Chicken Or Turkey Tacos
Flavorful chicken or turkey tacos packed with vegetables and spices, perfect for a quick, wholesome meal that appeals to both family and friends seeking bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup defatted chicken or turkey stock or vegetable stock
- 1 cup finely chopped onions
- 3/4 cup finely chopped green or red bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped seeded jalapeno chile
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken or turkey ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 12 corn tortillas ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, bring the stock to a boil and add the onions and bell pepper.
- Saute the vegetables over medium heat until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the cilantro, diced green chiles, cooked chicken or turkey, rice, soy sauce, basil, garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Stir well, cover, and cook over low heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
- Heat the tortillas in the oven until hot but still pliable.
- Spoon about 1/3 cup of the filling into each warmed tortilla.
- Add raw vegetable garnishes as desired.
- Fold the tortilla in half and serve sandwich style.
- Optional garnishes include a dollop of nonfat yogurt, a few drops of hot sauce or picante sauce, and chopped fresh cilantro.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using a hotter variety of jalapeno or adding more cayenne pepper. If you don’t have chicken or turkey stock, vegetable stock works just as well. For a lighter version, you can substitute the brown rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra flavor. These tacos are versatile, so get creative!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tacos with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for added flavor. They pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or Mexican street corn. For additional toppings, consider lime wedges and sliced radishes. You can also play with flavors by offering various hot sauces on the side. This dish is perfect for a casual gathering or a quick weeknight meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the filling in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, and heat the tortillas separately in the oven or microwave until pliable. Avoid reheating in the microwave for too long as the tortillas can become tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Or Turkey Tacos contains roughly 431 calories, with 30g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (660% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 584mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground meat instead of diced chicken or turkey?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute ground chicken or turkey for the diced meat. Just brown the meat in the skillet before adding the vegetables and other ingredients. This will give you a different texture and flavor, making it a delicious variation!
How can I make these tacos gluten-free?
To make these tacos gluten-free, ensure that the soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute it with tamari. Additionally, verify that the corn tortillas are labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor!
What can I use instead of corn tortillas?
If you don't have corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas, lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, or even whole wheat tortillas. Each alternative will provide a unique flavor and texture, so choose based on your dietary preferences and what you have on hand.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).