Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot tastier! Forget bland, boring chicken – this recipe delivers a vibrant, flavorful chicken taco filling that's easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend fiesta. Get ready for a burst of fresh, zesty goodness with every bite! This recipe is one of the best recipes for those looking for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for serving)
Instructions:
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Combine Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined for an even distribution of flavor.
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Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2-4 hours for maximum flavor. Overnight marinating is even better for incredibly tender and flavorful chicken!
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Cook the Chicken: You can cook the chicken in several ways:
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers or grill directly on the grill grates, cooking for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Pan-fry: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
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Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve immediately in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Tips for the Best Chicken Tacos:
- Don't skimp on the marinade: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder taco, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add more cayenne or a pinch of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange and lime juice will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your marinade.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When pan-frying or baking, make sure the chicken is in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Variations:
- Citrus Twist: Add a tablespoon of zested orange or lime peel to the marinade for an extra layer of citrus flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the marinade for extra heat.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like oregano or parsley into the marinade for a more herbaceous flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and added toppings. This is an estimate for the chicken portion only, assuming 4 servings.
- Calories: Approximately 200
- Protein: Approximately 25g
- Fat: Approximately 10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g
This simple yet delicious chicken taco marinade recipe provides a fantastic base for your next taco night. Enjoy the ease of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating a truly delicious dish. It's a perfect recipe for those searching for easy recipes and delicious dishes that won't take all day to prepare. Happy cooking!