Ever stared at your kitchen counter wondering what the heck goes in chicken tacos? I’ve been there friend. One minute you’re craving that Mexican-inspired goodness, and the next you’re overwhelmed by choices. Should you add cheese? What kind of salsa works best? Is guacamole necessary or optional?
Well buckle up taco lovers, because I’m about to break down EVERYTHING you need to know about creating mouth-watering chicken tacos that’ll make your family think you secretly attended culinary school.
The Foundation: Perfectly Cooked Chicken
Before we dive into all the delicious toppings let’s talk about the star of the show – the chicken itself!
Shredded Chicken: The Classic Choice
Shredded chicken is arguably the most popular choice for tacos. It’s tender, juicy, and absorbs flavors beautifully. Here’s how to nail it:
Best Cuts:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (more flavorful and juicy)
- Chicken breasts (leaner option but can dry out faster)
Cooking Methods:
- Poaching – Place chicken in a saucepan, cover with water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-12 minutes until the internal temp reaches 165°F. Shred with two forks when cool enough to handle.
- Slow Cooking – Perfect for ultra-tender chicken that falls apart
- Pressure Cooking – Quick option for busy weeknights
- Stovetop Method – Sauté onions, garlic, and seasonings, then add chicken and cook through
Essential Seasonings:
- Cumin (1 teaspoon)
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon)
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Onion (half, diced)
Pro Tip: Avoid using your hands to shred hot chicken! It’ll be extremely hot in the center even after cooling for a bit. Use two forks instead.
Beyond Shredded: Other Chicken Preparations
While shredded chicken reigns supreme, these alternatives are worth exploring:
- Grilled Chicken Strips: Marinated and grilled for smoky char
- Diced Chicken: Quick-cooked with peppers and onions
- Ground Chicken: Budget-friendly and quick-cooking
The Supporting Cast: Epic Taco Toppings
Now for the fun part! What really makes a chicken taco sing is all the delicious stuff you pile on top. Here’s my comprehensive breakdown of taco toppings organized by category:
Veggies (The Crunch Factor)
- Lettuce: Shredded romaine or iceberg for classic crunch
- Cabbage: Purple cabbage adds gorgeous color and extra crunch
- Tomatoes: Diced fresh tomatoes are a must-have
- Onions: Red, white, green – each brings different flavor intensity
- Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add sweet crunch
- Corn: Sweet kernels or grilled street corn style
- Radishes: Crisp, peppery bite that cuts through rich flavors
- Jicama: Refreshing and uniquely crunchy
- Avocado: Creamy perfection (technically a fruit but belongs here!)
Cheese Options (The Melty Goodness)
- Mexican Cheese Blend: Easy pre-shredded option
- Cotija: Crumbly, salty Mexican cheese
- Monterey Jack: Mild and melts beautifully
- Queso Fresco: Fresh, mild cheese
- Pepper Jack: For those who like a little heat
- Cheddar: Not traditional but delicious nonetheless
Salsas & Sauces (The Flavor Bombs)
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato, onion, cilantro salsa
- Salsa Verde: Tangy tomatillo-based green salsa
- Mango Salsa: Sweet-spicy option for tropical twist
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado goodness
- Sour Cream: Cooling counterpoint to spice
- Mexican Crema: Thinner, tangier version of sour cream
- Hot Sauce: For heat lovers
- Cilantro Lime Sauce: Herby, tangy, and fresh
Unique Add-ins (The Conversation Starters)
- Pickled Jalapeños: Vinegary heat
- Pickled Red Onions: Adds beautiful color and tang
- Cilantro: Fresh herb that divides the population
- Lime Wedges: Essential for that final squeeze of brightness
- Fresh Fruit: Diced mango, pineapple, or peaches for sweet contrast
- Rice: White, brown, or Spanish rice for extra fullness
- Beans: Black beans or pinto beans for protein boost
Building the Perfect Chicken Taco
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s talk about construction. There’s actually an art to layering your taco fillings!
Step 1: Choose Your Tortilla
- Corn Tortillas: Traditional, authentic choice with earthy flavor
- Flour Tortillas: Softer, more pliable, and kid-friendly
- Hard Taco Shells: For those who love the crunch
Always warm your tortillas! Heat them on a dry skillet for 15-30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly browned.
Step 2: The Perfect Layering Sequence
- Thin layer of sauce or guacamole (acts as “glue”)
- Seasoned chicken (the star!)
- Cheese (while chicken is hot so it melts a bit)
- Veggies and beans
- Salsa and sauces
- Fresh toppings (cilantro, lime juice)
My Go-To Chicken Taco Recipes
Quick Weeknight Shredded Chicken Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- ½ yellow onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup salsa
- Tortillas and toppings of choice
Instructions:
- Poach chicken in water until internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 10-12 minutes)
- Shred chicken using two forks
- In a skillet, sauté onion in oil until soft
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds
- Add seasonings and cook for 1 minute
- Stir in salsa and warm through
- Add shredded chicken and simmer 2-3 minutes
- Serve in warm tortillas with favorite toppings
Family-Style Taco Bar Idea
For a fun dinner party or family meal, set up a DIY taco bar with:
- Warm tortillas (both corn and flour)
- Seasoned shredded chicken (kept warm in a slow cooker)
- 3-4 cheese options
- 2-3 salsa varieties
- Guacamole and sour cream
- Chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions
- Cilantro and lime wedges
- Hot sauce selection
Let everyone build their own perfect taco!
Common Taco Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I prevent my chicken from drying out?
A: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts when possible, don’t overcook, and keep the chicken in its sauce/juices until serving.
Q: What are some good vegetarian substitutes for chicken tacos?
A: Jackfruit, mushrooms, or crumbled tofu seasoned with the same spices work great!
Q: How far in advance can I prepare the toppings?
A: Most toppings can be prepped 1-2 days ahead. Keep them in separate containers in the fridge and assemble just before serving.
Q: What’s the best cheese for authentic chicken tacos?
A: Cotija or queso fresco are the most authentic Mexican cheeses for tacos.
Q: Are chicken tacos healthier than beef tacos?
A: Generally yes, especially when using chicken breast, which is leaner than ground beef.
Make Your Chicken Tacos Extraordinary
The beauty of tacos is their versatility. Don’t be afraid to mix and match toppings based on what you love and what you have on hand. Some of my favorite unexpected combinations include:
- Chicken + mango salsa + avocado cream + pickled red onions
- Chicken + corn + black beans + cotija cheese + lime crema
- Chicken + pineapple + jalapeños + cilantro + lime
Remember, there’s no “wrong” way to make a chicken taco as long as you love the result!
The next time someone asks “what goes in chicken tacos,” you’ll have about a hundred answers ready to go. Now stop reading and start cooking—taco night awaits!
What Goes Well with Chicken Tacos?
How to Make Chicken Tacos
The smell of this chicken thigh taco recipe cooking might trick the family into thinking you’ve spent all day preparing this meal:
- Make the chicken taco marinade! Three pantry ingredients come together to make this delicious marinade for our chicken thigh tacos.
- Cook the chicken! Choose the method that works best for you: Grill, stovetop, or oven! We like grilling chicken for its added smokiness and its quickness (give or take 10 minutes!) but the other methods work well, too!
- Warm the tortillas! While your chicken is resting to lock in the juiciness, simply use a hot pan, and heat up your tortillas. Cover them with a towel to keep them warm.
- Assemble the chicken taco! Our favorite part is mixing and matching our toppings. This is a great way to get the entire family involved!
