Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos

Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos Recipe - Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 1-2 hours | Cooking time: 10-15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with a Texan twist. These tacos are filled with tender chicken, sweet bell peppers, and corn, all wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with creamy sour cream.

History

Tex-Mex cuisine is a fusion of Mexican and Texan flavors that has become popular all over the United States. The combination of spicy peppers, tangy lime, and savory meats has made Tex-Mex cuisine a favorite among food lovers. Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos are a classic dish that showcases the best of both worlds.

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) chicken breast
0.5 cup orange juice
0.25 cup cilantro
1 tsp lime peel
2 tbsp lime juice
1 jalapeno pepper
3 cloves garlic
0.13 tsp salt
0.13 tsp black pepper
2 tsp cooking oil
1 medium red bell pepper
1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
1.5 tsp cornstarch
8 medium corn tortillas
0.5 cup light or fat-free sour cream

How to prepare

Place the chicken in a plastic bag and set it in a shallow dish.
For the marinade, combine orange juice, cilantro, lime peel, lime juice, jalapeno pepper, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Pour the marinade over the chicken and seal the bag.
Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, turning the bag occasionally.
Drain the chicken, but reserve the marinade.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add sweet pepper strips and cook, stirring, until they are crisp-tender.
Remove the sweet pepper strips from the skillet.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes or until the chicken is tender and no longer pink.
Stir in corn and heat through.
Combine the reserved marinade with cornstarch and add it to the chicken mixture.
Cook and stir until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
Cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes.
Return the sweet pepper strips to the skillet and stir to combine.
Wrap the tortillas in microwave-safe paper towels.
Microwave the tortillas on 100% power (high) for 45 to 60 seconds or until they are warm.
Divide the chicken mixture among the tortillas and top with sour cream.
Fold the tortillas over the chicken mixture.

Variations

Substitute shrimp or beef for the chicken for a different flavor.
Add diced tomatoes, onions, or avocado for extra freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use a nonstick skillet to cook the chicken and vegetables to prevent sticking.

- Warm the tortillas in the microwave before filling them to make them more pliable and easier to fold.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, and salsa for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken for maximum flavor.

- Cook the chicken and vegetables separately to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier alternative.

- Use flour or gluten-free tortillas for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the chicken the night before for quick assembly the next day.

- Cook the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a pop of color. - Serve the tacos on a platter with a side of salsa for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with a cold beer or a margarita for a refreshing drink.

- Serve with a side of Mexican street corn or black beans for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos contain dairy (sour cream) and gluten (tortillas).

Summary

Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. With a balance of flavors and textures, these tacos are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos. It was a hot summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor Mrs. Rodriguez with her garden. As a token of her appreciation, she invited me into her kitchen and showed me how to make her famous Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos.

Mrs. Rodriguez was a skilled cook, and I had always admired the delicious aromas that wafted from her kitchen. As she walked me through the recipe, I watched in awe as she effortlessly chopped vegetables, seasoned the chicken, and assembled the tacos with a practiced hand. The flavors and colors of the dish were vibrant and enticing, and I couldn't wait to try it for myself.

As we sat down to eat, Mrs. Rodriguez shared the story behind the recipe. She explained that she had learned to make Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos from her own grandmother, who had immigrated to Texas from Mexico many years ago. The recipe had been passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

I listened intently as Mrs. Rodriguez recounted her memories of cooking with her grandmother. She spoke of the laughter and chatter that filled the kitchen, the intoxicating scents that filled the air, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. It was a tradition that had brought her family together for decades, and now she was sharing it with me.

After that day, I made Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos a regular part of my cooking repertoire. I loved the way the flavors danced on my tongue, the way the chicken was tender and juicy, and the way the salsa added a burst of freshness to each bite. It became a favorite dish at family gatherings, potlucks, and impromptu dinner parties.

Over the years, I have made some adjustments to the recipe to suit my own tastes. I added a pinch of cumin for depth of flavor, a squeeze of lime for brightness, and a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Each time I make Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos, I think of Mrs. Rodriguez and her generosity in sharing her family recipe with me.

As I grew older and passed the recipe on to my own children and grandchildren, I realized the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other. Cooking became more than just a way to nourish our bodies; it became a way to nourish our souls and strengthen our bonds as a family.

Now, whenever I make Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos, I feel a sense of pride and joy in carrying on a tradition that spans generations. The recipe may have originated in Mexico and traveled to Texas, but it has found a permanent home in my heart and in the hearts of those I love.

And so, as I stand in my kitchen, preparing a batch of Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos for dinner tonight, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons I have learned, the memories I have made, and the love that has been shared around my table. Cooking is more than just following a recipe; it is a way to honor the past, celebrate the present, and build a future filled with delicious food and cherished moments.