Southwestern Soft Tacos

Southwestern Soft Tacos Recipe with California Avocados and Salsa

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Southwestern Soft Tacos are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and zesty salsa all wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends and family.

History

Soft tacos have been a popular dish in Southwestern cuisine for centuries. The combination of tender meat, fresh vegetables, and spicy salsa wrapped in a soft tortilla has been a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking for generations. This recipe puts a modern twist on the classic soft taco by adding creamy avocado and tangy lemon juice for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

24 tortillas, 6- to 8 inches (15-20 cm) corn or flour
4 lb (1.81 kg) boneless chicken breasts, skinned
3 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
6 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
5 california avocados, seeded, peeled and diced
2 red onions, diced
5 green onions, thinly sliced
3 cups salsa, ranchera or picante

How to prepare

Wrap tortillas in foil and keep them in a warm oven until ready to serve.
Pound the chicken until it reaches a thickness of 0.5 inches.
In a large skillet, heat the oil.
Drizzle lemon juice on the chicken, sprinkle it with salt and pepper, and cook it in the skillet.
Cook for 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, turning it once.
Cut the chicken diagonally into slices that are 0.25 inches thick.
Fill the tortillas with shredded lettuce, chicken, diced avocados, red onions, and green onions.
Drizzle salsa over the filling and gently fold the tortillas in half.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with beef, pork, or shrimp for a different protein option.
Add diced tomatoes, black beans, or corn to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Top the tacos with shredded cheese, sour cream, or guacamole for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.

- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.

- Warm the tortillas in the oven before serving to make them soft and pliable.

- Customize the toppings to suit your taste, such as adding cheese, sour cream, or hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Southwestern Soft Tacos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Pound the chicken to an even thickness for even cooking.

- Cook the chicken in a hot skillet to get a nice sear on the outside.

- Fill the tortillas with the toppings and fold them in half for easy eating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

- Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

- Use pico de gallo or guacamole instead of salsa for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the tacos.

- Prepare the toppings and store them in separate containers for easy assembly later.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the filled tacos on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges. - Serve the tacos with a side of salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Southwestern Soft Tacos with a cold beer, margarita, or glass of iced tea for a refreshing drink option.

- Pair the tacos with a side of chips and salsa or guacamole for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, place the tacos on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Southwestern Soft Tacos contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Southwestern Soft Tacos contains approximately 24 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Southwestern Soft Tacos contains approximately 3 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Southwestern Soft Tacos contains approximately 4 lb (1.81 kg) of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Southwestern Soft Tacos are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium from the avocado and salsa.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (flour tortillas) and may contain allergens such as gluten. Check ingredient labels for allergen information.

Summary

Southwestern Soft Tacos are a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for a quick and easy dinner.

Summary

Southwestern Soft Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual get-together. With tender chicken, creamy avocado, and zesty salsa all wrapped up in a warm tortilla, these tacos are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I sifted through my collection of old recipe cards. I had always been passionate about cooking, and over the years, I had accumulated a vast array of recipes from various places and people. But this particular recipe for Southwestern Soft Tacos was like nothing I had ever seen before.

I had always been drawn to the bold flavors and vibrant colors of Southwestern cuisine, and I was eager to try my hand at creating a dish that captured the essence of this unique culinary tradition. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could practically taste the smoky chipotle peppers, the tangy lime juice, and the earthy cumin that would bring these tacos to life.

The recipe itself was a gift from an old friend who had spent years traveling through the Southwest, sampling the local cuisine and learning the secrets of the region's most beloved dishes. She had passed the recipe on to me with a twinkle in her eye, knowing that I would appreciate its complexity and depth of flavor.

As I gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the dish, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building within me. The kitchen was filled with the intoxicating aroma of sautéed onions and garlic, the sizzle of searing meat, and the gentle simmer of beans and spices on the stove.

I followed the recipe carefully, adding each ingredient with precision and care. I marveled at the way the flavors melded together, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my palate. The tangy salsa verde, the creamy avocado, the crisp lettuce and tomato – each component added its own unique twist to the dish, creating a harmonious whole that was greater than the sum of its parts.

As I assembled the tacos, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of sharing this delicious meal with my family. I knew that they would appreciate the effort and love that had gone into creating it, and I couldn't wait to see the looks of delight on their faces as they took their first bite.

When the tacos were finally ready, I set the table with colorful plates and napkins, a bowl of fresh salsa on the side, and a pitcher of icy cold margaritas to wash it all down. I called my family to the table, and as we sat down to eat, I couldn't help but feel a sense of deep satisfaction and contentment.

As we dug into the tacos, savoring each bite and exchanging happy smiles and satisfied nods, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. This recipe for Southwestern Soft Tacos had not only captured the essence of a vibrant and flavorful cuisine, but it had also brought my family together in a shared moment of joy and connection.

And as I watched my loved ones enjoy the meal that I had lovingly prepared for them, I knew that this recipe would become a treasured part of our family's culinary tradition for years to come. It was a testament to the power of good food, shared with good company, to create lasting memories and bring us closer together.

And so, as we finished our meal and lingered at the table, basking in the warmth of the summer evening and the glow of our shared experience, I knew that I had found something truly special in that recipe for Southwestern Soft Tacos. It was a gift from the heart, a taste of the Southwest that would stay with us forever.