Easy and Crispy Chicken Taco Recipe That Beats Takeout

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner, while chicken thighs are often less expensive.

tortillas

🥗Healthier: whole wheat tortillas

💰Cheaper: corn tortillas

Whole wheat tortillas offer more fiber, while corn tortillas are usually cheaper.

Marinate the chicken thighs by cleaning them from excess fat and cutting them into small cubes.

Wash hands, cutting board, and knife after handling raw chicken.

In a bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp oregano, freshly ground black pepper, and salt.

Pour some vegetable oil into the bowl and mix everything together.

Marinate the chicken for about 1 hour, ideally overnight in the fridge.

Peel and dice the pineapple, removing the core, and place it in a bowl.

Dice half of a red onion and add it to the bowl with the pineapple.

Dice one red bell pepper and add it to the bowl.

Dice one jalapeno, removing the seeds, and add it to the bowl.

Chop 3/4 of a bunch of cilantro finely and add it to the bowl.

Juice one and a half limes over the mixture and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Mix the pineapple salsa and taste for seasoning, adjusting with salt and pepper as needed.

Stack 8 corn tortillas on a plate, cover with a wet paper towel, and microwave for about 30 seconds.

Brush the warm tortillas with vegetable oil on both sides and stack them back up.

Place the tortillas in a taco shell mold and season with salt and pepper.

Bake the taco shells in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until crispy.

Preheat a pan to medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.

Sear the marinated chicken in the pan until golden brown, adjusting seasoning with salt.

Remove the chicken and set aside, then add sliced onions to the pan, seasoning with salt and black pepper, and cook until slightly translucent.

Combine the cooked chicken with the onions in the pan and mix well.

After 12 minutes, check the taco shells to ensure they are crispy and ready to use.

Assemble the tacos by adding chicken and onion mixture to the taco shell, topping with pineapple salsa and squeezing lime juice over it.

Finish with a sprinkle of shredded cotija cheese.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens