Everyone loves a taco Tuesday. The anticipation of savoring a perfectly crafted taco is enough to make anyone's mouth water. This recipe, destined to become a household favorite, promises to elevate your taco game to a whole new level. From the crispiness of the taco shell to the savory fillings bursting with flavor, every bite will transport you to a fiesta of taste sensations. So, gather your loved ones, set the table with vibrant toppings and salsa, and get ready to indulge in a taco experience that will leave everyone craving for more!
How to Make Chicken Tacos: Step by Step
To start off this amazing taco recipe you will need to marinate your chicken for preferably two hours. Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in preparing this delectable taco recipe as it allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful dish. By marinating the chicken for at least two hours, you give the marinade enough time to infuse the meat with its rich blend of seasonings and spices. For an even more intense flavor profile, marinating the chicken overnight is highly recommended, as this extended period allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together, creating a truly unforgettable taste experience.
Arrange your chicken thighs on a baking sheet and trim off any tough sections. Place your pan to the side
Combine lime juice, olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a medium bowl. Stir until well mixed.
Afterward, use a basting brush to coat your chicken with the seasoning mixture. Once all pieces are evenly covered, pour any leftover sauce over each piece of chicken, ensuring the pan is coated.
After your chicken is well coated, it is essential to transfer the pan into the fridge. This step allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste and tenderness of the dish. The cold temperature of the fridge slows down the enzymatic reactions, allowing the marinade to penetrate the ingredients thoroughly. Marinating for a few hours or overnight gives the flavors ample time to infuse, creating a more complex and delicious final result. Additionally, the extended marinating time helps to tenderize tougher cuts of meat and intensify the overall taste experience. This patient waiting period is well worth it, as it contributes significantly to the overall success of the dish.
Another option is to prepare a generous amount of this chicken marinade and store it in the freezer for convenient meals.
Once your chicken is close to being marinated, start your grill or preheat your oven. Personally, a grill is best for this dish, but if you preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit it should also work.
When cooking chicken thighs, it is important to handle them delicately to preserve the flavors and ensure they are cooked to perfection. By only flipping the chicken thighs once during the cooking process, you allow the seasoning to caramelize and develop a rich, flavorful crust on the outside, while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside.
When preparing the dish, I opted for a charcoal grill, which added a distinct smoky flavor to the final result. To ensure even cooking, I employed a technique known as zone grilling, where all the charcoal is consolidated to one side of the grill. This method allows for precise control over the cooking temperature, creating a gradient of heat that is ideal for different types of ingredients. By strategically placing the food over the hot and cooler zones, I was able to achieve a perfect balance of searing, caramelization, and tenderness. The use of a charcoal grill not only imparted a unique taste but also added a delightful charred aroma that enhanced the overall sensory experience of the dish.
Cook these chicken thighs for 15-20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
As the thighs were being cooked, I chopped white onion and cilantro to be used as toppings for the street tacos. The possibilities for taco toppings are limitless. You could also prepare a side of melted butter for dipping or whip up a tasty lime crema. (Stephen has a recipe for a creama and we will post this soon)
To complete the process, the final step involves warming up the tortillas. I recommend opting for corn tortillas, although you can choose your favorite variety. Briefly soak the corn tortillas in water or broth before placing them on a pan heated over medium heat. If you are not using corn tortillas, skip the soaking step and instead lightly toast or warm them.
To finish, place the tortilla on a plate, cut the chicken into pieces, add some to the tortillas, top with onions and cilantro, and savor the delicious tacos!
Sounds yummy !!