Hey there, taco enthusiasts! Today, let’s dive into the mouthwatering world of Cubed Chicken Tacos. As someone who’s no stranger to the culinary joys of taco nights, I can attest to chicken tacos’ unrivalled popularity and versatility. But here’s the kicker: using cubed chicken takes these tacos to a new level of deliciousness. Why? Because cubed chicken offers an unbeatable texture that perfectly absorbs all the savoury flavours of your favourite taco seasoning. Trust me, once you try these Cubed Chicken Tacos, there’s no turning back! Let’s get cooking! 🌮🍗
List of ingredients for Cubed Chicken Tacos
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Taco seasoning
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, sour cream)
1. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Start with fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. They’re lean, tender, and perfect for cubing.
2. Taco seasoning: Choose your favourite taco seasoning blend or make your own with chilli powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.
3. Olive oil: Olive oil adds flavour and helps to sauté the chicken to perfection.
4. Garlic powder: For that extra kick of flavour, garlic powder is a must-have seasoning.
5. Cumin: Cumin brings warmth and depth to the taco seasoning, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken.
6. Paprika: Paprika adds a smoky flavour and a vibrant colour to the chicken.
7. Salt and pepper: Seasoning with salt and pepper to taste is essential for bringing out the flavours of the other ingredients.
8. Flour or corn tortillas: Choose your preferred type of tortilla based on your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
9. Toppings: Get creative with toppings! From crunchy lettuce and juicy tomatoes to creamy cheese, zesty salsa, and tangy sour cream, the sky’s the limit when it comes to topping your Cubed Chicken Tacos.
Preparation of Cubed Chicken
Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare the star of our Cubed Chicken Tacos: the chicken itself.
Cubing chicken breasts: Ensure your chicken breasts are trimmed out of excess fat. Then, carefully cut the chicken into small, uniform cubes using a sharp knife. This step ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to absorb maximum flavour from the marinade.
Marinating chicken with taco seasoning, olive oil, and spices: In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken with the taco seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the flavorful marinade.
Allowing the chicken to marinate for optimal flavour absorption: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture into a resealable plastic bag once the chicken is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the chicken to marinate and soak up all the delicious flavours. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your Cubed Chicken Tacos will be!
Cooking Process
Now that our cubed chicken has been marinated to perfection, it’s time to move on to the cooking process to bring out all those mouthwatering flavours in our Cubed Chicken Tacos.
Sautéing cubed chicken:
1. Preheating a skillet or pan: Start by heating a skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Adding the chicken to a preheated pan ensures it cooks evenly and develops a nice golden brown colour.
2. Cooking chicken until golden brown and fully cooked: Add the marinated cubed chicken in a single layer once the pan is hot. Allow it to cook undisturbed for a few minutes until it develops a golden brown crust on one side. Then, flip the chicken pieces and continue cooking until they are fully cooked. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes, depending on the size of the cubes.
Creating a flavorful taco filling:
1. Adding additional taco seasoning if desired: If you want to amp up the flavour even more, sprinkle some other taco seasoning over the cooking chicken. This adds an extra layer of seasoning and enhances the overall taste of the taco filling.
2. Adjusting seasoning to taste: Once the chicken is cooked, taste the taco filling and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or other herbs to suit your preferences. Remember, this is your chance to customize the flavour to perfection!
Assembling Tacos
Now comes the fun part – assembling our mouthwatering Cubed Chicken Tacos! Let’s dive into the step-by-step process:
Warming tortillas:
Heat your tortillas before assembling to ensure that your tacos are warm and pliable. Warm them up in a dry skillet over medium heat on each side for about 30 seconds, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Placing cubed chicken on tortillas:
Once your tortillas are warm, place a generous amount of the sautéed cubed chicken onto each tortilla. Distribute the chicken evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavour.
Adding preferred toppings:
Get creative and add your favourite toppings to your Cubed Chicken Tacos! Whether you love crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy cheese, zesty salsa, or tangy sour cream, the choice is yours. Feel free to mix and match toppings to create your perfect taco masterpiece.
Folding or rolling tacos for serving:
It’s time to fold or roll your tacos for serving. If using soft tortillas, fold them in half over the filling. If using larger tortillas, you can roll them up tightly like a burrito. Make sure to tuck in the sides to prevent any filling from falling out. Now, your Cubed Chicken Tacos are ready to be enjoyed!
Serving Suggestions
Now that our delicious Cubed Chicken Tacos are ready, let’s talk about some fantastic side dishes that will take your taco night to the next level:
Side dishes that complement Cubed Chicken Tacos:
1. Mexican rice:
Mexican or Spanish rice is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with Cubed Chicken Tacos. Made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices, it adds a flavorful and comforting element to your meal.
2. Refried beans:
Refried beans are another staple in Mexican cuisine that makes a great accompaniment to Cubed Chicken Tacos. Creamy and savoury provide a satisfying contrast to the bold flavours of the tacos.
3. Guacamole or avocado slices:
No taco night is complete without creamy guacamole or fresh avocado slices. The rich, buttery texture of avocados adds a luxurious touch to your meal and perfectly complements the flavours of Cubed Chicken Tacos.
Tips for Perfect Cubed Chicken Tacos
For those aspiring to master the art of crafting perfect Cubed Chicken Tacos, here are some invaluable tips to ensure your tacos are a hit every time:
Ensuring uniform cubing for consistent cooking:
To guarantee that your cubed chicken cooks evenly, it’s crucial to ensure uniformity in the size of the chicken pieces. This ensures that all the chicken cooks at the same rate, preventing overcooked or undercooked pieces in your tacos.
Properly marinating chicken for enhanced flavour:
Marinating the chicken allows it to soak up all the delicious flavours of the taco seasoning, olive oil, and spices. For maximum flavour infusion, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or even better.
Adjusting seasoning based on personal preference:
Taste preferences vary, so don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning according to your liking. Add more taco seasoning or spices if you prefer your tacos with a little extra kick. Conversely, go easy on the seasoning if you prefer a milder flavour. The beauty of homemade tacos is that you have complete control over the seasoning, so make it just how you like it!
Additional Ideas
Are you looking to spice up your Cubed Chicken Tacos game? Here are some exciting additional ideas to add variety and creativity to your taco nights:
Incorporating different proteins (beef, shrimp) for variety:
While cubed chicken is undoubtedly delicious, don’t be afraid to change things by incorporating different proteins into your tacos. Use seasoned ground beef for classic beef tacos or grilled shrimp for a refreshing seafood twist. This allows you to cater to different preferences and keeps your taco nights interesting.
Trying different taco shell options (hard shells, lettuce wraps):
Don’t limit yourself to traditional flour or corn tortillas—experiment with different taco shell options to change up the texture and flavor of your tacos. Crispy hard taco shells provide a satisfying crunch, while lettuce wraps offer a lighter, low-carb alternative. Get creative and explore the wide range of taco shell options available to find your favorite.
Experimenting with unique toppings and salsas:
Elevate your Cubed Chicken Tacos by experimenting with unique toppings and salsas. From fruity mango salsa to tangy pineapple salsa, the possibilities are endless. You can also get creative with toppings like pickled onions, cotija cheese, or crunchy radishes for added flavor and texture. Feel free to think outside the box and customize your tacos to suit your taste preferences.
FAQ
Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes overnight for optimal flavor is best.
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the tacos when ready to serve.
Reheat the tacos in a skillet over medium heat or the oven until warmed through.
If you use corn tortillas, ensure that your taco seasoning blend is gluten-free.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of crafting flavorful and satisfying Cubed Chicken Tacos is a delightful journey that offers endless possibilities for creativity and customization. You can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress by following simple steps such as uniformly cubing the chicken, marinating it for enhanced flavour, and assembling the tacos with your favourite toppings. Additionally, exploring additional ideas such as incorporating different proteins, trying various taco shell options, and experimenting with unique toppings and salsas can elevate your taco game. With these tips and tricks, you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure filled with deliciousness and excitement!
Call to Action
Are you ready to elevate your taco nights to a whole new level of deliciousness? Here’s your chance to dive into the world of mouthwatering Cubed Chicken Tacos and unleash your culinary creativity:
Encouraging readers to try the Cubed Chicken Tacos recipe:
Don’t hesitate to give this flavorful recipe a try! With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be whipping up delicious Cubed Chicken Tacos in no time. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
Sharing the joy of customizable tacos for family or social gatherings:
Cubed Chicken Tacos are the perfect crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively social gathering with friends. With various toppings and customization options, everyone can create their perfect taco masterpiece and enjoy the communal joy of sharing a delicious meal.
Inviting feedback and variations from readers:
We’d love to hear from you! Share your experience making Cubed Chicken Tacos and any creative variations or toppings you’ve tried. Your feedback and ideas are invaluable and can inspire others to get creative in the kitchen. Let’s continue the taco conversation and spread the joy of flavorful, customizable tacos far and wide!
