Smoky Sweet Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Smoky & Sweet Chipotle Chicken Tacos!
Fancy a fiesta in your mouth? Ever wondered how to spice up your Tuesday night?
These aren't just any chicken tacos, mate! We're talking succulent chicken thighs swimming in a smoky, sweet marinade. The secret? Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce .
Seriously, the adobo's depth of flavor is just, oh my gosh , next level. This recipe's a nod to Mexico's bustling street food scene, tailored for your kitchen!
A Quick Bite of Mexico
These tacos draw inspiration from authentic Mexican flavours. It is adapted so that anyone can make recipes with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce at home.
This chipotle chicken tacos recipe is easy enough for a novice cook. From start to finish, it takes around 45 minutes, plus a bit of marinating time.
The recipe yields enough for 6-8 tasty tacos.
Why These Tacos Rock
The chipotle in adobo infuses the chicken with an amazing smoky flavour. Plus, it's a good source of protein. These tacos are perfect for a casual get-together.
What makes these spicy chicken taco recipe stand out? Honestly, it's the incredible blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavours! Adobo Sauce Marinade for Chicken is amazing!
Ready to dive in and start cooking recipes with chipotles in adobo sauce ?
Ingredients & Equipment
So, you wanna make some seriously banging Chipotle Chicken Tacos ? Awesome! Let's dive into what you'll need. Trust me, it's not as intimidating as it sounds.
We are talking about chipotle peppers in adobo sauce recipes , a flavour bomb that is easy to make at home.
Main Players
Chicken Thighs: You'll need 2 lbs (900g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Seriously, go for thighs over breasts. Thighs are way more forgiving and juicy.
Quality chicken makes a difference, so try to get free range if you can.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce : Gotta have those bad boys! You'll need 4 of the peppers, roughly chopped. Also grab 2 tablespoons of the adobo sauce from the can.
I've seen some Chipotles In Adobo that are super fiery, and some that are milder, so adjust to your spice preference.
Adobo Sauce : This is the secret sauce! It adds the most amazing smoky flavour. Don't skip it! It is an amazing Adobo Sauce Marinade for Chicken .
Everything Else: We will also need 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey, 1 teaspoon (5ml) smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon (2.
5ml) cumin, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper, and 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil.
Seasoning Sensations
Okay, let's chat about the flavour boosters. We're not just throwing stuff in, we're crafting something delicious. These ingredients give it that smoky, sweet, and spicy kick that makes chipotle chicken tacos recipe stand out.
Honestly, smoked paprika is a game changer. It gives that extra layer of smoky flavour. If you're out, regular paprika will do in a pinch, but trust me, smoked is the way to go.
Cumin is the earthiness that brings balance. Salt and pepper? Obvs.
Essential Tools
You don't need a fancy kitchen to pull this off. Just a few basics:
- A Big Bowl or Resealable Bag : For marinating. I usually use a ziplock bag for easy cleanup.
- A Skillet or Cast Iron Pan : For cooking the chicken. Cast iron gives it that nice sear.
- Tongs : Essential for flipping and moving the chicken.
- The Usual Suspects : Cutting board, chef's knife, measuring spoons and cups. A garlic press is handy, but not essential.
That's it! You're ready to make some Smoky Chicken Taco Recipe happen. Remember this is one of my Easy Mexican Dinner Ideas for a weeknight.
Smoky Goodness: Mastering the Chipotle Chicken Taco
Oh my gosh, are we about to level up your taco game! Forget bland, boring chicken. We're diving headfirst into a flavour explosion with Smoky & Sweet Chipotle Chicken Tacos ! Honestly, once you try these, you might never go back to those other tacos again.
These are going to bring some Mexican vibes into your home kitchen!.
Prep Like a Pro
The secret weapon? Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce . These babies are smoky, a little sweet, and pack a gentle heat. A can of these is a magical ingredient.
First, mise en place is key. Chop 4 chipotle peppers roughly and mince 2 cloves of garlic . Measure out your spices.
Organisation saves time, you know? Plus, it stops that mid-recipe panic.
The Chipotle Chicken Taco Cooking Method: step-by-step
Here is the step-by-step method on how to make a Taco:
- Marinade Magic: Whisk together the chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with 2 tablespoons of the adobo sauce. Stir in the minced garlic, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a big bowl.
- Chicken Time: Toss 2 lbs of cubed chicken thighs into the marinade. Make sure everything's coated!
- Chill Out: Cover and refrigerate. Aim for 1- 4 hours to let those flavours meld. This is the key!
- Sizzle Time: Heat a large skillet over medium high. Add the chicken in a single layer.
- Cook It Up: Cook for about 8- 10 minutes , stirring now and then, until browned and cooked through. Internal temperature should be 165° F ( 74° C) . Visual cues are your friend here no more pink in the middle!
- Warm 'Em Up: Warm 12-16 tortillas . I love charring mine slightly over a gas flame. Watch your fingers!
- Taco Time: Load those tortillas with the chipotle chicken and your favourite toppings!
Pro Tips for Taco Greatness
Want to be a Chipotle Chicken Taco master? Listen up! First off, don't skip the marinade. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavor.
Also, don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Trust me.
Wanna make these ahead? Marinate the chicken the night before. Dinner will be a breeze. Avoid serving something undercooked to people you love.
Looking to boost your Smoky Chicken Taco Recipe ? Consider using high-quality Chipotles In Adobo for the best flavor. And remember, these also make Easy Mexican Dinner Ideas for weeknights!
Recipe Notes: Taco Time, Sorted!
Right, so you're itching to whip up these Smoky & Sweet Chipotle Chicken Tacos . Awesome! But before you dive in, let's chew the fat about some little things that can make a big difference.
Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Pretty!
Okay, presentation matters, right? For a casual vibe, pile the chipotle chicken high on a platter with all the toppings in separate bowls.
Think taco bar! Feeling fancy? Line the tacos up neatly on a plate with a sprig of cilantro. BAM! Done.
As for sides? Mexican rice is always a winner. Or, how about a vibrant black bean salad ? To drink? Margaritas, obviously! Or maybe Jarritos if you're keeping it tame.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Cooked chicken will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze it.
Cool completely, then pop it in a freezer bag for up to 2-3 months . Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave.
Variations: Tweak it 'Til You Love It!
Want to switch things up? No worries. Make it a spicy chicken taco recipe by adding a pinch of cayenne to the marinade.
Going veggie? Roasted sweet potato cubes are amazing instead of chicken. Black beans give it a protein boost.
No apple cider vinegar? Use white vinegar or lime juice. Ran out of honey? Maple syrup works a treat. You can even make these chipotle shrimp tacos by replacing the chicken.
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Fiesta!
Each taco clocks in at around 250-300 calories. You're getting about 25g of protein, which is great! There's also roughly 15g of fat and 15g of carbs.
Remember, this is just an estimate, so don't stress too much!
So there you have it. Everything you need to know to nail these amazing tacos! Using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce is a surefire way to have a smoky chicken taco recipe .
Chipotles in adobo are your flavor friends, and so are these tacos, so have fun with it. These are some recipes with chipotles in adobo sauce that you will love.
Making tacos with chipotle in adobo is simple. Don't be shy and make the adobo sauce marinade for chicken yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, anyway? Are they like, a whole pepper?
Think of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce as the rockstars of your pantry! They are smoked and dried jalapeños rehydrated and canned in a tangy, slightly sweet, and smoky adobo sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, garlic, and other spices.
You can usually find them whole, although some brands sell them pre-minced which can be handy. Don't be shy about using the sauce too it's flavour dynamite!
How spicy are chipotle peppers in adobo sauce? I don't want to blow my head off!
That's a fair question, nobody wants a "vindaloo situation" on their hands! Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce pack a medium heat punch. It’s spicier than a jalapeño, but usually not as intense as a habanero. The adobo sauce adds a bit of sweetness and smokiness that balances the heat.
If you are worried about too much spice, start with only 1-2 peppers and add more to taste, remembering to remove the seeds first!
Can I freeze chipotle peppers in adobo sauce if I don't use the whole can? I hate wasting food!
Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to avoid wasting these flavour bombs. Simply transfer any unused chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and some of the sauce to a freezer safe container or zip-top bag. They'll keep well for several months.
Consider freezing them individually in an ice cube tray for easy portioning later on it's a game changer!
I'm making these awesome Chipotle Chicken Tacos, but what can I use instead of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce if I can't find them at my local Tesco?
No chipotles? No problem! While the flavour won't be exactly the same, you can substitute with a few different options. Try using chipotle powder mixed with a touch of smoked paprika and a small amount of tomato paste.
Alternatively, you could use a smoky hot sauce or even some canned smoked paprika peppers (if you can find them) for a similar smoky depth.
How should I store leftover Chipotle Chicken Tacos so they taste just as amazing the next day?
For the best results, store the chipotle chicken filling separately from the tortillas and toppings. This prevents the tortillas from getting soggy. Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can pan-fry the chicken for extra crispiness or microwave it.
Warm your tortillas separately, then assemble the tacos just before serving.
Are there any healthier options for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce? I'm trying to be a bit "good" at the moment.
That's a great question! Chipotle peppers themselves are naturally low in calories and fat. However, some brands add extra sugar or salt to the adobo sauce. Check the nutrition label and opt for brands with lower sodium and sugar content if you're concerned.
You can also make your own adobo sauce from scratch using fresh ingredients to control the levels of sugar and sodium. This recipe for Chipotle Chicken Tacos is designed to be relatively balanced, but loading up on fresh, veggie toppings helps keep things healthy!
Smoky Sweet Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250-300 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |