Craving those delicious Del Taco chicken soft tacos but don't want to leave the house? Then you're in the right place! This recipe lets you recreate that iconic taste in your own kitchen, offering a quick, easy, and healthy meal the whole family will love. Forget expensive takeout – let's get cooking! This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, or simply delicious dishes for a weeknight meal. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest.
Ingredients:
This recipe provides enough for about four generously-filled tacos. Adjust quantities as needed for your hungry crowd!
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- ½ cup chicken broth
- For the Tacos:
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped red onion (optional)
- Your favorite taco sauce (Del Taco's sauce is a blend of mild and hot – experiment to find your perfect balance!)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and chicken broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Assembling Your Tacos:
- Warm the tortillas according to package instructions (microwave, skillet, or directly on a gas flame are all good options).
- Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of the seasoned chicken.
- Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion (if using).
- Drizzle with your favorite taco sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken for extra heat.
- Add some veggies: Bell peppers, onions, or even some black beans would be delicious additions to the chicken mixture.
- Make it a bowl: Skip the tortillas and serve the chicken mixture over rice or quinoa for a healthier, lower-carb option.
- Cheese please: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend would be tasty!
- Make it ahead: The chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a fantastic quick dinner idea when you're short on time.
Nutritional Information (per taco, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate would be:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This Del Taco-inspired recipe provides a flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s a great example of how delicious and healthy food can be easy to make at home. Enjoy your homemade fiesta!