor to your tacos. Be sure to cook it until it reaches 165°F.
Conclusion
This chicken taco recipe featuring avocado lime dressing offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a tasty meal amidst a busy schedule. The freshness of the toppings and the creamy dressing elevate these tacos, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. Enjoy these vibrant tacos with family and friends, and relish the ease with which they can be made!
Spicy Chicken Tacos
Add a kick to your chicken tacos by incorporating jalapeños or a spicy salsa. This combination will appeal to those who enjoy extra heat in their meals.
Grilled Chicken Tacos
For a smoky flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and grill it before slicing. This adds depth to the savory notes and pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado dressing.
Fish Tacos with Avocado Dressing
Swap out the chicken for flaked grilled fish, such as tilapia or mahi-mahi. The avocado lime dressing will complement the fish perfectly, offering a fresh and light alternative.
Vegetarian Tacos
Create a vegetarian version by using grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn. Top with the avocado lime dressing for a creamy finish.
Chicken Taco Salad
Transform your tacos into a salad by layering lettuce, the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cotija cheese in a bowl. Drizzle with avocado lime dressing for a healthy twist.
Taco Stuffed Avocados
For a low-carb option, hollow out avocados and fill them with the seasoned chicken and taco toppings. Drizzle with the dressing to enhance the flavors.
Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Incorporate chipotle peppers into your taco seasoning for a rich, smoky flavor. This adds a new dimension to your chicken tacos that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing.
